It's very interesting. Some would argue that the struggling and difficulties are part of the PhD/self development process.

But on the other hand, if universities want higher completion rates...

Thanks all - this is helpful.

I agree with the engineer. Later, you will look back on the rejection and how you persevered and gain strength from it. Good luck with the remaining ones. How many did you put in?

This question sounds so weird that I keep not posting it although I really want to ask it! So there are no modules on my PhD... there are milestones instead, and hopefully papers, etc to come out of my research. So how do people...erm learn... or maybe I thinking more about how does one document their learning? So for example, I'm wanting to get to grasps with a particular topic... it may or may not go directly into the thesis or a paper... Do you write notes and prepare some materials that can be returned to later? Much the same as at undergrad? Or do I only write when it is going to go into the thesis? Do I just read now? It just feels like something is missing and like the potential sources are infinite (when to stop reading!). And the notes I am producing seem a bit random, like they're a drop in the ocean of what I should know. I don't know if this makes any sense. If it does to you and you're a seasoned PhD student, please reply!

By the way, I'd love to hear more about your experience of doing a PhD over the past 5 years. I think you've identified a key need there - although I'm sure that not everyone would agree. I guess there is the role of the academic advisor in the UK, and then the counselling services. I guess it'd be a combination of those two resources.

super interesting...!

no viva?!!

Good luck!

Objective terms is a good idea. I think I'll do that in the thesis and use "our" in the paper version. Cheers all.

That's super interesting - what do you think accounts for those vastly different attrition rates? Also, any idea how the UK compares?

Hi - it was fine... cheers guys

Thanks both. I'll come back next week and let you know how it was!

Hi all
I'm a few months into my first year and have done my literature report (well - started it... and submitted something of it). My sups want to give me a viva style feedback session in a week. I'm not sure what kinds of questions they'll be asking, given that I haven't done any actual work yet beyond the literature review (which is a bit patchy as well given that I'm only 3 months in)? I thought the session was an opportunity for them to give me feedback on what I've written - but viva style?! Any advice/suggestions/links would be appreciated.
Cheers!

Hi Patchi
Sorry to hear you're going through a hard patch. But good that you know it's a phase and it'll pass (:
How about suggesting a coffee with one of the postdocs you're friendly with? Also have you tried attending events that are specific to postgraduate students? There you can meet more like-minded people and might develop some new contacts that are also looking for a bit of social stimulation to keep them going. I sometimes just ask people I meet once or twice at postgrad seminars etc at my uni if they wanna stay in touch or do coffee sometime - and usually the response is positive!
Good luck!

Hi Kat, I agree with pd1598 - try to move forward as quickly as possible rather than dwelling on it. Stuff happens - people can abuse their power when in an equal relationship (even when it is only a working relationship - never mind when personal issues get involved). Hope you can quickly move on and good luck with finding another project or submitting your proposal elsewhere.