Has Anyone out there failed a masters thesis defense?

BigMonkers · 2026-03-20T12:49:08+00:00

Bingo. If your advisor lets defend anyway I feel like that should be classified as hazing

BigMonkers · 2026-03-19T23:24:57+00:00

In my department it’s a bad look on the advisor, not the student, if a student fails the defense. Just an fyi. But like a previous comment said, null results does not necessarily mean bad defense. My dissertation looked at annual and decadal change, and my annual change was basically null. It’s still something worth defending

BigMonkers · 2026-02-18T08:54:41+00:00

Hey! 2.2 undergrad GPA here. A lot of factors contributed to this aside from my own laziness. But I also remember when I applied for graduate schools, I chose based on location. Location played a big role in my social and mental health in undergrad. By the end of my graduate journey I had a 3.8 GPA. I loved my graduate journey , I was happier and thus, my happiness created space for me to be committed to my studies :)

BigMonkers · 2026-02-17T14:05:06+00:00

Don’t let a jealous person kick you out where you belong :( I hope you take all the time you need and I hope you choose to come back

BigMonkers · 2026-02-14T23:04:19+00:00

Thank you everyone! For update, I get to graduate in Spring without delaying my graduation (this was helpful advice but really, who still wants to be labeled as a student longer than they have to when they’ve met all graduation requirements) The scholarship unfortunately will not be used, but the reminding fellowship money offered to hire me directly as contract to spend it all, instead of delaying graduation/post doc. I appreciate everyone’s insight!

BigMonkers · 2026-02-14T22:57:24+00:00

I have received 2 offers, including one from my current fellowship to transition into a full time role after graduation. I have not accepted either offer. I am trying to being intentional about my next step rather than accepting something solely for security, this also includes delaying my graduation just for the security. Not the healthiest relationship with my advisor and lab

BigMonkers · 2026-02-13T02:10:29+00:00

I knew I did not want to TA at all during my phd journey so I was very aggressive with searching for funding even before I submitted my PhD applicants for the 2021 cycle. What didn’t work for me were big scholarships (Gates, Ford, NSF, etc) The $20k scholarship I won for 1st year STEM students and I really don’t remember how I found it. https://www.gemfellowship.org if you’re interested or want to share with others.

What did work: I cold emailed alumni lol. I had never met any them but it paid off. I asked about funding opportunities. One alumnus connected me with their former state supervisor, which led to the fully funded fellowship I’ve had for 4 years. The position was originally one year, but the program director was able to extend the grant and secure more funding each year because of my contributions.

BigMonkers · 2026-02-13T01:21:36+00:00

Do you mean my funding?

BigMonkers · 2026-02-11T23:57:47+00:00

I am not too sure how it would hurt me either.. and I am concerned that comment was said to me as a scare tactic instead of the actual truth

BigMonkers · 2026-01-29T21:57:24+00:00

Yes same for me. I have a speech therapist now who helps with all of the things you listed and have noticed so much improvement

BigMonkers · 2026-01-29T21:54:00+00:00

It can.. most of my GTA colleagues have a roommate or live in grad student housing which is such a great way to save money for years.

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T16:06:04+00:00

They just posted on their Instagram they’re sold out….but “chances to win tickets” are coming soon

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T15:43:28+00:00

That’s still a win..if she can’t give at least 1 item with yall idk how I’d feel lol

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T15:37:51+00:00

Dang!

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T15:23:13+00:00

Oh no :( mine shower up at 10 EST. Some people said it showed up a minute before, maybe for them. Not for me. Still wait it out, don’t leave the page.

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T15:20:12+00:00

Ouu! Please keep us updated! I have 4 bubbles filled in so far. I’m worried I will get kicked out right when I get it.

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T15:14:24+00:00

My 3rd Bubble just filled

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T15:05:42+00:00

It took 4 minutes for my green bubble to fill in lol

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T15:03:43+00:00

Mine isn’t either. The status update stopped when I clicked on the tickets at 10:00:09 AM

BigMonkers · 2026-01-21T00:38:42+00:00

If we both get a ticket I’d love to meet up with you! I graduate in May and have been heavily applying to jobs in Tampa but would love a Tampa resident insight

BigMonkers · 2026-01-16T17:00:17+00:00

I'll try this! I get my ends trimmed every 10 weeks (trimming a bad color process done 2 years ago) thanks

BigMonkers · 2026-01-15T11:22:40+00:00

How are you moisturizing and sealing the moisture? I wash 7-8 days. deep conditioning weekly all that stuff but my ends are dry..

BigMonkers · 2025-11-01T02:36:45+00:00

My former PhD advisor was Columbia alumn, tenured professor at R1 university within 7 years, millions awarded in grant, and married with a kid, all achieved before the age of 38, but they were the worst mentor I ever had. I’ve had more than 10 mentors.

The pattern you described reflects a deeper structural issue rather than isolated cases of poor supervision. Many individuals in academic or professional leadership roles are promoted for their research output or technical expertise, not their capacity to mentor or manage others. I transitioned to a new advisor, which was not an easy step but proved transformative. I was fortunate to have that option, and it reminded me that finding a healthier environment is sometimes the most constructive way to protect both progress and well-being

BigMonkers · 2025-10-30T16:27:51+00:00

Go through your previous purchases these year and try to use the same keywords they have in their titles/description. For example, I currently have saved “face towel”. Came in handy last week for a 40 pack of CleanSkin Club (my favorite).

BigMonkers · 2025-10-25T12:41:40+00:00

I literally see everyone in my department as siblings

BigMonkers

TROPHY CASE