Navigating Post-Submission Concerns: How Formatting Mistakes Could Impact Your Graduation
Recently, I submitted my master’s thesis, but shortly afterward, I became aware of some formatting issues that could potentially jeopardize my graduation prospects. The core content of my thesis is solid—I invested considerable effort into ensuring its accuracy and depth. However, certain last-minute mistakes in formatting have raised concerns.
One significant error involved the table of contents: I inadvertently listed a subsection as 1.3.2 instead of 1.3.1, despite the sections being numbered correctly within the main document. This discrepancy occurred because the TOC did not update automatically, and I rushed through the formatting just before the submission deadline. Additionally, in the references section, I neglected to italicize titles appropriately and made a typo in another entry. These are seemingly minor errors but could be viewed as negligence during review.
My anxiety is mounting because I’m unsure whether these mistakes could lead to rejection or delay my graduation. At this stage, it’s too late to submit corrections, and I worry about the implications. Managing this stress is especially challenging given my ADHD, which makes meticulous focus difficult under pressure.
I’ve poured months of hard work into my thesis. For me, graduating next week is not just about a degree—it’s about moving forward in life at 25 years old. The thought of not graduating on time feels overwhelming, but I remain hopeful that the core of my work will outweigh these formatting imperfections.
To anyone in a similar situation: remember, perfection isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, the effort and intent matter most. Stay focused, advocate for yourself, and keep pushing forward.