The Test Of All Tests Is Coming

My final test of gradschool, the comprehensive exam, is in just a couple of weeks. Today I talk a bit about what that is, and how I've been preparing.
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/ andrewdotson

[@kevinruppert3522]

This video is giving me test anxiety for a test I'm not even taking.

[@Honest-King]

Yeah because you have a lot of tests in a 120+ hours game Ren Ren

[@radiuscubed7985]

Agreed

[@thefirstavenger14]

LMAAAAAAOOO me too

[@speedspeed121]

Me too. I know the feeling he has. Ughh

[@luisgeniole369]

Is it wrong that I salivate when I see those notes?

[@YH4867]

Learning about Andrew’s exam to procrastinate studying for my final exam>>

[@Mr1stUnknown]

Facts

[@govindtuli2913]

Agreed

[@factsverse9957]

How do you have finals in August, though?

[@YH4867]

Kenji Gunawan Summer class to fill the void

[@kabirsingh4230]

Same lol

[@FedericoYulita]

You look really stressed and nervous Andrew. Don't worry too much about it, we (your viewers) have faith in you and you are probably going to pass the exam. I'm more or less at the same stage of the career as you are (different universities) and I can tell you have a pretty good understanding and remember a great deal of the content. At least, that's as far as I can tell from your videos. Don't worry about the long periods of time between videos, we will still be subscribed after you take the test. Good luck!

[@sahmaddast3655]

He's looking like he's on the verge of a mental breakdown lol. But good luck Andrew.

[@luisgeniole369]

Can't you take it again? Or do they just kick you out?

[@supermaxman2]

Yep, just to add on to this: I passed my equivalent PhD exams, and I would say the #1 thing that helped was making sure to just do a TON of example problems. Take those previous exams and modify the question a bit and solve them. Make sure you practice, practice, practice! Even if you have every equation that will be on the exam on your study guide, at the end of the day you will need experience using them. Time is a significant factor on these exams, you really don’t want to find yourself having to derive things from scratch in my experience. These exams are tough, but with enough practice you should be fine. The key is that the questions often require a little bit of out-of-the-box thinking before they can be solved, but if you have practice solving interesting variations on previous exam questions then you will be prepared to make that jump and understand what the question is asking of you. Spend time really thinking about what the question is asking and why it’s being asked, then dive into the math.

[@GirtonOramsay]

@@supermaxman2 "Tough" is a big understatement. Although you have some solid advice. I'm in the same spot as Andrew now.

[@supermaxman2]

@@GirtonOramsay Fair, let me rephrase: They will be the most difficult exam you will ever take, but if you put in the time and effort and you are already at the point you are taking these exams then you absolutely can pass them.

[@williamzhong1030]

Cosmology exam prof: Please do not memorize any formulas. The point of the exam is to test your knowledge but not your memorization skill. Me : Ok Exam Q1a): Please write down the Friedmann equation for a flat universe. Me: f*** True story :)

[@connorjones915]

when they say this it's explicitly because memorizing stuff would make their exam easy lmao

[@speedspeed121]

Prof didn't do anything wrong. He/she wanted to see if you could derive it.

[@user-en5vj6vr2u]

E H a derivation that you probably saw in a lecture or textbook is not a good exam question

[@speedspeed121]

@@user-en5vj6vr2u Exactly why the prof told him to not memorize it.

[@torresfan1143]

But tbh, one should know that for a flat universe you should just put in k=0 and get the Friedmann Equation

[@maureendotson4634]

You’ve got this Drew! I have every confidence in the world! ~Love Mom 💕

[@TheSebastian9000]

Its very wholesome that you watch your son's videos. You're a good mom.

[@eleonarcrimson858]

Cool mom, hope my mom comes to this country soon

[@maureendotson4634]

eleonar crimson I hope so too!!

[@oogaboogaman9631]

This is way to cute

[@maxwellsequation4887]

He passed with an unconditional pass and it wasn't even close

[@duncanw9901]

MIT's math program has an oral qualifying exam. Which, to me, sounds like the most terrifying thing in the universe.

[@shafkatmehmood7216]

I literally paused my own revision for abstract algebra to hear someone else stress about exams. BUT its Andrew so...worth it

[@AndrewDotsonvideos]

lmao

[@patternwhisperer4048]

CS or pure maths?

[@RENCIOL]

Same here. It’s reassuring. We can all suffer together.

[@shafkatmehmood7216]

@@patternwhisperer4048 its acc a physics course , we call it symmetry. so far everything I've done is basically group theory or abstract algebra

[@patternwhisperer4048]

@@shafkatmehmood7216 good luck!

[@markos1623]

Andrew: "get to the scattering theory, self-explanatory..." Me: ahh yes yes very

[@GiI11]

"I'm tired of trying to understand why we have certain exams. I'm just going to shut up and take it." Spoken like a true broken spirit right there 🤣

[@UnforsakenXII]

Ahh, it's almost been 3 years, it's crazy how much time has passed. I remember asking you for advice when you were still a senior but now we're both in graduate school. Good luck on your comprehensives. Got preliminaries in two weeks!

[@AndrewDotsonvideos]

Time flies! gl!

[@alfredosepulveda8121]

Donde estudias?

[@UnforsakenXII]

@@alfredosepulveda8121 UC Berkeley

[@GirtonOramsay]

I'm taking similar prelim physics exam to Andrew...stress is too real. Good luck too guys!

[@something2doTV]

He said "Im just gonna shut up and take it", someone call Michael Scott !!

[@Harmonicanalysis54]

Honestly sounds crazy. Kinda makes me nervous about grad school tho

[@AndrewDotsonvideos]

I didn't mean to scare anyone, I just wanted to make sure people take it seriously when their time comes lol

[@RAGHAVENDRASINGH17]

no its very easy, you will get through it, good luck

[@tis_ace]

Me, in grade 9: I think I'll take physics, seems easy enough. *a few years of ignoring air resistance, taking sinx=x Me, in grade 11: That dumb bastard, why does he get to ruin my life. All this knowledge is pain *after killing the ender dragon, finding inner peace on this pale blue dot. Me, in grade 12: Wasn't that bad of a choice, at least I know how the universe works. *opens e&m book Me: shouldn't have said that, should not have said that.

[@GameShowFanMan]

“I’m going to shut up and take it”? Please reword that, good sir 😂 But seriously, I just finished a Ph.D. in mathematics and the hardest part was the stupid qualifying exam. Ours was two 4-hour exams in abstract algebra and real analysis. Then after that, we had to take the area exam. The area exam is an oral examination on the field of study you want to specialize in. For example, my field is differential geometry so I was tested on my knowledge of that. Ugh...graduate examinations suck HARD! But I’m proud of you for pushing forward and you can do this! I believe in you, the finish line DOES exist!

[@JPK314]

"pushing forward" I see what you did there, Mr. Differential Geometry

[@uttkarshkohli-mathchannel8284]

hey! I am looking to take up mathematics for higher studies. Could I connect with you to ask some questions? Thanks.

[@GameShowFanMan]

Solve Integrals With Me Sure! I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about studying higher level mathematics. You can email me at [e-mail].

[@josephbrennan370]

I understand very little of the topics you are talking about, except some things that cross over with chemistry, but it was very fascinating. I hope you do well in the exam and hopefully all the work you put in will pay off.

[@kilianirlander9174]

This is f*ing crazy. Come to Germany, we don't even really have written exams after undergrad and there are no "final tests". And if you do well in your thesises (is that a word?) you have a great chance to get a paid position to do your PhD. I almost feel lazy from seeing what you have to go through. Still, I believe in you my man, you will do it!

[@dhruva8106]

Plural von "Thesis" ist "Theses" :) It's true, you get enough free time to be able to consolidate and acquire more knowledge and explore pathways.

[@kilianirlander9174]

@@dhruva8106 100% agree :)

[@eigenchris]

This looks terrifying. I guess not going into academia was the right choice for me.

[@AndrewDotsonvideos]

lmao

[@Rasec77771]

Yo Andrew, get as technical as you want/need. This video is helping you organize your thoughts for an upcoming big knowledge check. As your viewers, we want the best for you and will gladly hear your brain ramble on Lagrangians and partition funtions for hours if it helps you get past this successfully.

[@meowwwww6350]

Your videos on tensor calculus really helped me even though I'm an sophomore year student it was such an elegant explanation that I understood

[@meowwwww6350]

Oh i got a like from my favorite KZbinr I'm excited yaaaaaaa! 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@rajaradi802]

His explanation is elegnant

[@harjotsing95]

I am in vet school, idk why at 2am I am learning about physics grad exams. Still very interesting.

[@stvp68]

Best wishes on the exam!!!

[@ryanaday7963]

Good luck dude!

[@soumyajyotikundu7147]

Best of luck Andrew!!!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Dude best of luck and hope. I know you can do it!

[@the_flaming_llama2754]

Good luck, man! You got this!

[@MathManMcGreal]

It is clear you are committed to your craft - you got this!!! Good luck!

[@spypruduktion]

Good luck Andrew!

[@caglademirhan5453]

Every time you said "what's going on smart people", I feel like 🥺🥺🥺

[@luker.6967]

Good luck man. I believe in you!

[@naishalshah74]

You're going to kill it bro! Good luck, you got this!

[@Nerdypianoman]

Wishing you the best of luck, Andrew.

[@martak9249]

i'm starting college for physics in 3 weeks, thank you for being my inspiration!!

[@theittsco]

Starting physics grad school in three weeks. I'm nervous but watching your videos gives me hope. Good luck with the comprehensive exam!!!

[@giorgiovezzali101]

Good luck Andrew!!!

[@georgetomaras7007]

Good luck! (I really enjoy your videos.)

[@victorgabrielmoreleduarte5999]

OMG now you take your NOTES on Latex also. Do you even remember how it is to use pen and paper? LMAO

[@AndrewDotsonvideos]

I use paper as little as possible lol

[@remixex369]

@@AndrewDotsonvideos Kudos to you man, 1 year into a phd I have VOLUMES of notes.

[@LUCATRON-hs8cj]

@@AndrewDotsonvideos your eyes are fine?

[@Guztav1337]

@@LUCATRON-hs8cj I also use latex... What about the eyes??

[@pietromorgantedecarvalho5342]

Good luck Andrew!! You will crack this exam!

[@XanderGouws]

Best of luck, man! You've got this!!

[@cornucopiahouse4204]

All the best, Andy!

[@MegasKeratas]

Good luck man !

[@fahadmohamed5457]

Good to see you back uploading. Best of luck in your exam man!

[@hopeelizabeth9210]

Good luck!!! We all believe in you and from what I've seen on your channel, you got this. Don't burn yourself out.

[@RockieAtlas]

Best of luck! I know you'll smash it😊 I'll be applying to grad schools this year, can't wait 😁

[@clovisthegreat7078]

I wish you tons of luck!

[@lenoel7666]

Good luck for the exam!

[@gauravrudramalik5869]

All the best Andrew! I am sure that your exam will be very good. Watching your videos all these years has certainly made me more confident about appearing for my exams!! Best wishes, and eagerly await your video after this exam!!

[@isaiashernandez5265]

Goodluck Andrew , you have been a big inspiration to me and my education goals .

[@RyuStardust]

Good luck man! You're gonna kill it

[@stalker1983]

Good luck buddy!

[@HarrisAsync]

Good luck!!! καλή τύχη. I hope it goes well. 🙂

[@ryanyates6761]

Good luck man, you got this!!

[@rohanc9509]

Good luck Andrew. We’re all rooting for you!!

[@zaidbakri1351]

Wishing you all the best !

[@dozzco2827]

I respect this guy so damn much, don't worry Andrew I'm certain that you'll pass and do exceptionally, good luck! 👍

[@Waffleman860]

Thank you for this video. It is such an excellent explanation of what the comps are. I don't think anyone who hasn't taken them or isn't facing taking them has an appreciation for what exactly it means. You definitely have a great study method and seem incredibly organized. In my experience, reading and taking notes was important, but the single most important way of studying was doing problem after problem all day every day. On the days of the exams, I made sure to get a good night's sleep and have a relaxed morning with a good breakfast followed by 1-2 warm-up problems to get my brain going for the day. Of course everyone operates differently. In any case, best of luck! Even getting to the exam is a huge accomplishment. And once you are done, it will be such a huge relief.

[@resonxnt_wav]

You got this man, been following you since your senior year of under grad

[@orion3043]

Missed you andrew! Good luck on your test man

[@ramonmerinorojas8535]

Good luck with your test!

[@rushunnhfernandes]

Last time i was so early Andrew was in high school

[@juanpabloserranorubio3876]

Hope the best for you!

[@sashankvsl2202]

All the best bruv!!

[@Kartik-yi5ki]

Best of luck Andrew!

[@alexchan7654]

Your hard work will be rewarded!

[@TheAbstractcode]

Good luck! Saw your videos in my senior year of undergrad and they helped me decide on pursuing a PhD. I'm studying for my 1st qualifying exam right now and feel that sense of being overwhelmed. Crush it!

[@T3WI]

Darn, now I’ve gotta wait another month. Good luck on the test and can’t wait to hear about your favorable results :)

[@matthewyusuf4757]

Good luck Andrew! I'm starting undergrad Physics soon and you've been a great inspiration to me ✌️

[@marinecwo4]

Good luck Andrew and kick some ass!😊

[@malikasim3959]

Good luck for your exam dude !! ❣️

[@jakeag_]

I live in Las Cruces and study EE, cool seeing vids from a college that I’ve grown up around. Good luck

[@KirbyTheKirb]

Dude, when you upload a video I get so hyped. Good luck man!

[@chopper2754]

Good Luck Andrew!

[@duduken20]

May the exam asks exactly what you know. Good luck and take care. I'm a big fan of yours and i'm from Computer Science! Cheers.

[@baptistebauer99]

You can do it Andrew!!! You're the man!

[@YourLocalCafe]

Hey andrew! I wish you all the best for your test which you will contest to research at your best. That came out nice, anyway dont be stressed or overwhelmed just write a sticky note stick it at your desk stating your plan of action and half a week before your exam reflect what all ya did and u MUST he golden.

[@abdulazizboalbanat1763]

Best of luck! Have my qualifying exam in a couple of months and the workload is definitely overwhelming

[@kulvirchavda9603]

I wish you the best of luck!

[@joshherring9909]

Best of luck! You got this! Things will be alright :)

[@legandhand]

Good luck, I wish the best for you

[@thegamerghosty7830]

I hope the exam goes well!

[@prayaagkatta7704]

All the best!

[@timcourts6342]

Good luck Andrew 😊😊

[@JillGG]

Starting Grad School this fall and this added to my anxiety 😅 good luck!!

[@bananaapple8063]

Good luck bro !

[@shantanudash7]

Andrew after the exams please post more. It motivates me to study more.

[@alexbenanti5125]

Good luck you got this 👍🏻

[@ottothelord5755]

Good luck man! :D

[@Sambungus]

Good luck on comps dad! It’s so weird how different comps are across universities; at my uni in CO our comps are 100% research based and are basically pre-vivas

[@nashley6405]

Days the boys aren’t ready for: Andrew gets his PhD😢

[@maxwellsequation4887]

Well he got it

[@danielgrosser3239]

What

[@danielgrosser3239]

When?

[@peaguas629]

Good luck on your tests

[@MrPhenomena123]

You got this Andrew! Hope I get to be as good as you.

[@amauta5]

Best of luck!

[@iridium8562]

Ouf! This got me pretty stressed out even though I’m still 17 and i am already going through college curriculums by myself. Pretty scary stuff, kinda motivates me to do even more P.S good luck man! You’re definitely an inspiration

[@rahulbball9395]

I have my qualifying exam (same as your comprehensive exam) coming up in about a month for PhD in Aerospace engineering! Good luck bro! We can do this!

[@shawcampbell7715]

Thanks for inspiring and exiting me in every video Andrew. I'm in high school and the syllabus is mostly boring. You keep my passion for physics alive.

[@AndrewDotsonvideos]

Good luck finishing up HS!

[@shawcampbell7715]

😊

[@Ryan_Perrin]

Good luck!

[@George.J]

I love and enjoy watching your videos even though I'm in med school which is obviously so far from what you do. I'm wishing you the best on your exam, and I believe you will make it and eventually become a proud PhD holder!

[@corpulent3298]

Hello! Recent high school graduate and soon to be cs student here. No clue what any of this means or how to do it but it showed up on my recommended tab on KZbin so all I can really say is good luck and I hope you do well on your exam!

[@azimsofi7360]

I really hope that you'll keep making videos up until finishing PhD. It really helps me stay on track of what to do, and expect going through this "want to be a physicist" journey. But you helped me(us viewers) a lot already. much love

[@ged3373]

Would love to see a follow-up vid on how you currently take your notes for your classes, seeing that you use LaTeX for it now, and how it differs from when you were still taking them on paper !

[@alvinstjohn8363]

Keep working hard man. I hope you crush this exam cause I really wanna see the rest of your PhD journey. Let's go Dotson!