Hi,

I have my first year CASE PhD oral exam tomorrow and I'm really worried about it. I'm not sure what can happen as a result, my supervisor is not giving much away. I submitted my first year thesis in November and have been assured that it's fine by my supervisor. I've heard so many stories about these first year oral's, stories ranging from "it was fine" to "they told me my PhD was over there and then".

I'm a naturally nervous public speaker at the best of times. I'm just wondering, what are the consequences are of this oral exam - keeping in mind my written report has already been approved?

Thanks,
ep.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

Will do. I'm a bag of nerves already - dreading tomorrow! :0(

Well I passed

I was a nervous wreck during the presentation, and my supervisor after the presentation advised me to stop clicking my pen when talking - a nervous thing!

The oral exam that followed the presentation was HARD! I couldn't answer all the questions, but after the 45 minute interrogation they offered me advice on where to go from here and what areas I need increase my knowledge of. To be honest it was an enlightening afternoon. I hadn’t really identified my own weaknesses until now - today did that for me!

Finally they thanked me for my time and complemented my performance (apart from the clicking pen).

Bring on the actual viva.............. NOT