[Cohort39] Prelim Exam Questions

[Dennis Feehan]

Hi Elizabeth (and everyone),

Thanks for your questions. We have been discussing this, and will get you
all more information soon. Just to set expectations: I can't promise more
information will come as soon as, say, this week. But it is being discussed
and we'll let you know when there's an update.

Thanks and hope all is well,

Dennis

On Sun, Feb 17, 2019 at 9:41 AM Elizabeth Breen <
elizabeth_breen at berkeley.edu> wrote:

> Hello Dennis,
>
>
>
> I’m writing to follow up on scheduling a meeting with Cohort 39 to discuss
> our preliminary exam. I think it would be helpful to discuss this in
> person, but I’m also attaching a list of our initial questions below, to
> give you a chance to prepare for the onslaught.
>
>
>
> When are you available to meet? Cohort 39 is typically around on Tuesdays
> from 2:00pm-3:00pm, Wednesdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm or 1:00pm-2:00pm or
> 5:00pm - 6:00pm, and every other Thursday (next available on 3/1) from
> 2:00pm-4:00pm. Would any of those times work for you? (We are also ok with
> discussing this over email if you’d prefer.)
>
>
>
> Thanks!
>
> Elizabeth
>
>
>
> Questions:
>
> Where will we take the exams?
>
> Can we elect to take the exams open or closed book?
>
> Is it possible for us to take the exams closed book, but with a single
> sheet of hand-written notes (equations for the quantitative portion, theory
> notes for the qualitative portion) we can bring in?
>
> Can we bring in scientific calculators?
>
> Should we bring blue books?
>
> Who is going to proctor the exam?
>
> Who is writing the exams?
>
> Who is grading the exams?
>
> How soon after the exams are finished will we receive our grades?
>
> What score counts as passing the exams?
>
> What are average past scores?
>
> Are the exam scores curved?
>
> If we do not pass, will we have a chance to retake the exam?
>
> Do the exams determine whether we will a) receive a master’s degree or b)
> be allowed to continue in the PhD program, or both?
>
> Would failing the exam have a different impact on a Soc/Demog PhD student
> than a Demog Masters or PhD student, and if so, what is that difference?
>
> Do you have any recommendations for the timing of the exams?
>
> We were considering asking to take the quantitative portion on 5/6 and the
> qualitative portion on 5/8. Would you recommend spacing them further apart?
> Or taking them earlier in the semester?
>
> Is there anything we haven’t asked that you think we should know about?
>
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