What is a reasonable time-line from comps to dissertation proposal to completion?
Of course, student processes vary. A goal should be to produce a proposal (in whatever form is determined with an advisor) as soon as possible after the comps — ideally within eight weeks. Ideally, as well, research can be completed in one year, and writing in another year. Many students take longer than this, making it difficult to give a simple answer about “reasonable” expectations. Ideal expectations are one thing, but “reasonable” expectations will vary from topic to topic as well as student to student. Every student should try to complete the program within the five years of guaranteed funding, but given the difficulty of this in some cases, it is wise to look for outside funding whenever possible (Brown funding can be deferred if outside funding is secured). There is also the possibility of applying for sixth year funding from Brown.
