Graduate student comments about the thesis exam and related topics
It's strongly recommended that you hold a thesis committee meeting as soon as you think your research is complete or nearly so. Ask your committee if you have the makings of a thesis.
As usual, the best advice in writing a thesis is to get things done early, communicate clearly with your committee and beware of presenting surprises late in the process. They can be deadly.
Prior to your thesis exam, each committee member should receive a semi-final draft of your thesis. . . semi-final in the sense that comments and changes often result from your thesis exam and should be incorporated in the final draft as appropriate.
Your thesis exam is a lot like your qualifying exam. The same variability is seen in duration and substance.
From time to time, students are asked to repeat their thesis exams the following year . . . yes, it really happens
Check with the OEB administration for the exact deadlines for this whole ordeal . . . they're quite important - the bound thesis deadline is NOT flexible.
Paper: Crane's Thesis paper is no longer required for final thesis, but paper must be highquality and at least 16 pounds in substance.
A word about binding. . .give yourself plenty of time. The cost for two week service is about $25 and one day service is $250!