"Opus" wrote...

[...]

Is there no second chance?

Well.... for exams, sort of. Typically, a PhD in history requires four
exams. One in your "major" field, and three in minors. In most unis, the
major field exam can be repeated once. The minor field exams are a bit
trickier. Some people try to skate by without the cramming for the minor
exams, 'cuz they're not as "deep" into the literature. Because of this, some
unis are hesitant to give a second chance on minor exams. Sort of a "force
you to study the first time" thing, I guess.

As to the diss., I honestly don't know. I suppose you could change or modify
something to gain acceptance, or perhaps start over, but most folks have
poured the better part of five (or more) years into researching and writing
their diss. I'd imagine that it would be pretty tough to take if it were not
accepted. I don't know how someone would bounce back mentally to write
another.

Dan