Letter from Boston

The Final Countdown

By MASAKO YAMADA

I have only a month before I take my comprehensive physics exam; the comps will be held September 1 and 3. This is a very important exam that all graduate students must pass in order to proceed in the Ph.D. program. It tests broad physics knowledge in six categories: classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, mathematical physics and general physics. Students who do not pass within a specified time are expelled from the program.

This will be my first official attempt at the exam. Incoming students are allowed, and even encouraged, to take a free shot at passing the semester after they enter grad school, but they aren't penalized if they fail. Any student who passes during this round is considered extremely fortunate (and competent). I took the exam in January but I knew that it didn't count; I didn't study at all. Not surprisingly, I failed.

This time around, however, the results of the exam do count. Although I have another chance to take the exam next January, I don't want to have to study for the exam during the school year. It's difficult enough to keep up with day-to-day classwork, much less undertake such wide-ranging cumulative study. Besides, I don't want to have to spend my winter break studying for an exam that I could pass in September. I've devised a structured study plan because of this. There are many fine points that I have yet to iron out, but the framework has been set: 6:30 a.m. Wake Up. 7 a.m. Leave Apartment. 7:30 a.m. Arrive at School and Practice Piano. 9 a.m. Go to Emilia's Office and Begin Studying.

Although I've tried to stay at my desk until at least 5 p.m. (with breaks in between), I've noticed that I haven't been getting much real work done. This may have something to do with the fact that my study partner, Emilia, and I often end up gabbing together. We originally teamed up so that we'd push each other along ― it's forced me to go to school every morning on time, at least. But in our case, I realize that we're probably holding each other back. I think I'll stop studying with Emilia this week and start studying in my own office. I have a new officemate, Mr. Kato, who I know studies there very diligently during the day. Although we won't be studying the same things, I think I'll be inspired enough by his presence to force myself to keep my eyes on the page. Study partners are nice because they can provide information and advice along the way, but what I really need is the discipline to study on my own: in this sense, having an uninvolved study partner is ideal.

I went to the supermarket to shop today and ran into one of the older students in the BU physics department. He invited me to his apartment and cooked a delicious Indian dinner for me and three of his other friends. He gave me some concrete tips on how to study for the exam: First of all, don't try to spread yourself too thin. Instead of trying to cover all the bases every day, he suggested that I review one subject for a day or two so there would be some continuity in my studies. Next, don't worry too much about solving past problems, or problems from other schools. The professors writing the problems are the same professors who have taught my courses so he suggested reviewing class notes and homework sets instead. Finally, nine-to-five simply isn't enough. He suggested that I study 10 hours a day and postpone all other activities.

Although I definitely don't want to be forced to leave the physics world, I do have a reason to push myself this summer that is nearer at hand. One of my friends asked, "Don't you want to hang out with us during Christmas?" and I hesitatingly replied, "I don't know if I'm going to pass the comps this time around, and if I don't, I won't be able to." He very curtly answered, "Well, then, study really hard. Study hard every day and make sure you pass. Then we'll be able to have fun together. Isn't that enough of an incentive?"

He's exactly right; it is.

Shukan ST: Aug. 1, 1997

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