Addressing Post-Submission Mistakes in Your Master’s Thesis: What You Need to Know
Submitting your master’s thesis is a significant milestone, often accompanied by a rush of emotions—relief, pride, and sometimes, anxiety. Recently, after submitting my thesis, I discovered some formatting oversights that are causing me considerable concern. I wanted to share my experience in hopes of providing insight and reassurance to others facing similar situations.
During my review, I identified a few formatting errors that I hadn’t noticed before. For instance, in the table of contents, the numbering skipped from 1.3 directly to 1.3.2 instead of 1.3.1, despite the actual section being correctly numbered within the document. This inconsistency appears to stem from the Table of Contents not updating automatically after changes. Additionally, in the references section, I neglected to italicize a title and made a typo in another citation.
My main worry is whether these technical errors could jeopardize my graduation. The core content of my thesis is near perfection—thanks to my focused efforts—yet these formatting mistakes happened in the final hours before submission, when I was pressed for time. Naturally, I am now in a state of panic, especially since it’s late to send in corrections.
For those with ADHD or similar challenges, staying attentive during final revisions can be particularly difficult, which adds another layer of stress. I’ve poured a great deal of hard work into this project, and my future depends heavily on this milestone. I’m 25 years old, and I’m eager to progress with my life, so the thought of not graduating is overwhelming.
To anyone in a similar position: While mistakes feel overwhelming now, they are often repairable or may not be as critical as they seem. It’s essential to consult with your university’s regulations or talk to your advisor about your concerns. Ultimately, your research and understanding matter most, and minor formatting errors usually do not define your academic success. Keep calm, and trust in the effort you’ve invested.