What is what does it mean to be a phd candidate?

A PhD candidate is a student who has advanced beyond the initial stages of a doctoral program and is actively working on their dissertation or thesis. Becoming a candidate usually involves:

• Completing coursework: Successfully finishing all required graduate-level classes.
• Passing qualifying exams: Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the field through written and/or oral examinations. More information can be found at Qualifying%20Exams.
• Defending a dissertation proposal: Presenting and defending a detailed plan for the original research that will form the basis of the dissertation. Here's more on Dissertation%20Proposal.

Once these milestones are achieved, the student is formally admitted to candidacy. This signifies that the university believes the student has the potential to successfully complete the PhD.

Being a PhD candidate entails:

• Conducting original research: Performing experiments, collecting data, analyzing information, and developing new theories or insights in their chosen field.
• Writing a dissertation: Documenting the research process, findings, and conclusions in a substantial written work. See also Dissertation.
• Presenting research: Sharing findings at conferences, publishing in academic journals, and participating in scholarly discussions.
• Working independently: Managing time, setting goals, and solving problems with minimal supervision.
• Mentoring: Some candidates may mentor junior students and teaching assistants.
• Preparing for a career: Many PhD candidates begin working towards a career after graduating.