How I Successfully Wrote And Defended A Thesis In Two Months

So I know that I usually write about how to cook frozen chicken in your instant pot, but today I wanted to talk about something that I have been getting a lot of questions about... defending a thesis. 

On November 25, 2019, I successfully defended my Master's thesis.
I can honestly say that it was the most terrifying thing I had ever done. 
Looking back, I realize that there are a lot of things that I could have done differently AND there were a lot of things that I would recommend to others in the same boat.
This post is a summary of tips and suggested timelines for those of you who are planning on defending soon and can't seem to put "pen to paper" when it comes to writing your thesis. 

Now, if you're not a procrastinator (like I am) then you can give your timeline a little extra time in each section, but this is roughly how I structured my last two months prior to my thesis for writing and presentation preparation. 

Writing a thesis in two months is an ambitious goal, but it can be achievable with careful planning and dedication. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you approach this task efficiently:

Prep: Research and Planning

(This should have preferably been done prior to the two month timeline.)
  1. Select a Topic:

    • Choose a topic that interests you and is feasible within the given timeframe. A lot of my colleagues tried to bite off more than they can chew so to speak. Thus, keeping your topic attainable and concise.
  2. Define Research Questions and Objectives:

    • Clearly outline the questions your thesis will address and the objectives it aims to achieve.
  3. Conduct Literature Review:

    • Review relevant literature to understand existing research and identify gaps in the field. This is something that should be built up. Get as many articles as you can that relate to your interested topic.
  4. Create an Outline:

    • Develop a detailed outline for your thesis, including chapters, sections, and key points.

Month 1: Data Collection and Analysis

  1. Collect Data:

    • If your thesis involves data collection, start gathering and organizing your data promptly. The earlier the better. This part sometimes takes a lot of trial and error so jump in ASAP.
  2. Data Analysis:

    • Begin analyzing your data as soon as possible. Consider using appropriate software for statistical analysis.
  3. Write Methods and Results Chapters:

    • While the data is being analyzed, start writing the methods and results sections of your thesis. This is the best tactic since you are actively doing your methods during this time.

Month 2: Writing and Revision

  1. Write Remaining Chapters:

    • Utilize your outline to guide the writing process. Complete the introduction, literature review, discussion, and conclusion chapters. A good way to set up your outline is to find an article in your literature review that is most similar to your project and base the structure for your thesis on it.
  2. Daily Writing Sessions:

    • Dedicate specific time each day for writing. This consistency is crucial for making progress!
  3. Seek Feedback:

    • Share your work with peers, advisors, or mentors for feedback. Use their input to improve your thesis. If you work closely with your advisor, send them regular updates and request feedback. Do not overwhelm them with your full thesis at once. Hand them short chapters or sections at a time.
  4. Revise and Edit:

    • Review your thesis for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Edit for grammar and style.
  5. Finalize Citations and References:

    • Ensure that all citations are accurate and properly formatted according to the required citation style.
  6. Proofread:

    • Carefully proofread your thesis for any errors. Consider asking someone else to review it as well.
  7. Submit Drafts to Advisor:

    • Submit draft versions to your advisor for feedback. Revise accordingly.
  8. Finalize Formatting:

    • Format your thesis according to the guidelines provided by your institution.

Additional Tips:

  • Stay Focused:

    • Minimize distractions during your dedicated writing time. Consider using productivity techniques like the Pomodoro technique.
  • Stay Healthy:

    • Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise, and breaks to maintain productivity.
  • Utilize Writing Resources:

    • Take advantage of writing resources, such as writing workshops, guides, and support services provided by your institution.

Remember, flexibility is essential, and unexpected challenges may arise. Adjust your plan as needed, but try to stay on track. Good luck with your thesis!




Below is an example of a weekly breakdown that I used to help keep myself accountable and on track.

Prep: Research and Planning

Weeks 1-2: Topic Selection and Research Questions

    • Choose a topic and refine your research questions.
    • Begin a preliminary literature review to identify existing research.
    • Finalize your research questions.
    • Dive deeper into the literature and start building a bibliography.

Weeks 3-4: In-Depth Literature Review and Outline

    • Conduct an in-depth literature review, noting key concepts and methodologies.
    • Begin outlining your thesis structure.
    • Finalize and expand your thesis outline.

Month 1: Data Collection and Analysis

Weeks 5-6: Data Collection

    • If your thesis involves data collection, start the process.
    • Begin organizing collected data.
    • Continue data collection and start initial data analysis.

Weeks 7-8: Data Analysis and Writing

    • Analyze collected data. Write the methods and results sections.
    • Continue data analysis. Start drafting other sections of your thesis.

Month 2: Writing and Revision

Weeks 9-10: Writing and Feedback

    • Dedicate focused writing sessions. Aim to complete at least one chapter per week.
    • Share your work with peers or mentors for initial feedback. Ensure all sections flow logically.

Weeks 11-12: Finalization and Submission

    • Revise, review and finalize your thesis.
    • Seek additional feedback from advisors.
    • Finalize formatting according to institutional guidelines.
    • Submit your completed Master's thesis.

Good luck and remember that this is a general outline. Feel free to adjust based on your needs.



Comments

  1. You alsay 2 months but there are 12 weeks 3 months.

    ReplyDelete

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