Wikipedia says that PhD Preliminary exams (Prelims) and PhD Qualifying exams (Quals) are the same thing:
The use of the term Prelim (short for preliminary examination) varies and is synonymous with qualifying exam, but it generally refers to an examination (usually one from a sequence) that qualifies a student to continue studies at a higher level, and/or allow the student to comprehend his/her studies and see how prepared they are for the looming examinations. It is almost a gauge on how knowledgeable one is within the chosen subject. These exams are also referred to as Quals at some institutions.
He has been preparing for the quals for over a year and will present the research he has performed since he arrived at Arizona State and be questioned by his committee on both the research and his classes. It is a big deal to have this behind him. Everything has been on hold while he prepared for the last couple of months and he is chomping at the bit to move on. Many say this is the hardest part of the PhD, even harder than the doctoral dissertation and thesis defense at the end. It starts at 2:30 PM today and we are excited to see how he does.
Betty Blonde #407 – 02/05/2010
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