Last week, I took my Ph.D. qualifying exams: the final comprehensive test of your knowledge before becoming a Ph.D candidate and beginning the dissertation. My family and friends outside of academia were somewhat confused as to the nature of these exams I had been talking about for months. So, as a fun way to demystify qualifying exams, here’s a run down — in tweets — of the highs and lows I experienced during my exams.
For my Ph.D program, the qualifying exam process involves four written exams, each four hours long, that take place over the course five days.
Nerd chuckle in midst of fierce prep for qualifying exams brought to me by @MQuinnP; 😊 pic.twitter.com/LI4iNJ3FeU
— Tara Watterson (@tlcwatt) February 25, 2018
After weeks of preparation, I was anxious and unable to get to sleep that Sunday night before my first exam. As I walked to take the exam the next morning, I reminded myself that all my studies and my work in recent weeks had prepared me for success. Go, girl!
PhD qualifying exams day 1 of 4: Feeling prepared and ready. And tired. Here we go!
— Tara Watterson (@tlcwatt) February 26, 2018
As I left the building after my first exam, I felt elated. My relief at surviving the first exam unscathed was intense, contributing to my (temporary!) sense of confidence.
Update: PhD qualifying exam day 1 of 4 complete. pic.twitter.com/iC8bOJgqiO
— Tara Watterson (@tlcwatt) February 26, 2018
This feeling of accomplishment may have been premature. As I struggled to stay on top of my preparation for the next three exams (and my other responsibilities) that afternoon and the following day, exhaustion began to set in.
PhD qualifying exams day 2 of 4: is it raining or am I crying? 😂 Ready for this to be over! pic.twitter.com/jTRbS9Wxvk
— Tara Watterson (@tlcwatt) February 28, 2018
By the time I had completed my second exam on Wednesday, my only thought was, “I’m only halfway done?” Still, I persevered. When I needed to take a short break to refresh my brain, I dramatically decided I would channel my despair by tuning into a documentary series about WWII on Netflix.
I don’t recall much from the experience of completing exam #3 on Thursday as I was running on coffee fumes, and, for the most part, merely hoping that the words I was writing made some sense.
PhD qualifying exams day 3 of 4: disoriented, confused. What day is it? If you see me on campus, just point me in the direction of home. pic.twitter.com/mvaH3usvIG
— Tara Watterson (@tlcwatt) March 1, 2018
Luckily, I regained a sense of momentum and renewed energy with the realization that I had only one exam left. I was slow to write the last exam, but as I finished it, I became more and more excited at reaching the end of exam week. I turned in the exam and, despite my lack of sleep, glided blissfully across campus toward my car with a grin.
PhD qualifying exams day 4 of 4: Done! At last! Driving home, Chumbawamba is on the radio 🤯 I get knocked down, but I get up again! 😄 pic.twitter.com/EF29RjbyS0
— Tara Watterson (@tlcwatt) March 2, 2018
Once I arrived home, it wasn’t long until my elation turned into exhaustion, to which I could finally give in. Ah, blessed rest.
PhD qualifying exams day 4 of 4 cont.: Arrive home and hype immediately dissolves pic.twitter.com/s8Al1LhkmR
— Tara Watterson (@tlcwatt) March 2, 2018
In another couple of weeks, I’ll meet with my advisory committee. They will offer feedback on my exams and decide whether I passed. Here’s hoping that all those words I wrote made sense!
I’m so very proud of you, Tara. You stuck with it and are reaching your goal. You are an inspiration, and I am looking forward to celebrating with you all when you get settled in NC.