For the second-years, we host a panel that covers the qualifying exam process. MCB students take their qualifying exams March-May of their second year. Coffee and cookies are provided. The panel typically lasts 1-1.5 hours.

General topics covered during the "Quals Panel":

• General formate of oral qualifying exam
• Timeline of preceding written proposal
• Logistics of talking to your committee ahead of time, getting as much scientific feedback as you can
• Best practices of study group preparations
• Best practices for solo study and writing
• Getting over needing to be in lab
• Practice, practice, (and probably practice again)
• Who to invite to your practice quals
• How to use your white/chalk board
• Preparing yourself for pressure and stress during the exam
• How to respond to questions during the exam
• Maintaining mental and physical health, relationships, and more during quals season