For those of you applying for graduation and getting ready to set defense dates, I thought I would resource an article from last spring from the Chronicle of Higher Education: So You’re Defending Your Dissertation Tomorrow! The author, Gina Barreca, states, “You’ve already won this race; now there’s nothing to do but enjoy the scenery as you cross the finish line.”
Some additional suggestions:
- Wear comfy clothing.
- Remember you have EARNED the right to be considered the expert in the room.
- Bring water. People staring at you = dry mouth.
- Remember that part of what happens during the defense has more to do with the personalities of the faculty that you.
- It will be over before you know it!
