For the past several days of working 18 hours a day literally drove me crazy. I submitted a preliminary report which have been regarded as an 'improved' one, but not good enough. I can concentrate no more. But I have to improve, as on this depends my studentship! How can I keep going, all the energy has been sucked out of me!

My supervisor is now taking what looks like a hands off approach . Why can't he understand that this as much as I can do by myself. What can I do? What should I do? I am in serious short of time as well...:-(:-(

Prelim report for what? Have you got their opinion on where it needs to improve? Who's opinion is it that the report is not good enough? How much time have you got?

This is actually the preliminary report for my upgrade. I have yet got 72 hours left. I have got some comments on how to improve and have worked my best on them. But there still are some areas that need to be worked on, though I am at a loss how can I do them. I have a guideline for the research protocol, but I am not sure I have done enough. Do any of you have any clear idea about what to be included in a research protocol?

Answer the questions: "what, where, when, why and how" for every point you can think of in your explanations.  Anticipate questions. Be objective (that is to say put yourself in a different frame of mind and then attack your work ruthlessly, identify weakness and then correct or explain)  Speculate within reason and most of all, make sure your rationale for everything is water tight.

Any good for you?

Thanks hypothesis. It was really useful. But I didn't meet my deadline and am too afraid to call my supervisor :-( I have an idea about what to do next, but not a concrete plan. Wish me luck!

You seriously need to recharge your batteries - school be damned. If you fall apart completely you will really be in hardship. Go out - have fun - blow off steam. get to a pub and get fall down stupored.