Overcoming Anxiety Over Thesis Submission: Navigating Post-Deadline Mistakes and Their Impact
Submitting a master’s thesis is a pivotal moment in any graduate student’s journey, often accompanied by a wave of relief, pride, and sometimes, last-minute anxieties. Recently, I finalized my thesis and submitted it just a few days ago. While I was confident in the quality of my research and writing, I’ve since become acutely aware of some formatting oversights.
One notable issue is with the table of contents. Due to a last-minute update glitch, the section numbering jumps unexpectedly—from 1.3 directly to 1.3.2—skipping over 1.3.1, despite having correctly numbered the sections within the document itself. This discrepancy appears to be an editing oversight that wasn’t captured when I finalized the TOC.
In addition, I overlooked some details in the references. Specifically, I failed to italicize the titles of certain works and, in one case, introduced a typo. These might seem minor to some, but I worry about how such errors could influence the overall perception of my work, especially at this critical stage.
My biggest concern is whether these errors could jeopardize my graduation. The core content of my thesis is solid—I concentrated most of my effort there. Unfortunately, the formatting mistakes were due to rushing in the final hours before the deadline. Given that it’s now too late to submit corrections, I find myself overwhelmed with anxiety.
For context, I have ADHD, which makes focusing on complex tasks particularly challenging, especially under pressure. The effort I invested in this thesis is immense, and the thought of not graduating next week feels devastating. I’m 25 years old and eager to move forward with my life and career, so the stakes feel incredibly high.
To anyone out there going through a similar experience—remember, perfection is elusive, especially under pressure. While attention to detail is important, it’s vital to recognize the value of the hard work you’ve put in. If you’re feeling anxious about errors, consider seeking support from advisors or peers who can offer reassurance and guidance. Ultimately, your dedication and perseverance matter far more than a few formatting glitches.
Stay strong, and trust in the effort you’ve made. Graduation may not be perfect, but it’s a milestone worth celebrating.