Prof. Cumings is talking about qualifying exam.
Abhishek is talking about mock qual brief.
Adelaide is talking her experience.
MSGS President Changmin
MSGS Vice president Abhishek
Today, we held a meeting for MSE students about preparation for qualifying exam that will happen in August soon. Prof. Cumings and three senior students Adelaide Nolan, Madeline Morales, and Dylan Kirsch joined our meeting and shared their suggestions and thoughts on how to prepare for the incoming qualifying exam. Thanks for their coming. This meeting includes three main parts.
First, Prof. Cumings gave an elaborate description of the whole process of qualifying exam and provide some helpful suggestions such as time management and content arrangement of proposal during the short and tense two-week research.
Later on, vice president of MSGS Abhishek made a presentation about mock qual exam that is useful for students to get familiar with qual exam in advance and helps students pass the qual exam with higher chance. MSE students who are interested in it can sign up for it before July 6th, and then the mock qual exam will start on July 7th and end on July 21st.
In the last part, three senior students talked about their experiences on qualifying exam. Adelaide Nolan reminded that knowing what you are talking about on all your slides because the committee may ask any questions when you present. Since the exam time lasts only for one hour, it is wise to specialize in your questions. Madeline mentioned that reviewing the research question constantly is important to make sure that you are not deviated from the center scope of question when reading multiple articles. Getting started as soon as possible is what Dylan suggested. And he thought that the mock qual exam benefited him for passing the real qualifying exam. They also mentioned the importance of time management and taking notes during the reading.
All MSE students are welcome and encouraged to participate in the mock qual exam. Hope every student can pass the qualifying exam in August!
Stay safe and healthy!