My PhD is in genetics too, how funny is that! I'm turning off my computer now. Don't stay up too late, and eat.
BB

P.S. I just posted this on jojo's thread by mistake. It really is too late and I've had a few glasses of wine.

Soo sorry jojo, I am such a div. I meant to post that on Lara's thread. It really is too late.

My PhD is in genetics too, how funny is that! I'm turning off my computer now. Don't stay up too late.
BB

No not yet, I need to submit it 3 months before my deadline. You have reminded me about it though, so I will do it next week - I just need to decide on the title!

Ooh, I've just realised that you were deliberately trying to make your supervisors feel good, based on that book. How about just saying that you really value their help, and leave it at that. I still don't think you should be negative about yourself in the email. Stroke their ego at the meeting if need be.

Ok, explain about the forms in your email about the extension, but just ask them if it is possible to hand them in now and still submit by september. Explain that you have not yet received them, and I would be surprised if they were that strict. If you think you need an extension, if its possible I guess there's no harm in applying, but don't make it too long.
x

I think you're replies to your supervisor are far too personal. What kind of relationship do you have? I would keep it professional - e.g. don't grovel! Simply state that you are completely commited to your thesis, and that you acknowledge their points. Do not keep putting yourself down, especially not in this email. Write a brief message to arrange a meeting. If you feel you need to apologise or what ever, do that in person at the meeting. Do not commit it to print in an email, it could come back to bite you! It sounds like you are suggesting that they are completely devoid of responsibilty. This is not the case, they are your supervisors, they should supervise!

I would keep it brief and try to sound detached, if you know what I mean, so that you don't come across as if you are panicking.
Say something like:
Dear X,
I am planning on submitting my PhD thesis by the 1st September, and I will have been registered as a writing up student for 12 months prior to this date. I was hoping that you could clarify a few points about the submission process for me. Is it possible to apply for an extension and remain registered after the 1st September, and would a fee be payable if this is granted?
Many thanks,
X.
All you want is information at this stage, and it is their job to give it to you.
Also, are you sure you really want an extension? I know it would make things easier but are you not just prolonging the pain?
BB X

Cakegirl has made some really good points - today has been a bad day and you're feeling low, so its best to leave your email to your supervisor for now.

I also completely agree with reda - you MUST NOT cancel all your social arrangements. I think its very important to take a break every now and again. 3 months is a long time to work flat out - you are much more likley to burn out and not submit if you don't. You must not think of this time as "wasted", it is essential recouperation time. I don't know what your schedule is like at the moment, but try to have at least a few evenings off per week, with a whole day off every now and again.
I will be on your case about this .

Sorry my last post was supposed to be:
An alternative route maybe to try the university complaints system - but it may be fruitless and probably not the best use of your energy...

probably not the best use of your energy if you really do want to finish this (and I think you do!). If you think supervision has been poor, it could be something to think about when you have finished.

Don't give up, I don't think you want to. I think a lot of students think that they are rubbish, and no one really knows as much about their area as they claim.
You can do it!
P.S. try to have fun at the party!

My advice would be, have this meeting with your supervisor and give them a thesis plan. It may not be a pleasant meeting but don't take what they say too much to heart. Too often PhD students feel that their work is some sort of measure of themselves as a person, and any criticism is hard to take. Your thesis is NOT your life, it is just work, and your supervisor is just a boss. Some bosses are worse than others, and yours sounds like so many other successful academics - self-important and rubbish at people management! You don't have to like them, but it's probably just best to grit your teeth and do your best with them.

I'm a bit surprised they were so harsh, ok so its been a long time since you started, but you are doing something now, and you have already written 2 papers! Also, I think 3 months is enough time, my supervisor himself told me he wrote his entire thesis, including doing backround reading, in 4 months. What they said about all the time and effort they and X put into your work is a load of rubbish, that's their job. They got 2 papers out of you, which is more than most PhD students do (at least in my field).

Do you know what the repercussions would be for your supervisor if you don't submit? Although they say it’s not just your decision I would be very surprised if the consequences were not also bad for them. After all, if you do submit at least you have a chance of passing (or getting an MPhil?), but if you don't then you definately fail. In my department a PI is not allowed to supervise another PhD student for a number of years if their student does not submit. To get to my point, could they just be trying to scare you into finishing?

I have just read your other post, and I'm not surprised you're feeling down - your supervisor sounds like a right a*se. Do you have another supervisor that you can speak to, or anyone else who you can show your work to? They don't sound very helpful at all - e.g. refusing to look at draft chapters is not on.