The 6-week formal exam required by grad school  
Advisor/committee chooses a topic  
Typically not something you have worked on  
But good for you to know   
You do a literature review on the topic   
Deliverables: 15 – 20 page paper (at the end of 4 weeks) + Talk (at the end of 6 weeks)  
Professors are busy      
Ask to be on your committee >= 4 months in advance    
  
  
Schedule your exam on a day and time that works well for you – this is your candidacy  
Make sure oral exam is on committee members’ schedules      
If very hard-to-get professor such as the Chair of the department, talk to the assistant for scheduling    
  
Once you get the topic remember you are not alone
  
Not a lone journey      
you will need help and so get ready to ASK FOR HELP    
  
  
Ask clarification from the advisor/committee on the topic      
What are their expectations?      
Broadly, what outline should your paper follow?    
  
  
Communicate profusely with your advisor/committee      
They picked the topic, they want to see that you are interested in it      
Ask away, they will tell you when they cannot tell you something    
  
  
Get to the exam early      
get familiar with the room, and whiteboards, and set up your talk    
  
  
During the exam      
Station yourself near a whiteboard      
No hiding behind talk    
  
  
Be very respectful, alert, and attentive  
Show willingness to work it out on the board  
Committee wants you to succeed      
If you get stuck/flustered under questioning      
They might throw you lifeline – recognize and utilize    
  
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