The format is writing the research strategy of an R01, based on proposed research for the next few years, then presenting and defending the ideas to your committee. I've been working on mine almost daily since May, and it's changed dramatically as the direction of my project has shifted. It's been fun, interesting, challenging, and utterly terrifying.
Other students I talk to say this was one of the worst parts of their PhD, the lead up to quals. These same people say that in retrospect, it wasn't that bad, and they enjoyed the actual event, in a twisted sort of way.
I've been trying to get the last few bits of preliminary data, and it's not going well. I would have no problem with data that contradicted my hypothesis, if only the experiments would work. That frustration aside, the writing process has been enlightening. Reading papers, and putting this puzzle together has been satisfying in a way I hadn't expected. I don't mind the writing at all, but I'm dreading the studying that I should have already started. I'm also looking forward to dedicated time in the lab again, instead of random hail mary experiments.
How was your qualifying exam? Horrible? Wonderful? What do you wish you had done differently?
Onwards, and forwards!
