Excerpts from Dr. Wendy Carter's October, 2006 FinishLine Newsletter article:
At TADA! Thesis and Dissertation Accomplished™ we believe
that a good thesis is a DONE thesis. TA-DA!™ provides
you with the tools to make that happen.
Effective time management Is the Key
The biggest misconception about finishing
a thesis is the belief that writing is the key
component to completion. The real key
to finishing is effective time management. This is particularly
true given the fact that, for most students, writing the document
must be completed in tandem with numerous other important tasks,
such as preparing for the job market; moving to or starting a new
job; preparing for graduation; or working a full-time job.
If time-management
is not your forte, let the TA-DA!™ program help you manage,
structure, and organize your time to maximize your efforts.
Tips to Keep You on Track to Finishing Your Thesis
Regardless of what stage you are at in
completing your thesis, the following tips are
designed to help keep you going when you feel you simply can’t
write anymore.
1. Transfer important semester
deadlines to your TA-DA! Calendar.
Missing some of these
deadlines can cost you time and money.
2. Get a copy of the format manual.
Colleges
and universities often have a book or brochure that provides information
on the required format of all theses and dissertations. The manual
includes detailed specifications for margins, page number locations,
minimal font size, spacing and a host of other formatting rules.
Pick up a format manual from your graduate school office/secretary,
or download it from your university’s website.
3. Get your hands on ‘Depositing
and Defending’ guidelines and deadline materials.
Again,
these documents are typically available through your graduate
school office/secretary, or from your university’s website.
4. Do some field research.
Visit
the library and look at other theses or dissertations in your field.
Make a note of how many chapters they contain, and be on the lookout
for those in which your advisor served on the committee.
If you find a thesis on a topic similar to yours,
be sure to photocopy the bibliography.
5. Nail down your thesis format
requirements.
You’ve
already gotten yourself a copy; now thoroughly review the format
manual and become familiar with all of its contents. These requirements
are not “optional,” so be sure you get them right the
first time. Begin formatting your proposal and by creating
a format template that reflects all of the requirements.
6. Have the tools you need in
place.
Making sure that you have – and have ready – tools
such as your methods journal, binder, and the correct software
settings. Being prepared will make your path much easier!
7. Create your title page.
Be
sure to set it up according to the format requirements!
8. Complete your approval page.
Remember:
every committee member will sign this, so it’s important!
Again, be sure to set it up according to format requirements.
9. Develop your abstract. Even
if you have only the energy to write the word “Abstract” on
the page, do it. It will help as a page reminder that you still
have to create an abstract.
10. Produce your “Dedication
and Acknowledgements” page.
This is your opportunity
to thank your best friends and family for supporting you! Completing
this page might even inspire you, and rekindle the energy you
need to continue moving your thesis forward.
Wendy Y. Carter, Ph.D.
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