Qualifying Exam

The Qualifying Exam - an oral examination - is normally taken just before the beginning of the second year (ie at the end of August). All students must identify and approach a faculty advisor before the last day of classes during their first semester in the program in order to sign off on the Faculty Advisor Form. Preparation will follow over the course of the spring and the student will submit the list and rationale along with the Qualifying Exam Form before the beginning of summer (dates vary each year; see GW academic calendar). The exam itself is designed to test a student’s competence as a scholar and a potential teacher within his/her declared concentration (either Medieval and Early Modern Studies, British/Postcolonial, or American Literature and Culture), as well as his/her readiness to continue in the PhD program. Except in the case of extreme hardship, we cannot allow postponement of exams.  Students who fail the exam can take it once more the next time it is offered; students who fail the exam twice are dismissed from the program.