Current MS-PhD Student FAQs

1. What is the A Exam?

You will prepare to take your Admission to Candidacy, or A Exam once you have reached the point in your graduate program when you have completed all of their required coursework as determined by your Advisor and Special Committee members, and have chosen a topic for your dissertation. 

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2. What is the format of the A Exam?

The format of the A Exam is up to the discretion of your Advisor and Special Committee.  Generally, it is an oral exam.

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3. When do I need to successfully complete the A Exam?

You are eligible to take your A Exam as soon as they have earned a total of two Registration Units in your graduate program.  All MS-PhD students are required to take their A Exam prior to the completion of their seventh semester in their graduate program, unless special permission is obtained from the Graduate School. 

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4. How do I reserve a room for my A Exam?

You will need to select a time that is convenient for you, your Advisor and your Special Committee Members in order to schedule your Q Exam.  If you need to reserve a Conference Room in Phillips Hall, you should contact an ECE Administrative Staff member in 224 Phillips; if a Conference Room in Rhodes Hall is needed, you should contact an ECE Administrative Staff member in 314 Rhodes. 

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5. What Form do I need to submit in order to schedule my A Exam?

You will need to obtain a Schedule of Examination form (A3) which can either be downloaded from the Graduate School’s web site here, or can be found in hard copy form in the ECE Student Services Office located in 223 Phillips Hall.  You will need to fill out the top portion of the form and then obtain the signatures of your Advisor and your Special Committee Members.  The signature of the ECE Director of Graduate Studies is also required in order for the form to be complete.

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6. When should I submit my completed Schedule of A Exam form?

The Graduate School must be given notice of your exam at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the scheduled date.  The completed Schedule of Exam form **MUST** be submitted no later than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled date of your exam without exception.

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7. Where do I submit my completed Schedule of Exam form?

You will need to submit your completed Schedule of Exam form to the Student Services Office in the Graduate School, located in 143 Caldwell Hall.  Submit the form to Barbara Edinger, who is the Graduate Student Service Representative for the field of ECE.  She can be contacted at bae2@Cornell.edu or 255-5817.

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8. Do I need to provide the ECE Student Services Office with a copy of the form?

Yes.  You will need to submit a photocopy of the completed and signed Schedule of Exam form to Scott Coldren, the Manager of Student Services in the ECE Student Services Office located in 223 Phillips Hall. 

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9. Do I need to bring any forms with me to my A Exam? And what do I do with them?

Yes. You will need to bring a copy of the Results of Examination form (A4) which can either be downloaded from the Graduate School’s web site here, or can be found in hard copy form in the ECE Student Services Office located in 223 Phillips Hall.  You will need to fill out the top portion of the form and then obtain the signatures of your Advisor and your Special Committee Members after the successful completion of your exam.  The signature of the ECE Director of Graduate Studies is also required in order for the form to be complete.

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10. Where do I submit my completed Results of Exam form?

You will need to submit your completed Results of Exam form to the Student Services Office in the Graduate School, located in 143 Caldwell Hall. Submit the form to Barbara Edinger, who is the Graduate Student Service Representative for the field of ECE. She can be contacted at bae2@Cornell.edu or 255-5817.

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11. Do I need to provide the ECE Student Services Office with a copy of the form?

Yes.  You will need to submit a photocopy of the completed and signed Results of Exam form to Scott Coldren, the Manager of Student Services in the ECE Student Services Office located in 223 Phillips Hall.

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12. Is there any other paperwork before I’m done with my A Exam?

Yes.  If you are a Registered Student at the time of your A Exam, you will need to fill out the Degree Information Card online here.  The information that you input online will be sent to the Thesis Advisor’s office in the Graduate School, and you will also receive a confirming email to follow. If you are a Non-Registered Student at the time of your A Exam, you will need to fill out the PDF version of the Degree Information Card, and submit it directly to Patty Place, who is the Thesis Advisor, in 125 Caldwell Hall.  She can be contacted at pip1@cornell.edu or 255-5828.

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