Has anyone ever failed a defense when their adviser felt that they were ready?
I didn't get the nervousness of the defense. I was nervous about doing something embarrassing, but not actually of passing.
I didn't get the nervousness of the defense. I was nervous about doing something embarrassing, but not actually of passing.
From what I have seen, it is more common for people to simply quit their PhD candidacy once they form their PhD committee, because the committee members will ask for a soul crushing extra amount of work before the defense (happened to two friends of mine).
As far as I'm aware, defenses at most institutions are formalities. Your adviser has already decided you're done and its just the bureaucracy. Some places don't even have defenses (I don't think Berkley does, at least the chemistry department).