Thanks a lot guys, I'll ask for some detailed feedback and take it from there.

Just got my marks back for my masters, and for my dissertation, there is a huge discrepancy in the mark from my two examiners: 72 (from the internal) and 63 (from my external marker). This brings my mark to a 67.5, which means its not a distinction. Can I appeal this, do you think? Is it normal for marks to vary that much? This is humanities subject.

Not sure, but just Do NOT get a Dell. (Especially the XPS).

======= Date Modified 14 26 2009 15:26:27 =======
Is it best to focus on previous experience/MA/MSc and how this training has equipped me to do a PhD, or is it best to focus on the importance of my topic, or why I want to go to this university?

Any advice on what makes a successful personal statement?

I say hiya from time to time, but usually without thinking--I think it's quite childish. I use "Hi" with almost everyone I know, including formal situations, but am more careful with using "Hi" in emails. I never use "hi there", apart from when I'm on the phone.

======= Date Modified 24 Sep 2009 14:03:32 =======
Magictime,
Thanks so much for that. I completely agree with your point that you'd expect content to be given more importance.

======= Date Modified 24 Sep 2009 11:49:08 =======
Hi, comments from students and lecturers are both welcome. Whilst I am in the field of literature, I would also like to get an indication of whether or not people in other fields feel that their work is fairly marked. My institution have asked me to write a paper on the problems with strict/standardized marking criteria in postgraduate education, and I'm just doing a bit of research at the moment while I decide exactly what angle I'm going to take. I'm particularly interested in the masters dissertation component. Thanks, M

======= Date Modified 24 01 2009 14:01:06 =======
Hi,

I'm writing an article on how fair students feel that marking criteria is. Any comments, opinions would be appreciated. My field is literature, but I'd welcome responses relating to any discipline.

Regarding the marking criteria for the masters dissertation:
How rigorous is marking? Do you think every reference/fact is checked? Or do you think you're mainly given the benefit of the doubt?
How importance is your works cited page--if there are errors and omissions, how much does this affect your grade?
How important is it to be consistent in style, follow the correct format?
How important is it to try to be imaginative and original? Is it better to play safe and produce a well-researched (straight-forward) paper?
What is the MAIN feature of your masters dissertation (where do your marks lie)? Clarity of argument? Depth of analysis? Quality of research?
If students are dyslexic, do you feel that your paper is marked with greater sensitivity to errors, or not?

Can any one who has ever had feedback please comment on how much these features contribute to the final mark? For example percentage -wise?

I know it's likely to depend from school to school, but I just wondered --in other people's experience, if they agree that the aesthetics of the paper, and the necessity to follow a standardized style format are given too much importance. For example- if a paper is excellent, it could be brought down because of stylistic errors? Does this seem a bit ridiculous, or not?

Any comments will be helpful, Thanks, Maria

Can any one recommend a good book/guide for PhD application advice? I need help with my personal statement/proposal. I've just been on amazon and there are about a thousand variations of "How to Survive Your PhD". Just wondering if any one knows from experience if any are worth buying? I'm in the humanities. Thanks. Maria.

Hi guys, thanks for your replies. I think I've just spent so long thinking about it, that I am now dissecting every error/mistake/weak point, and worrying myself unnecessarily. Have no long how long they will make me wait but I'm hoping not until December!

======= Date Modified 14 43 2009 09:43:28 =======
non applicable