Studies indicate that, although enrollment and degree production by women doctoral students have increased, fewer women than men complete doctorates and women generally take longer than men to finish, in spite of the fact that women demonstrate equal if not superior performance levels on virtually every objective measure. Women who complete the doctorate are more likely than men to face unemployment or to be employed in part-time and non-tenure track positions. The male orientation of the academy, gender stereotyping, greater self-selection on the part of women, and role conflict experienced by women are factors contributing to this phenomenon. Institutional practices relating to research funding and financial support, the departmental climate, and mentoring relationships also serve to influence the progress of women. This study, based on e-mail interviews with 55 women doctoral students, attempted to identify the factors that contribute to persistence in women pursuing doctorates. Preliminary findings suggest that women pursue the doctorate for reasons of personal development rather than reasons of career, but encounter formidable obstacles in the process, including hidden agendas, unspoken rules, and silent sanctions on the part of the academy. An appendix (Contains 61 references.) (PRW)