Helps Students with All Issues related to their graduate studies.
Behind Dissertation Strategies is a veteran team of dissertation strategists. While we do charge for our services we are always happy to give you free direction specific to your circumstance. We will set you on the right path.
Call us at 737-403-8273 or Email Us at help@dissertationstrategies.com
By using our website or speaking with us you will learn
WINNING STRATEGIES FOR WRITING A DISSERTATION
- Clarify your topic and scope.
- Develop a detailed outline of every chapter.
- Establish a writing routine
- Draft first, edit later
- Seek feedback early and often
- Use a Dissertation Strategist to get specific and actionable answers.
This is the absolute first step in writing a dissertation, regardless of what program of study you are in. To clarify your topic and scope, you should:
- Begin with a broad research area, then narrow it to a focused topic. This is where connecting with a Dissertation Strategist is the most valuable. When you connect with us from the start, we help you choose the right topic, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward with clarity.
- Perform an initial review of the literature to make sure your topic feasible and unique. Count the number of references you discover.
- Develop your research question(s) and clarify your purpose
- Draft a research proposal outline that includes objectives, questions, and contributions.
Create the foundation for a solid Literature Review
- Conduct a comprehensive and systematic search using multiple academic databases and robust keyword strategies. Consider using a reference manager.
- Identify theoretical frameworks and debates that frame and support your argument.
- Chat with a Dissertation Strategist to understand if your topic is feasible. They will have an experienced understanding of whether your area of interest is properly grounded, helping you avoid potential setbacks from your committee.
What are your concerns?
- Need to discuss your dissertation?
- Need help with scholarly editing?
- Need help with formatting?
- Need to vent about your problematic chair?
- Want to hear our expert opinions of the dissertation process at various online schools?
Develop a detailed outline
Wish to speak with someone about your issues?
- Structure chapters in order
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Methodology
- Results/Findings
- Discussion/Conclusion - Break each chapter into logical subheadings.
- List out all of the main points you’ll cover in the subheading.
- Leave space in the outline for figures, tables, and appendices.
Establish a Writing Routine
Create Writing Goals
- Set daily or weekly word-count targets Make sure it is something you can maintain. Dissertation Strategists suggest a minimum of 300 words per dayt with the ideal target being 500.
Consider Time Management
There are many ways to avoid procrastination. One suggestion is the Pomodoro technique but there are countless others. Just find one and stick with it!
Track Progress
Find a way to monitor what you have accomplished and what is left to complete. Track progress in a Gantt chart or project-management tool (Trello, Asana).
Draft First, Edit Later
Write Simple First Drafts
Draft the most basic straightforward draft you can, not worrying about spelling, usage, or mechanics. Do not self-censor! The idea is to quickly get those points on paper.
Revise Regularly
Schedule a regular time where you go back and revise your rough ideas. Looking at your work on a different day always brings insights. Integrate the revisioning into your time management plan.
Contact a Dissertation Strategist
Seek Feedback Early and Often
- Join or form a writing group to give and receive peer critiques and promote accountability.
- Join or form a writing group for peer critiques and accountability.
- DissertationStrategies.com also readily provides feedback. Just contact us. Our staff has walked 100s of PhDs through the dissertation process to graduation. We will give you feedback before your school does. This can help you progress faster, as professors are more willing to give feedback when less is needed.
- Send chapter drafts to a trusted colleague or mentor before formal submission and ask for feedback.
Manage Stress and Stay Motivated
- Practice self-care (e.g., exercise, mindfulness, or creative hobbies to recharge).
- Reward yourself for hitting targets (e.g., treats, short outings, or a day off).
- Break the project into micro-milestones (e.g., finish one section per week).
