Hi all,
Today is a black day for me as I was told that I had failed my 1st year viva. They also told me that I cannot qualify for an MPhil as I haven't generated a lot of data.

I am an international student and after investing time + money + effort in PhD, I am being asked to leave with nothing!

I don't understand why my supervisor didn't give me a clue! I am so depressed and shocked. I was wondering if it's possible to ask my super about doing an MPhil for another 2 years to generate enough data to defend an MPhil thesis? Any suggestions will be welcome guys! I need that. Please advise.
Thanks!

Hi Kubaff,

After a long battle, the first thing that I learnt is to never think that you are bothering your supervisor. They are there to guide you through your project especially during your initial months. Later on, you will become more independent. Since you are only 5 months into your project, it is very important that you ask for any help. Another thing is you can ask others for help. It's not that you're bound to your super. You have the free will to consult anyone. I don't know if your super will approve you talking to other PIs, but you can surely ask post-docs or 3rd year PhD students for clarification. Trust me it is better to ask than to wait and watch your PhD become a mess. I regret not asking my super for certain things. I was scared and tried to google every question that I had.. It does no one harm by being open with your super.
Good luck!!

Hi everyone,
Just some concerns that I have had..
1. I am 10 months into my Phd so am a 1st year still. I have a tough advisor and my supervisor is okay.
I have only done western blots showing protein interactions so far. My viva is in less than 1.5 months and my continuation report is due in 2 weeks!!! I asked my supervisor if the number of results that I am showing in my report is sufficient, because I will be quizzed in my viva about the lack of experiments. He shrugged it off.. So here I am week after week repeating nonsense.
2. My background knowledge isn't great and I am in fear of failing my viva. This means I will have to leave before my 2nd year. It is shameful you know!
3. All 1st year students are expected to know their project inside out. My problem is my supervisor will not communicate. I have asked him several times about things and he won't give me a straight answer. He's so reserved - I'm intimidated by him.
Plus I have to give a talk about my research in 2 weeks in front of a considerable scientific audience. I am scared and depressed.
I sometimes feel that this isn't the right career choice for me. I don't want to quit. I am so scared of failing the viva. Any tips/advice/help?
Thanks!!

PS: Sorry for the long post.