Educators are seriously concerned about the high rate of dropouts among the doctor of philosophy candidates and the consequent l

Educators are seriously concerned about the high rate of dropouts among the doctor of philosophy candidates and the consequent loss of (36) talent to a nation in need of Ph. Ds. Some have placed the dropouts loss as high as 50 percent. The (37) extent of the loss was, however, largely a matter of expert (38) guessing.  Last week a well-rounded study was published. It was based on 22000 questionnaires sent to (39) former graduate students who were (40) enrolled in 24 universities and it seemed to show many past fears to be (41) groundless.
    The dropouts rate was found to be 31 per cent,  and in most cases the dropouts, while not completing the Ph.D. requirement, went on to productive work.  They are not only doing well (42) financially, but, according to the report, are not far below the income levels of those who went on to complete their doctorates.
    Lack of motivation was the (43) principal reason for dropping out.  Most dropouts went as far in their doctoral program as was consistent with their levels of ability or their specialities. (44) 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, (45) but those who mentioned academic reason cited failure to pass the qualifying examination, uncompleted research and failure to pass language exams. (46) Among the single most important personal reasons identified by dropouts, lack of finances was marked by 19 per cent.