VI. Write a passage, explaining the meaning of the proverb “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing”. Unit 4

I. Read the article:

Admission guidelines for graduate applicants

The primary responsibility of a graduate school is to offer doctoral degrees. The amount of time required to complete a Ph.D. can vary depending on whether or not the student holds a master's degree at the time of enrollment, the nature of the dissertation project, and other factors. However, there are some general guidelines apply to all students who pursue a doctorate.

In addition to courses in their major discipline, students may take foreign languages, statistics, computer languages, and other skills essential to research in a given discipline. Once the student has successfully completed course work, qualifying examinations and special requirements, he or she is certified as a candidate for a Ph.D. The final step is to write and defend the doctoral dissertation.

The journey to a Ph.D. may take as little as three years, but most students finish it in four to six. Many students augment their student career with teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or adjunct teaching positions.

Students are actively involved in the planning of their doctoral programs. In many programs students help plan and participate in colloquia, national and international conferences, research projects, and other activities that supplement their studies.

Admission to doctoral programs is very competitive. The prospective student must hold a bachelor's degree or its United States equivalent from a recognized college, university or other institution of higher learning. The student's record should be a strong one with an average grade of B (i.e. “very good”) or better.

In addition to an earned bachelor's degree, applicants are normally required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Some professional programs (e.g. management and law) require specialized admission tests instead of, or as an option to, the GRE. They include the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

All international students are expected to submit a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) when their native language is not English. Students who intend to apply for a teaching assistantship also should take the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

Typically, a prospective student is to submit the following documents to the Graduate School:

1. an application form;

2. three letters of recommendation;

1. transcripts (an official document, enumerating the exams and courses taken and grades received, coming from the University with a University seal and signed by a University official);

3. record of scores on the TOEFL, GRE, etc.;

4. financial information and documents;

5. a personal statement;

6. an application fee.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. What is the primary responsibility of a graduate school?

2. What does the amount of time required to complete a Ph.D. depend on?

3. When is a student certified as a candidate for a Ph.D.?

4. What is the final step in course work?

5. How long does it take to earn a Ph.D.?

6. What do students augment their student career with?

7. Who can qualify for admission to the graduate school?

8. What kind of test should international students take?

9. What documents is a prospective student to submit to the graduate school?