How to Pass Your Qualifying Exam

Though the structure and the approach of the qualifying exam differ among all universities, departments, and programs, it is the make-or-break point that separates your career journey from either being a graduate student or a Ph.D. candidate. The shape and form of the qualifying exam at your school may not be similar to mine, yet the goal of it is one; to prove that you deserve to be a Ph.D. candidate. I have not passed mine from the first time, and those are the tips that helped me pass it the second time comfortably.

Your psychological, physical and mental health

The main reason that led to a failure of passing from my first attempt was the fear of failure. Believe me, the exam was not that hard and I could easily pass it if I was not too stressed. A little bit of stress does not hurt. On the contrary, it is a sign of caring. My simple routine to boost my psychological, mental and physical health was easy to follow and did not require a lot of changes. I started by fixing my sleeping pattern and bedtime. So, instead of sleeping too little or sleeping too much, I went to bed every day at 10 PM and set my alarm at 6 AM. Furthermore, I start my day with a quick 45 to 60 minutes walk. I usually walk outdoor and pick different routes now and then to avoid being bored. In the meantime, use this time wisely. I usually listen to audible…