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prelim [2018/04/05 23:13]
deepthi [Past Prelims]
prelim [2019/07/15 20:01]
deepthi [Past Prelims]
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   - The student must pass all three areas in order to pass the Examination. A pass is equivalent to the level of performance meriting a "​B"​ grade on any of the graduate core courses.   - The student must pass all three areas in order to pass the Examination. A pass is equivalent to the level of performance meriting a "​B"​ grade on any of the graduate core courses.
   - The student selects one member of the committee to serve as the Chair of the Committee. This Chairperson is responsible for timing the examination and any necessary paperwork following the examination. The student selects the order in which the topics are examined.   - The student selects one member of the committee to serve as the Chair of the Committee. This Chairperson is responsible for timing the examination and any necessary paperwork following the examination. The student selects the order in which the topics are examined.
 +
 +NOTE: The faculty are modifying the embargo policy. Not set in stone yet (as of 1/19) but the embargo is tentatively going to be a year. 
  
 The Student Affairs Officer maintains a comprehensive list of all topics and questions asked during the preliminary examination. Typically, each topic is alotted 40 minutes of questions for a total of two hours. The Student Affairs Officer maintains a comprehensive list of all topics and questions asked during the preliminary examination. Typically, each topic is alotted 40 minutes of questions for a total of two hours.
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 [[private:​past_prelims|Click here]] for prelim questions until 2015. [[private:​past_prelims|Click here]] for prelim questions until 2015.
  
-[[private:​past_prelims_post2015| Click here]] for prelim questions ​past 2015.+[[private:​past_prelims_post2015| Click here]] for prelim questions ​after 2015.
 ===== Advice ===== ===== Advice =====
  
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   * You can't take a prelim in both ISM (216) and Star Formation (Steve Stahler'​s 250) (too much overlap)   * You can't take a prelim in both ISM (216) and Star Formation (Steve Stahler'​s 250) (too much overlap)
   * Most seminars (250 classes) can't be used for prelims   * Most seminars (250 classes) can't be used for prelims
-  * Physics courses generally can't be used for prelims, with possible exceptions+  * Physics courses generally can't be used for prelims, with possible exceptions ​ 
 +  * Starting in 2019, the undergrad course Astro C161 is sufficient background for the cosmology prelim. Physics 229 may also be taken for the cosmology prelim, although it is more advanced and focuses more on research.
  
 Prelim topics do not need to be topics that you plan to concentrate on in your thesis. ​ Some people use the prelim as opportunity to become fluent in their research area, but others use it as a chance to study a topic that they would never otherwise learn in great detail. ​ The choice is yours. Prelim topics do not need to be topics that you plan to concentrate on in your thesis. ​ Some people use the prelim as opportunity to become fluent in their research area, but others use it as a chance to study a topic that they would never otherwise learn in great detail. ​ The choice is yours.
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 ==== The Day Before ==== ==== The Day Before ====
  
-The day prior to your exam there are two things you should do: remind your committee ​and buy food.  Your committee members will likely not remember the exact date, time, and location of your prelim, so you can avoid a little confusion by sending them a subtle reminder email. ​ It's also nice to ask if they have any specific food preferences. ​ (You can also ask your fake committee for professor-specific food recommendations.) ​ Don't forget to get/make food for your committee; they expect to be fed!  Most people bring snack food, healthy and otherwise, and some juice.+The day prior to your exam there are three things you should do: remind your committeebuy food, and ask Amber to put your folder together.  Your committee members will likely not remember the exact date, time, and location of your prelim, so you can avoid a little confusion by sending them a subtle reminder email. ​ It's also nice to ask if they have any specific food preferences. ​ (You can also ask your fake committee for professor-specific food recommendations.) ​ Don't forget to get/make food for your committee; they expect to be fed!  Most people bring snack food, healthy and otherwise, and some juice.  Also email Amber to let her know that you're taking your prelim so she can put your folder for the chair.