Me too 404, which is why I think I am more hesitant. Like you Chrisrollinski, I am not fishing for sympathy or being falsely modest. More like a 'don't count your chickens' situation.

I know my supervisor failed someone in their Masters viva when he was an external, although there did seem to be good reason. I stupidly asked him after saying that I was scared about failing my viva. That will teach me to ask daft questions!

I am an 'If I pass' person and it is driving people mad at the moment! I don't personally think I can take passing for granted. Saying that, I am more of a glass is half empty person anyway.

I will definitely hang around. I have found advice from post PhDers invaluable (e.g. Ann, Kronkondile, DJWickid) and hope that maybe I can 'repay' some of the help I have received. Maybe it is more on my mind since I am so very close (agh) to the viva.

Also, I do think that many of the issues discussed can be more broadly applied to research so would be relevant post-doc. I am sure I will still learn from current PhD students and others IF I pass!

It's great!

No worries. Hope you get a response soon.

Yes. I did this with my first chapter and my supervisor was fine about it. We had a chat about why I was finding it so difficult and renegotiated the deadline. I felt guilty but it was all ok honestly.

You have emailed him now, and he will appreciate that. In my opinion it is better to be honest now and admit it might not happen than simply not send it and pretend to ignore the deadline (I know people who have done this with work stuff!) Hope all goes well and try not to give yourself a hard time (from someone who does the same!)

I will be going also. I will be graduating in summer if (a big if), I pass my viva next week. The Uni has already started sorting this and asking if I am going which just feels weird to me at the moment. I want a hat too, having been deprived for both my undergrad and masters degrees.

Hi 404

Thanks for remembering. Real one is Monday, I am in serious panic mode now. Feel like I don't know anything and my brain is complete mush.

Mock was ok. My supervisor said I did okay and was able to talk arund the topic. I felt like I was completely incoherent though and as if I did not make any sense.

I have another practice with someone on Friday (was supposed to be Monday) so hopefully that will help.

Thanks!

Have fun Tricky and Dazed, you will have a great time. I would opt for the smart / casual thing too. I would not wear jeans personally but my conferences are usually attended by medics and other health professionals so possibly quite different.

I am not expert either but I have to agree, that does sound out of order to me. I do think you should have been asked to contribute to a paper based on your findings, it sounds very odd. Is there anyone at your Uni you could ask about this? Other PhD students or another supervisor?

Pink neuron, it is not all doom and gloom honest! I love this place because I can moan about things that are getting me down but equally, there are loads of things I love about my PhD. I do actually have a great supervisor and I realise how lucky I am. I have learnt so much from doing the PhD and overall, it has been a positive experience.

I am sure you will be fine. I frequently still don't feel 'clever' enough to do a PhD but have come to the conclusion that so much of a Phd is actually about being motivated to keep going, even when it is tough.

Good luck.

Agh, how annoying. I love books and could never do that to my own let alone public ones.

Lots of water for rehydration and someting yummy perhaps?

Congratulations on the dream job Vagabond, that is great news.

I hope you receive the contract soon and that your supervisors don't give you a hard time.

Thank God, I am not alone! I do both the list thing and also using academic words in normal conversation. I can't think of an example off hand sadly! I love the 'significant' and 'membership of a sub-culture' examples.