STEM / applied
Qualifying exam prep · Graduate · Chemistry
Topics
Practice and remediation
- Weekly timed problem sets mimicking exam conditions
- Mock oral exams with peers and mentors
- Whiteboard presentation practice for oral components
- Identifying and filling knowledge gaps systematically
- One-page summary sheets for each major topic area
- Flashcard decks for reactions, reagents, and constants
- Office hours with faculty for clarification of scope
- Review of classic textbooks: Clayden, Miessler, Atkins, Skoog
- Online resources: MIT OCW, Khan Academy for math review
- Post-mortem analysis of practice exam performance
Program navigation
- Understanding advancement to candidacy requirements
- Advisor selection timing relative to qualifying exam
- Committee composition and expectations
- Funding implications of exam outcomes
- International student visa considerations
- Accommodations for disabilities and extensions
- Department culture and peer support networks
- Transition from coursework to research focus
- Long-term career planning beyond the qualifying exam
- Alumni advice and mentorship for exam preparation
Pricing
Graduate-level rates are set on consultation. See the pricing page for K–12 and undergraduate rates.