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Educators are seriously concerned about the high rate of dropouts among the doctor of philosophy candidates and the consequent loss of talent to a nation in need of PhDs. Some have placed the dropouts loss as high as 50 percent. The extent of the loss was, however, largely a matter of expert guessing. Last week a well-rounded study was published. It was based on 22,000 questionnaires sent to former graduate students who were enrolled in 24 universities and it seemed to show many past fears to be groundless.

The dropouts rate was found to be 31 per cent, and in most cases the dropouts, while not completing the PhD requirement, went on to productive work. They are not only doing well financially, but, according to the report, are not far below the income levels of those who went on to complete their doctorates.

Discussing the study last week, Dr. Tucker said the project was initiated because of the concern frequently expressed by graduate faculties and administrators that some of the individuals who dropped out of PhD programs were capable of completing the requirement for the degree. Attrition at the PhD level is also thought to be a waste of precious faculty time and a drain on university resources already being used to capacity. Some people expressed the opinion that the shortage of highly trained specialists and college teachers could be reduced by persuading the dropouts to return to graduate schools to complete the PhD.

Lack of motivation was the principal reason for dropping out. Most dropouts went as far in their doctoral program as was consistent with their levels of ability or their specialties. Most dropouts are now engaged in work consistent with their education and motivation.

Nearly 75 per cent of the dropouts said there was no academic reason for their decision, but those who mentioned academic reason cited failure to pass the qualifying examination, uncompleted research and failure to pass language exams. Among the single most important personal reasons identified by dropouts for non-completion of their PhD program, lack of finances was marked by 19 per cent.

As an indication of how well the dropouts were doing, a chart showed 2% in humanities were receiving $20,000 and more annually while none of the PhDs with that background reached this figure. The PhD's shone in the $57,500 to $15,000 bracket with 78% at that level against 50% for the dropouts. This may also be an indication of the fact that top salaries in the academic fields, where PhDs tend to rise to the highest salaries, are still lagging behind other fields.

As to the possibility of getting dropouts back on campus, the outlook was glum. The main condition which would have to prevail for at least 25% of the dropouts who might consider returning to graduate school would be to guarantee that they would retain their present level of income and in some cases their present job.

1. The author states that many educators feel that

A. steps should be taken to get the dropouts back to campus

B. the dropouts should return to a lower quality school to continue their study

C. the PhD holder is generally a better adjusted person than the dropout

D. The high dropouts rate is largely attributable to the lack of stimulation on the par of faculty members

2. The well-rounded study has shown

A. dropouts are substantially below PhDs in financial attainment

B. the incentive factor is a minor one in regard to pursuing PhD studies

C. the PhD candidate is likely to change his field of specialization if he drops out

D. about one-third of PhD candidates do not complete their doctorates

3. Nearly 75 per cent of the dropouts didn't mention

for their decision

A. financial reasons

B. academic reasons

C. personal reasons

D. none of the above

4. According to the passage, what do some people suggest to reduce the shortage of highly trained specialists and college teachers?

5. What is the main reason for dropping out?

6. According to the context, what does the word "glum" mean?

groundless adj.  

not based on reason or evidence 无理由的；无根据的

drain v. 

[ sing.] a ~ on sb./sth. a thing that uses a lot of the time, money, etc. that could be used for sth else 消耗；耗竭；耗费

consistent with 符合；与……一致 

bracket with 把……等同看待

1~3：A D B

4. Persuading the dropouts to complete the PhD。

5. Lack of motivation was the main reason for dropping out.

6. It means something is not cheerful.