Navigating Post-Submission Concerns: Overcoming Formatting Errors in Your Master’s Thesis
Submitting your master’s thesis is a significant milestone, yet it’s natural to feel anxious about the final details after hitting “submit.” Recently, I completed my thesis and, upon review, discovered a few minor formatting issues that have me worried about the impact on my graduation prospects.
One of the main problems was with the table of contents. Despite correctly numbering sections within the document, the TOC did not update accordingly—specifically, jumping from 1.3 to 1.3.2 instead of 1.3.1. Additionally, I overlooked formatting guidelines in the references section: one entry lacked italics for the title, and another contained a typo. These mistakes were made in a rush just hours before the deadline, which has left me feeling quite overwhelmed.
My primary concern is whether such minor errors could jeopardize my chances of graduating next week. The core content of my work is solid; I dedicated the majority of my focus there. However, my haste in finalizing the document led to these oversights. As someone with ADHD, maintaining focus during intense work sessions is especially challenging, which may have contributed to this situation.
At this point, it’s late to send corrections, and I’m feeling quite anxious about the consequences. The truth is, I’ve worked incredibly hard on this project, and graduating is crucial for my future—I’m 25 and eager to move forward with my life. If I don’t graduate soon, I worry about having to delay my plans.
While these concerns are valid, it’s important to remember that minor formatting errors often don’t outweigh the quality of your research and analysis. Many institutions understand that perfection in formatting isn’t always possible under pressure. If your core content remains strong, there’s a good chance your graduation outcome won’t be affected.
For anyone facing similar stress after submitting important work, the key is to stay calm, review your options, and communicate proactively with your advisors or department if needed. Remember, perseverance is vital, and one setback doesn’t define your success. Keep moving forward—your goals are still within reach.