The biggest thing that Gaetan had to do this summer was take the qualifier. For those of you who don't know, the qualifier is a two day test designed to test you on everything you should know after taking your first year of grad classes. That involves, math phys, E & M, Quantum (yikes!) and mechanics. You are allowed to take the test twice (if you need too) and if you don't pass it by then, then you can't go on to your PhD. So, even though he was admitted into the PhD program, he still had to pass this test to keep going on. Most people take it after their second year of classes, because then they have another year of understanding under their belt and frankly, I would put it off probably. But, Gaetan, being the wonder man he is, took it after his first year. All his advisors told him it would be a good idea, because they knew he would pass it, and then he didn't have to worry about it anymore. You have to pass each section with a 50% or better, and if you fail one section then you have to take it again. Gross.
It was a two day event, where each section was two hours long. My sweet husband had been taking care of me, because I'm super lame, and the kids and studying for this qualifier. We should hear back about how wonderfully he did in a few days, but I'm just so proud of him and all the things that he continues to do in stride as life happens all around him. :) Go Papa Go!
JVG
No comments:
Post a Comment