I PASSED!!!
So I ended up taking only one area qual this time around, because two (and obviously three) are way too damn much to do in one shot. So I ran with the algebra qual since I was sure I'd pass it. Well, the grades came back today, and I passed algebra!!! :) 105/160 on that qual (it should've been a 120, since they zeroed a problem that I think was virtually correct, but whatever, I passed :)). The day would've been perfect if the Ducks could've finished off the sweep of the Wild, but whatever, shit happens (game 5 on Thursday, Ducks up 3-1 in the series).
Anyways, so an update on the PhD progress:
Quals:
-Basic: PASSED
-Algebra: PASSED
-Geometry/Topology: TBD
-French Exam: PASSED
So once I pass G/T, I'm all finished with quals, which will be exciting. I've also decided that I really want to study algebra, and so I'm thinking of talking to Alex Merkurjev (my algebra professor, BIG name in the world of algebra) about maybe becoming his student. I'm going to ask if he can recommend some summer reading for me to work on while he's in Russia since I'm really interested in what he does, and then we can see in the fall if I would be a good fit to work under him (I'll also be studying for G/T over the summer, so I'll have a full workload). So that's the plan as of now. But today was definitely a great day, since passing an area qual by the end of my first year puts me in great shape.
Anyways, so an update on the PhD progress:
Quals:
-Basic: PASSED
-Algebra: PASSED
-Geometry/Topology: TBD
-French Exam: PASSED
So once I pass G/T, I'm all finished with quals, which will be exciting. I've also decided that I really want to study algebra, and so I'm thinking of talking to Alex Merkurjev (my algebra professor, BIG name in the world of algebra) about maybe becoming his student. I'm going to ask if he can recommend some summer reading for me to work on while he's in Russia since I'm really interested in what he does, and then we can see in the fall if I would be a good fit to work under him (I'll also be studying for G/T over the summer, so I'll have a full workload). So that's the plan as of now. But today was definitely a great day, since passing an area qual by the end of my first year puts me in great shape.