Information on potential transfer of credit is contained in the forthcoming section on GSAS and Departmental Policies and Procedures. The examination tests the basic knowledge required for any serious mathematical study. The examination is given on two consecutive days, twice a year, in early September and early January. Each section is allotted two and a half hours and is written at the level of a good undergraduate course. Samples of previous examinations are available in the departmental office.
Cooperative preparation is encouraged, as it is for all examinations.
In the fall term, the Department offers a workshop, taught by an advanced Teaching Assistant, to help students prepare for the written examinations. Entering students with a solid preparation are encouraged to consider taking the examination in their first year of full-time study. Graduate Assistants are required to take the examinations during their first year of study. For further details, consult the section on the Written Comprehensive Examinations. The purpose of the examination is to determine if the candidate has acquired sufficient mathematical knowledge and maturity to commence a dissertation.