<p>I’m not exactly how to approach this, but, to put it bluntly, I am no longer a student. Yesterday, I became the 3rd person in a row to fail the PhD qualifying exam for my research group. Nobody has passed this exam in 4 years.</p>
<p>It wasn’t unexpected and I’ve had many successes during my year at UW. All is not lost, I still have my MS and plan to use it wisely. </p>
<p>My addiction to checking these forums must stop. It is not the reason I failed, I’m not even the reason why I failed. However, as this is a new beginning in my life, I’m going to be leaving the CC community (well, until I have children of an appropriate age). </p>
<p>Good luck in your children’s college/grad school searches!</p>
<p>Wow, I’m wondering about your advising. In my husband’s university sometimes people fail first time up, but they always make sure they are prepared for a second try. At anyrate, good luck with whatever you do next.</p>
<p>Are you certain that there is no recourse? I’ve heard of people “failing” their orals, but there always seems to be a second chance. In any case, best wishes for your future success.</p>
<p>When I was in engineering school, there was a prof who hadn’t passed on a PhD candidate in seven years. He virtually controlled one graduate field within the EE department.</p>
<p>It happens. When I passed my Ph.D. oral exams I was the first person to pass after four straight flunks. But at my school (and I think most others) candidates always get two cracks at it. Grad students are kicked out only after failing the qualifying exam for the <em>second</em> time.</p>
<p>Awwwwwwwwww, sweetie, {{{{{{{major hugs}}}}}}}. I’m <em>so</em> sorry about the results of your PhD qualifying exam. I am certain that you have gained much from your experience, despite this outcome, and I admire the efforts you’ve put toward this goal. Life has its way of handing us unwanted challenges at times. I know that whatever you choose to do with your future, you will do well and be successful! I’m sad to hear that you are leaving CC, but I do understand your need to move on. You will be remembered fondly by many–and welcomed back enthusiastically should you ever decide to return. I personally would love to get an update from time to time, so think about it, O.K.? Meanwhile, take care and BEST OF LUCK!!! :)</p>
<p>ophiolite-
So sorry to hear the bad news. But gosh, why so many unsuccessful attempts within your research group?? I think that speaks badly of the faculty in your dept, not you. Most Ph.D. programs (mine included) wanted to see their students succeed, and were helpful and supportive in the process. Sometimes revisions were needed in proposals, theses, etc., but gosh, to be removed from the program, gee. They have a lot invested in their grad students. This makes no sense to me. But, if that is the way it is, I truly wish you all the best. You will be missed.</p>
<p>Well, in 1975 my mother was asked to retake her orals for her PhD… because they hadn’t passed anyone in TEN years. She passed–3 years after the first time she took them, with no studying or additional courses. </p>
<p>Ophiolite: consider asking university management what’s going on.</p>
<p>I am SO sorry! But it sounds as tho the profs in your group aren’t doing something right. That’s not to say that everyone should pass, but no one??? Something is definitely not right. Time to go above their heads and see if you can switch groups for another year, and see if you can take those orals again. Good luck! I know you will land on your feet, no matter what.</p>
<p>Can you enlighten us a little further about this situation - is there some political aspect future PhD candidates need to know about? It doesn’t make much sense on the surface to have a 4 year dry spell.</p>