With graduate school, young mathematicians take the first step toward a career in mathematics. During this period, they make important decisions that will affect the rest of their careers. Here now is a detailed guide to help students navigate those years and the years that follow. In his inimitable and forthright style, Steven Krantz addresses the major issues of graduate school, including deciding where to go, passing the qualifying exams, finding an advisor, writing a thesis, and getting that first job. As with his earlier guide, How to Teach Mathematics, Krantz avoids generalities, giving clear advice on how to handle real situations. In addition, he includes a description of the basic elements of a mathematical education, as well as three appendices on the structure of a typical department and university and the standard academic ranks. Steven G. Krantz is an experienced mathematician and an award-winning author. He has worked in many different types of mathematics departments, supervised both masters and doctoral students, and is currently the Chair of the Mathematics Department at Washington University in St. Louis.Other AMS titles by Steven Krantz are A Primer of Mathematical Writing and Techniques of Problem Solving.