Welcome back! I usually write my blog on Wednesdays, so if you leave a comment, I will most likely respond on a Wednesday. Thank you Angela, for your excellent questions.

There are 6 core classes that incoming doc students are required to take during their first year. (Unless you are part-time, then you take them over the course of two years, but it seems more recommended to go full-time your first year if possible so your new knowledge is fresh in your head for qualifying exams). The core classes for fall are Theory, Statistics I, and Research Methods I; for spring it's Policy, Statistics II and Research Methods II. Then, at the end of May, you take 4 qualifying exams (Statistics, Policy, Theory, and Research Methods). The classes are great, probably because the professors are great. (And no, I don't think they actually read my blog, so I'm not trying to get on their good side :) ). The coursework is taught in a way that is pretty easy to understand; the professors are good at breaking the concepts down so you don't have to be a genius to do the work. Also, don't let the thought of Statistics scare you. It tends to scare everyone at first, but it ends up being most peoples' favorite class, no kidding. If you have specific questions about any of the core classes, please leave me a comment.

Qualifying exams...ahhh....the memories... Most people enter the program already worried about qualifying exams, and honestly, I wish they were kept a secret because there is absolutely no need to worry. Quals at some other schools are nearly impossible; at UMB, I heard that only 1 person in the history of the program didn't pass them. Now, I'm not saying they're easy, I practically killed myself studying for them the two weeks before I took them. But, the good news is that all of the professors teach their classes directly to the qualifying exams. So, if you do well in your classes, and most people do, you should be fine on the quals. Also, the last week or two of class each professor does practice tests so there are no surprises when you get to the quals. And, one more great thing, you can use all of your books and notes when you take the quals! Other schools make you take them with just you and the computer, but not here. It's such a supportive environment here. The professors want you to succeed and they will go out of their way to make that happen. It makes sense, doesn't it? If we, the students, are successful, then UMB looks good.

So, that's all for now. Angela, I will get back to your specific questions about hotels as soon as I learn how to respond directly to a comment (hopefully later today or tomorrow). Sorry, I'm still learning how to blog.

Take care, Ann :)