How to Avoid a Dissertation Train Wreck: A Few Helpful Tips

Prepare

Make sure you know your deadlines.

Create a work schedule (6:00 – 18:00); evenings and weekends off, how best do you work shorter days less hours more days.  It all depends on how you work best.

Outline of analyses (minimize data exploration).

Working

Ask other students in the same field their opinion. Edit your dissertation in progress along with your dissertation chair.  Feedback is very important.

One chapter at a time and start with the chapter most completed.

Isolate yourself but take walks get out of the house and breathe.

A Note On a Done Dissertation

If changes are required by the committee do not fight them on it just make the changes, you can always remove them before it’s published.

A finished dissertation is a done dissertation.

You can use parts of your finished dissertation for employment.

Finishing

Plan for a month from final submission and defending your dissertation.

Make sure you are not waiting until the last minute to print, bind and submit for the final review before defending your dissertation. Be prepared and...

Good luck!

Bearla International Studies

Elizabeth Koukladas Director