Thanks, Bewildered. Yes, I'm referring to schools in the USA. Hopefully, it is more about publications here as well.

Thank you, Screamingaddabs.(up)

Thanks. Can you elaborate? Do they get to "know you" through conferences, published papers, etc.?

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I was registered for the PhD program during the first year so it counts. Technically, I've finished up 1 year and was hoping that I needed just 2 more years. (That makes the program a total of 3 years.)

So, 3 more years? (That is, 4 years total?) Ugh. Oh well. Thanks.

What matters most when recruiters (for academia) make selections from the post-PhD pool. Where the student went to school? What the student's GPA was? What the student's research topic was? Other? Feel free to rank these characteristics from most important to least.

Can I complete my degree in another 2 years?

Background: I have a MS in electrical engineering. I spent the 1st year of my PhD program finishing up the required coursework. This January, I take the Quals. In a few weeks, I'll narrow down an advisor. Can I theoretically spend these next 2 years passing the quals, doing research, and finishing my dissertation? Any advice to make that goal reality is welcome.