Masters Exam Schedule

Statistics Master's Exam - Spring 2008

Schedule:
Handed out:    10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Due:               1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 15,2008
Oral exams:     Friday, April 18, 2008

Notice of intent:
If you intend to take the exam this semester, please so indicate on or before MARCH 24 by notifying Jude Grudzina in the Department office. No more than twelve students may take the MS exam each semester. If you sign up for this exam the last day to cancel will be Friday, April 4.

Committee:
Douglas Bates (chair), Rick Chappell, Michael Newton, Rick Nordheim

Format:
The exam consists of problems similar to those that may later be encountered on the job. The exam has two parts: (1) preparing one or more written reports and (2) answering oral questions of the Master's Exam Committee. Copies of earlier exam problems are available for reading in Jude Grudzina's office (Room 1220.)

Written reports:
There should be a separate report for each problem on the exam. Each report should be directed to the "client" whose problem you are attempting to solve and should be limited to at most 12 pages, including computer output, tables, and figures. It is extremely important that each report be concise, well-written, and thorough. However, you need to ensure that your report contains the appropriate amount of "hard" statistical information. Finding the balance between too much and too little 'hard' statistical information is a key part of report preparation.

Oral exams:
The oral questioning provides an opportunity to explore various points in greater depth and to clear up questions such as those relating to choice of models, priorities and analyses not reported. Questioning is not necessarily limited to just those topics covered in the written portion of the exam. Please sign up for a time for the oral exam when you pick up the exam.

Taking the exam:
Picking up a copy of the exam constitutes "taking the exam." If a student fails the exam on the first attempt, the following options are available:
    - If you fail the exam in the spring, the second and final attempt must be made the following fall or the following spring.
    - If you fail the exam in the fall, the second and final attempt must be made the following spring or the following fall.
    - Failure to turn in the reports by the indicated time will constitute failure on the exam.
    - Errata sheets will be accepted by the committee at the time of the oral exam. Obviously, such errata should be kept to a minimum.

Computer facilities:
The departmental computers are intended as the primary computers for this exam. The data file(s) will be accessible on all departmental computers. Many of the data sets from earlier M.S. exams are available on the departmental computers in subdirectories of /p/stat/Data/MS.exam/. Use of non-departmental computer systems is allowed for the exam but you will have to make your own arrangements for copying data and accessing the necessary software.

Intent to graduate:
If you hope to graduate with the M.S. this semester, you need to file the appropriate form with Jude in Room 1220 Statistics by March 24. Jude Grudzina has copies of this form.