I find it unusual to have a student with an announced go-solo
As unusual as it may be, it has happened to me. I was a nervous student to start with and my instructor told me that, although it isn't normally done, we will plan 1 or 2 possible first solo dates in advance. I even managed to decline the first one that was finally offered and told the perplexed instructor to "stay with ships". Soloed 5 weeks later and what a great day it was!