Students are expected to pass their general exams by the end of their third year of studies, or by the end of their fourth year of studies if they came in as a 600 level student (this is determined by the Vice Chair for Graduate Studies, and in principle, only domestic students who started both analysis and algebra at the 600 level are classified as 600 level). The conditions for taking the general exam are as follows:

One must pass both qualifying exams, fulfill all three breadth requirement, pass one foreign language (in French, German, or Russian, by taking a course and receive B or better grade, or taking an exam, --- see Professor Derdzinski for more info on language test), and participate in at least one working group. One must have a thesis advisor in order to take the general exam.

After these conditions are satisfied, one should discuss the general exam with his/her advisor and set up the general exam committee. The committee should consists of at least four current regular faculty members (including the advisor), and the test should last within 30 days from start (student obtaining written questions from committee members) to finish (the oral exam). The student is responsible for making all necessary arrangement including finding date, time, and room, as well as submitting the application form at least two weeks before the oral exam date. The form can be obtained from Math Graduate Office or downloaded from the graduate school webpage. After the oral exam, the student should give a copy of the exam form to our Math Graduate Office before submitting the original form to the graduate school. Please see page 9 of the Graduate Handbook for more details.

According to the new graduate school regulation, no graduate school representative will be needed for any first time taker of the general exam, or retaker of the general exam due to the five-year limit.