Can You Take Qualifying Exam Again

Information technology's probably not your first day at the university and y'all are nonetheless exploring the campus, determining which place would exist your "nook". Merely equally you practice, you find a place to sit and it and then feels surreal as you reminisce, "How did I become here?"—from determining your areas of involvement for research to finding the university that offers a suitable program, from drafting personal statements to finally receiving the credence alphabetic character. And as y'all are looking into oblivion surrounded past these thoughts, you feel content and just as you breathe a sigh of relief, you hear muttering sounds from some students passing by.
What practise y'all hear? — "…something…something…Qualifying exam!". And that's when reality strikes you! Although you lot are in the program at present, you must testify your candidacy for it by passing the PhD qualifying examination.

What is a PhD Qualifying Exam?

In simpler words, a PhD qualifying exam is one of the requirements that make up one's mind whether or not the PhD educatee has successfully completed the start phase of the plan and if they should exist recommended for access to candidacy for PhD. It is also referred to every bit the PhD candidacy test and is probably i of the almost arduous times for doctoral students. Furthermore, it is imperative for all doctoral students to prove their preparedness and capabilities to utilise and synthesize the skills and knowledge during the graduate plan by appearing for the qualifying exam. An integral part of the qualifying examination is a research proposal submitted to the examining committee at least 2 weeks before the examination.

What is the Purpose of a PhD Qualifying Exam?

A PhD student is someone who enrolls in a doctoral degree program. Typically, a PhD program requires students to consummate a certain number of credits in coursework and successfully pass qualifying exams, which is followed by the dissertation writing and defense. The purpose of a PhD qualifying examination is to evaluate whether the student has acceptable knowledge of the subject and whether the student is eligible of conducting original research.

This qualifying exam is a span that transforms a PhD student into a PhD candidate. The difference between a PhD student and a PhD candidate is that the educatee is nonetheless working through the coursework and is yet to brainstorm the dissertation process, and thus do non qualify to present and defend their dissertation to receive their doctorate. This menstruation of transition means at that place is no more coursework to complete or classes to have; information technology is a cocky-defined structure of work from at present with guidance from your supervisors at regular intervals.

What is the Format of the PhD Qualifying Exam?

Simply as no two enquiry projects can exist alike, and then cannot the qualifying exams for two different students. Thus, rather than asking your seniors about the questions that they were asked, a better approach is to understand the format and the procedure of the qualifying exam.

Typically, a PhD qualifying exam is conducted in two phases: a written examination and an oral examination.

1. Written Qualifying Exam

After completing your coursework, the written qualifying test is the first one that you must take. The aim of this exam is to assess your ability to incorporate your learnings from all of the unlike classes you took in the program to formulate research questions and solve your enquiry problems. Ideally, each of your commission members will test y'all separately on this.

2. Oral Qualifying Exam

The oral qualifying exam is undertaken after completion of the written part. Its purpose is to evaluate your thought process and ability to conduct the research required to complete a PhD. Additionally, some universities require you to present your enquiry proposal and defend it during your oral qualifying exam.

During the oral test, each professor from your commission will inquire few questions related to your enquiry proposal and your answers from the written test. Sometimes, the commission members may also enquire you to describe your answers on the board, especially if information technology's an equation, a molecular structure, mechanism, or a diagram.

4 Possible Outcomes of the Qualifying Test

"What if I Fail My Qualifying Examination?"- The Petrifying Thought

Though this is the rarest situation that PhD students face, its possibility cannot be neglected. While the final result is based on what your committee members determine, they often give you lot a take a chance to retake the exam and meet certain conditions. However, if y'all fail the exam by unanimous decision of all committee members who oppose y'all from taking the reexam, y'all may have to leave the program and opt for another subject field or university.

But why should you be worried? You lot've got these not bad tips to crack your PhD qualifying exam!

Tips to Ace the PhD Qualifying Test

Don't you want to excel at your qualifying examination? Hither are some things yous should know!

1. Know Your Qualifying Exam Committee

Identify the area of expertise of each commission member.
Consult your seniors and other grad students who have worked with them and are currently working with them or have taken classes from them, or best—accept had them for their own qualifying examination.
Try to anticipate the design of their questions they are likely to follow and set up your answers accordingly. Nevertheless, do non spend too much time on this. It is likely, that your research proposal may give rising to a unlike line of questioning.

2. Know Your Subject area

Striking the library and stay updated with contempo research in your field.
Acquaint yourself with knowledge of your subject area matter, as that's what you lot'll be tested on the well-nigh.

3. Know What is Expected of You lot

Schedule a meeting with your committee members in advance, at least twice before actualization for your qualifying exam.
Initiate a conversation about what you are expected to encompass for the exam.
Be an attentive listener and brand note of their points as they speak.
Ask them relevant questions and then that you don't get back to your room with doubts.

four. Know Your Plan

Offset with managing your time
Organize your data and start writing the inquiry proposal.
Exercise non overcommit. Allot yourself ane–2 months of intense studying prior to the exam to master all the background and general knowledge y'all may need.
Make your notes including textual as well as graphical content for quick revision.
Request your supervisor or seniors to quiz you and critique your presentation. Work optimistically on their constructive suggestions.

v. Know the Challenges

Presenting your proposal may at times exist quite daunting. Hence, practice giving mock presentations during lab meetings or even in forepart of your mirror.
Be prepared for technical as well equally belittling questions.

6. Know the Do's and Avoid the Don'ts

While presenting, follow a narrative approach to go along the committee interested in your research.
Explain your research briefly and add details every bit yous are asked.
Don't overwhelm the examining committee with irrelevant details.
Ensure that it's a stimulating give-and-take among peers.
Dress professionally and stay composed.
More than importantly, take a good nighttime'due south slumber before your examination day.

Final Thoughts

Equally my research advisor would say, "There's only 1 step that keeps you lot away or brings you closer to your goal. It's for you to choose the direction!" Similarly, the PhD qualifying exam is that one step y'all have to attain closer to the hallowed status of "Doc". So follow these keen tips and share them with your friends and colleagues for we know what the time to come of research holds for u.s.. Let united states know the challenges you lot faced while preparing for your qualifying examination. How was information technology dissimilar from the experiences of your colleagues? You can also visit our Q&A forum for frequently asked questions related to dissimilar aspects of research writing and publishing answered by our team that comprises subject field-affair experts, eminent researchers, and publication experts.

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Source: https://www.enago.com/academy/6-effective-tips-on-how-ace-your-phd-qualifying-exam/