As a graduate student we all must take the dreaded Qualifying Exams - The Big QE. While their structure and content can vary depending on program requirements, certain challenges and strategies are universal. Here are six pieces of advice coming from someone who just passed their written QE.
- Shine: This is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, research and hard work. Avoid dashing to the library for new research material like I did - you won’t have time for that. Instead, focus on what you know and what you are most passionate about. Remember your team is supporting you and wants you succeed.
- Time: Identify when and where you are most productive. For me, this was first thing in the morning when I was freshest — before emails and daily responsibilities took over —and late at night when it was quiet.
- Baseline: This might seem obvious, but make sure your basic needs are met. Get adequate sleep, proper nutrition, regular exercise, sunshine and fresh air. Having meals prepared ahead of time in the freezer helps, so does half price Domino’s pizza on Mondays or ordering groceries and take out. I found going outside for sunshine walks really helped both clear my mind and focus my thoughts.
- Move on: There was one key theorist I struggled to write about despite knowing his ideas inside and out. I kept pushing through, spending far too much time on it. In hindsight, the writing in that chapter feels forced. If you find yourself struggling with a section or feel like you’re spinning your wheels, it’s best to move on and come back to it later.
- Recharge: I tried my best to set aside dedicated time for my QE and to put everything else on pause until it was complete. What I didn’t plan for was how exhausted I would feel following the exam. Make sure to build in time to recharge before diving back at full force into all your commitments and responsibilities.
- Celebrate: The QE is tough, and when you succeed, which you will, take time to celebrate your achievement! This will look different for everyone but do something that makes you happy and feels special.
This is one major step towards completing your graduate studies. You can do it! Wishing you good luck!