Is your secondary supervisor too busy *at the moment* or too busy from now until your submission deadline.

I really really think you should focus on getting as much of the writing of other sections done first, and then perhaps address the things you need help with.

And if you haven't done so already, arrange a meeting with your supervisors. No matter how scary they are, you need to start actively talking to them - there's only so much you can do by email. Sort out your PhD summary as they've asked, and go and see them - it will help you in the long run.

Have you met both superivors/visitd both departments?

Supervisor reputation is important to an exten. But I'd say whether or not they are someone with whom you can comfortably work is also important. If they're so high profile that you never see them, you might find it to be a problem...

Lara, is it worth taking your list of things to do and separating 'things that need to be done' from 'things that need to be done by YOU'?

For example, your thesis needs to be written by you. But although you need to know how to get it bound, finding that out could be done by someone else, surely? Is there anyone you could delegate that sort of thing to (such as a final year student who has a bit more time than you do and needs to find out for themselves anyway).

I'm just thinking it might save you time, and help you to focus on the tasks that can only be done by yourself.

Ooops - typo. Meant 'Lara'. Sorry for getting your name wrong.

Wow, Lala, I'm really impressed by how much progress you've made. Not only with your actual thesis, but how you're handling situations - a few weeks ago you might have let the feedback from your supervisor get to you, but look how strong and together you are now - you're immediately making plans for what to do next.

For what it's worth, I do think it'd be good to see your supervisors sooner rather than later. The viva prep does sound scary, but you'll be surprised at how much you've been soaking up as you go along.

Hope the summary is going well.

Woohoo! Well done Lara - that's a great achievement! I hope that by the time you read this you've had a restful and refreshing couple of days.

It does sound as though you're being a little harsh on yourself, both in terms of your progress thus far, and your expectations of yourself for the future.

If your supervisor supports you in taking a little time out to think, then I'd do that before you make any decisions. Whatever you decide, there is no shame in it. I recently quit my PhD after nearly two years, having been thinking of doing so over a period of months. I have absolutely no regrets about doing so, but that's partly because I did spend a lot of time thinking about it - had I left when I first started questioning my place there, I might have had doubts about the wisdom of my decision subsequently, whereas, having taken the time, I'm sure I made the right choice.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide!

Have you seen this: http://www.findaphd.com/custadverts/leche/

"looks like I have to dig deep into to get specific information."

Yes. Doing an actual PhD requires much the same approach.

"I feel that no matter how much I apply I'm just not going to be offered a PhD"

Why do you feel like this? Have you contacted prospective supervisors and asked if your background is sufficient? Have you been applying and been rejected - if so, try to find out why you were unsuccessful.

I would have thought a background in general biology was sufficient. A lot of the factual knowledge you need for a PhD you learn on the job, and then spend your time wondering when you're ever going to apply what you learnt in your degree!

How baout something like this: http://www.qsrinternational.com/products_nvivo.aspx

I've not used it myself, so I'm not endorsing it or anything, but it might be worth you investigating things like this.

Ahh that makes a lot more sense.

How about population genetics or genetic anthropology?

Essentially, if you do genetics, you will spend a fair amount of time engaged in PCR/SNP analysis/Microarray work etc. But you might get a bit of a chance to get into the field with the areas above, particularly genetic anthropology.

Lara, I think you've managed to get so stressed about this you're reading more negativity into things than is helpful for you. For example, that email from your supervisor you quote on page two - he's not saying that you *can't* write your thesis or that you're not capable of defending in your viva. He's saying that he's not prepared to endorse your ambition until you've shown him a plan. It does sound as though things have been difficult in the past when dealing with him, but please don't give yourself extra stress by interpreting things as being more critical than they acrually are. I reckon the best way to get him on side is probably to keep as cool a head as poss when dealing with him.

Did they have a deadline? If so, I'd wait until a week after the deadline has passed. If it was a case of apply any time, then I think you've waited long enough and it wouldn't get pushy to make a quick call/send a quick email and ask whether they've received your application and when you might hear back.

[tangent] I've never come across a forum with such a small word limit for posts. It's a bit crap really. Especially when you consider we are, by definition, people who want to write a lot![/tangent]