Computer Architecture Qualifying Exam

Ph.D. students must pass a demanding depth examination in one of the main research areas of the department. Depth exams are designed to test the preparation of students intending to do Ph.D. research in a given area. These exams cover topics included in courses, as well as additional papers and publications. A student is allowed at most two chances to pass any area's depth exam. (excerpted from the UW-Madison Graduate Guide Book)

When answering "essay" questions, we encourage students to start with an outline of "bullet" points and then write prose. This practice helps (a) organization your thoughts and (b) reveal them to graders.