Hi All, I have just had the feedback on my draft thesis and I've been told I should be ready to submit in 2-3 weeks. I would be elated if I really believed it could happen in this time, it seems like there is so much left to do! I'm plagued by self doubt: Is it original enough? Was my analysis robust enough? etc. Because I don't think I'll achieve it in this time, I'm procrastinating, which is bad I know! Also I work full time and I'm finding it hard to find the time and energy for the PhD in the evenings and weekends. I feel like I've given up my life for so long for this, I want it back! But I know I have to knuckle down if I'm ever going to get to the end!
Just wondered if there is anyone out there in a similar position? Or if you have already submitted, what were the last few weeks like? How did you make it through?

WritingUp - I have been told by my supervisor that I could complete before January - but I envision taking until March, what with all the stuff I still have left to do. It is crazy. But I have been told by friends who have completed that one day it suddenly all comes together and you have a thesis ready to submit. Good luck - can you tell me what sorts of things they have told you, you need to do to get it ready to submit?

Hi Hillyg, many thanks for your reply. I've been told quite a few different things I need to do, some of them are more analysis of my findings in one area (!), perhaps looking at a theorist I did not cover (!), and writing more about what my research says about the usefulness of the theories I used. I am also going through and checking my references, page numbers for quotes etc, which is taking ages, and I need to do proof-reading, I keep finding so many mistakes! Good luck with submitting, are you tempted to try and hand it in before Xmas?

I am due to submit soon - December 22 to be precise. I still don't have a full first draft - half way through last chapter now. Half of my thesis has been published and I am allowed to put those papers in as chapters unchanged, so half is polished and won't need changing. I don't think I will get finished by Christmas though.

I expect the whole checking, references, formatting, printing etc. will take longer than I think it will too.

I find my Mum is good at proofreading and checking references. She has no idea what she is reading, but arm her with a red pen and she is fantastic at spotting errors - especially commas. She is even happy reading reference lists and checking they are all formatted the same...also good at making cakes to keep me motivated!

I would love to hand in before Xmas but I know it won't happen. I am working hard at the moment but there is so much still to do - including some serious textual analysis for a 5000 word section of my third chapter. That said I think it is coming together, just not fast enough. Am trying to finish first of three sections of my lit review today - but slow progress. and a reading list as long as my arm to track down when i re-draft!

I've just decided that I won't be able to submit before Xmas without having a nervous breakdown! I sat down with my diary and what I need to do and worked out that I just don't have enough days in between teaching etc. I'm going to make all my changes before Xmas and then proof-read in the first week after Xmas. As long as submit before term starts in Jan I'll be happy.

I hate moving deadlines! But I suppose its better than submitting without having time to proof-read!