Overcoming Anxiety Post-Thesis Submission: Navigating Final Formatting Corrections
Submitting your master’s thesis is a significant milestone, but it’s common to discover errors afterward. Recently, I completed my thesis and, within days, I noticed a few issues that have me questioning whether they could jeopardize my graduation.
One of the main issues I found was related to formatting inconsistencies. For example, in the table of contents, the numbering jumped from 1.3 to 1.3.2 instead of 1.3.1, despite the actual section being correctly numbered. It appears that the TOC didn’t update properly. Additionally, in the references section, I omitted italics on a title and made a typo on another citation. These might seem minor, but I worry whether such mistakes could be grounds for rejection.
The core content of my thesis is solid — I dedicated the most effort there. Unfortunately, these small formatting errors were rushed through just hours before my deadline, which is not an excuse but a reflection of how stressful last-minute work can be. Now, with the deadline just around the corner, I feel overwhelmed and anxious. Sending corrections now isn’t an option, and I can’t help but worry about how this might affect my graduation.
As someone with ADHD, maintaining focus has always been challenging, especially under pressure. I’ve poured so much into this project — it represents years of dedication. Failing to graduate next week could have serious consequences for my life at 25, and the thought is terrifying.
If you’re in a similar position, know that many students face last-minute hurdles, and perfection isn’t always achievable. Sometimes, addressing these concerns with your advisors or university officials might be possible even after submission. Remember, your efforts and hard work still hold immense value, and setbacks don’t define your future.
Stay strong, stay focused, and don’t lose hope. You’ve come this far — last-minute errors don’t erase your achievements.