[wholinator2]

As sometime about to start a PhD in theoretical physics, how did you do 3 years? I've been told a doctorate is 2 years of classes followed by 3 to 5 years of research. Did you already have a masters that you're doctorate college accepted to override class requirements?

[00702]

The short answer? Weekly meetings with my advisor! Long answer: I also had 2 years of classes but I started working on my research immediately, while taking classes. By the time I finished all my classes and became a candidate I had one paper already published and another one accepted, so I was able to get a 3rd paper out and defend by the end of the 3rd year.

[fpgamlirfanboy]

With all do respect, I think you're telling a half-truth here. Your LinkedIn profile shows you had two MS degrees before starting your PhD. Undoubtedly you got some of the requirements waived for the PhD course requirements. That means your total time post BS was 5 years. I did the same thing - 1.5 years (3 semesters) MS and then came back later (different school) to do a PhD and got half the course requirements waived. Finished the PhD in 4 years but total time post BS was a more humble 5.5.

[atlas_hugged]

Wow