Qualifying Examinations
The Mathematics Qualifying (or Preliminary) Examinations are given in six areas of mathematics:
- Algebra
- Complex Analysis
- Differential Geometry
- Logic
- Real Analysis
- Topology
View exam syllabi and past sample exams
The exams are scheduled twice a year, in August/September and May. Students must sign up at least 48 hours (excluding weekends) in advance of any exams that they wish to take so that the proctor will know how many students to expect. Each exam is scheduled for three hours, either from 10 - 1pm, or 2 - 5pm. The Assistant Program Officer will send the electronic sign up form link to all students that have not passed 3 Qualifying exams (also called the First Examination).
The May qualifying exams are held during the final exam period and the August/September exams are scheduled before classes start or overlapping first few days of classes. Each exam is given in the Math Thesis Examination Room, (4214.03) unless otherwise indicated.
Students must pass three exams (of their choosing) to be considered to have passed the First Examination (it is listed this way on the student transcript.) Exams are graded pass or fail. Students may retake a failed exam once unless the failed exam was taken prior to student’s first semester of class. Students who fail an exam prior to their first semester of classes will still have 2 opportunities to retake the exam.
Students will be informed by email of the results of their exam.
August 2023 Qualifying Exam Schedule
Exam Dates: The exams will be In Person!
The six exam dates and times (EDT) are:
Exam Topic |
Day |
Date |
Time |
Algebra |
1 |
Thursday, August 17, 2023 |
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Real Variables |
1 |
Thursday, August 17, 2023 |
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Complex Variables |
2 |
Friday, August 18, 2023 |
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Topology |
2 |
Friday, August 18, 2023 |
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Logic |
3 |
Monday, August 21, 2023 |
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Differential Geometry |
3 |
Monday, August 21, 2023 |
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Sign-Up: You must sign up for any exam you plan to take by August 10, 2023 here. If you have trouble with the online form, send Debbie Silverman an email.