SUMMARY OF LETTER TYPES OF PROGRESS
(For full content of each letter type, please click here.)
LETTER TYPES: SUMMARY OF CONTENTS:
0. CONGRATULATIONS!
0-. GOODBYE
O.5. ALMOST DONE; let’s see your dissertation (PHD) soon.
1. EXCELLENT work!
1.5. VERY GOOD work.
2. GOOD work.
2a. CONGRATULATIONS on finding a RESEARCH ADVISOR (for new advisees).
3. OK, but we advise MORE PROGRESS.
3a. NOT MUCH PROGRESS; please seek advice.
4. FIND A RESEARCH ADVISOR (for new, first-year grads).
4a. GET A RESEARCH ADVISOR!
4b. GET A RESEARCH ADVISOR or face probation!
5. THINK PRELIMS
5a. TAKE QUALS as soon as possible.
5b. TAKE QUALS before the end of the next semester!
5c. RETAKE QUALS before the end of next semester!
6. FINISH PRELIMS/ M.S.; next semester is critical!
6a. GET M.S. AND GO before the end of NEXT semester!
6b. GET M.S. AND GO NOW before the end of THIS semester!
7. PALEO STUDENT; please avoid distractions.
7a. LAPSING CANDIDATE; you are on a slippery slope!
7b. INADEQUATE PROGRESS; your funding is endangered!
7c. We’ll BLOCK REGISTRATION in the future; complete your MS/QE/PhD now!
8. VERY LOW GPA (below 3.0)
8a. LOW GPA (above 3.0 but below 3.5)
PS1. CONGRATULATIONS ON PASSING THE QUAL EXAM!
PS2. CONGRATULATIONS ON PASSING THE ORAL PRELIM EXAM!
PS2a. CONGRATULATIONS ON FINISHING PRELIMS!
PS3. QUAL EXAM REMINDER; plan for it.
PS4. TA REMINDER
PS5. THESIS SEMINAR REMINDER
PS6. PLAN TO FINISH SOON
When appropriate, a letter may be constructed by combining two of the
standard letters above (i.e., 1+PS3 and 2+5). Feel free to add personal
comments.