Prelims

[abe2010]

So, my preliminary exams for my phd degree program are happening over the next two weeks, culminating in the oral exam on the 4th. To anyone who has gone through the process, any tips, suggestions, etc. on how to prepare and approach the different parts? Thanks in advance.

 

[CycloneErik]

Mine are in spring, but every field does this somewhat differently. More info needed.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

It's long, it sucks, and it ends. Congrats on making it to this point. Just go back and look over the important concepts for the courses your committee members taught. That's what they like to use to form written exams. Oral exam is just to see how you perform under a little pressure answering questions (or expanding upon the written exams) and to get you to the point of saying "I don't know that answer but know where/how to find it". If you're lucky a test bank of their favorite questions from previous Ph.D. students has been passed down :wink:

 

[abe2010]

sorry, should have been more specific. Ag engineering. I already know each professor's portion is scheduled to take less than 4 hours. Some are open book, some closed book.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

every field does this somewhat differently. More info needed.

Yeah, this too. I know some departments have all faculty submit questions for your written exam and others departments trust the committee to draft comprehensive exams.

 

[CycloneErik]

Yeah, this too. I know some departments have all faculty submit questions for your written exam and others departments trust the committee to draft comprehensive exams.

Right.
In history, the committee does it.
Open book, open notes. If you can find the time to slam through each of those 300-400 books and work them in, more power to you.

 

[acoustimac]

The best thing I did was schedule a meeting with each of my committee members. Sat down with them to talk about their expectations and recommendations. I came in as someone who wanted to do well, very humble, and not looking for an easy way out (if that makes sense). Their feedback to me was invaluable. Did the same prior to my dissertation defense. Still remember one of my fav profs saying, " don't worry, you know this stuff better than we do."

 

[abe2010]

Yeah, this too. I know some departments have all faculty submit questions for your written exam and others departments trust the committee to draft comprehensive exams.

each member can do his own question. I know roughly what one will be like from talking with him. It's the other two or three that I'm less sure about.