These examinations are taken at the end of the academic year, usually in June. However, both of these must be completed no later than the end of the second year. If an entering student already has the desired level of knowledge in one or more of the three basic subjects, he or she can take the qualifying exams during the beginning of the first academic year. There is a detailed description of the candidacy requirements in the catalog. Assistantships A teaching assistant is normally assigned to a freshman or sophomore calculus course taught by a faculty member and is responsible for one recitation section of about twenty students.
Teaching assistants meet with their section one hour per week for a problem-solving session.
There are no classes during the summer. Summer support for study and research is generally available for students who remain in residence at the institute during the summer. There are rooms in the graduate student dormitories or apartment complexes which are available to students. Meals are available at the campus dining halls. Students can also find accommodations in one of the apartment buildings located in the vicinity of the campus.