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Original poster

I can't write my Masters dissertation and it's due in 2 weeks, in despair over it

180 replies

StupendouslyStupid · 23/08/2019 20:05

It's due in 2 weeks from Monday, I just can't do it.

I feel as though I know what I want to say, but can't get it down on paper. I have awful brain fog and tiredness from juggling a health condition that they know about, but don't think now that a week's extension would make any difference at all. They don't give more than 1 week.

What should I do? I'm confused because I think if I asked to defer, I couldn't just effectively become a part timer and submit next year in September 2020. I think I'd have to formally take the whole year out, then come back?

I don't know though. I'm torn between psyching myself up to push for deferring or just writing something as best I can and hoping it passes.

But don't think it will pass Sad and my whole Masters will be dragged down by a scraped pass even if it did.

I just don't know what to do, I'm so tired and stressed, just want to sleep and feel well.

OP posts:
belle40 · 23/08/2019 20:17

Hello OP. I don't know if it helps but when I'm struggling is to write against a timer. For example, in 45 minute sections. I often find thoughts are coming and the flow of writing has started. Before you start, can you section the work and spend an hour making bullet points for each section. It may be worth spending a greater proportion of your time on the sections with greatest weighting. Turn your phone onto flight mode so you are not disturbed. Good Luck!

Amortentia · 23/08/2019 20:16

I’d ask for the extension, you could do it in three weeks. What is the word limit? The best way to tackle a large project like this is to break it in to chunks. Don’t look it as an entire piece until near the end.

  1. Plan out sections - then do subsections.
  2. Try and write an outline for each section.
3 think about the introduction- do an outline of everything that the who,e piece should cover and should be spelled out in into.
  1. When you are really tired fix the layout and do the references, you will be shattered by the end so if you have this finished in advance you will cry tears of joy.
5 set time goals, sit and write for two hours then get up and do something else. Come back later and either write for another 2 hours or edit what you have already.
  1. Remember a good thesis is a finished thesis. Do the best you can, take each day as it comes.

Good luck.

Apolloanddaphne · 23/08/2019 20:16

Have you written anything yet? How many words are we talking?

Tryingtogetitright · 23/08/2019 20:12

You poor thing. Maybe don't make a decision on deferring yet. You sound lile you're panicking and looking for a quick fix.

I think you just need to start writing ideas down on a plain piece of paper (set a timer for 3 mins as the pressure might help you focus). Then just start. It's because it's so huge it seems daunting but (and this is my Dad's saying), just take one bite of the elephant... then you've started. Very best of luck.

Original poster
StupendouslyStupid · 23/08/2019 20:09

Sorry defer prob wrong word in this context, head full of A levels students making uni choices. What I mean is if they even let me take a break I think I'd have to take a full year so basically delay everything by 2 years not 1. I don't think I could re join next year.

OP posts: