When I first signed up to write an honors thesis, I thought I knew what I was getting into. I’d taken plenty of writing-intensive courses, done research before, and figured this would just be a longer, more formal version of past projects. I was wrong.
Writing a thesis is not just an academic assignment—it’s a full-on journey. It’s challenging, exciting, frustrating, rewarding, and deeply personal. Now that I’m on the other side, I want to offer a few pieces of real advice you won’t always hear in the info sessions. If you’re beginning your thesis soon, here’s what I wish someone had told me.
Don’t Pick the “Smart” Topic—Pick the Right One
You’ll be working on your thesis for a long time. That means reading dozens of sources, writing and rewriting sections, and talking about your topic constantly. If you’re not deeply invested in what you’re researching, it will show—and it will burn you out.
Your topic doesn’t need to be trendy or perfectly aligned with your major. It needs to matter to you. I wrote about campus antisemitism and progressive politics, a topic that was difficult, messy, and sometimes emotionally draining—but I cared enough to keep going even when it got uncomfortable. That’s what made the difference.
There’s No Perfect Starting Point
Some people walk into V491 with a fully-formed research question. Others only have a vague idea. Either way, don’t panic.
The early part of the process is supposed to be messy. You’ll explore, shift focus, maybe even scrap your first idea. That’s not failure—it’s refinement. Be patient and let your project evolve naturally. You’ll be surprised by where it leads you.
The Right Advisor Makes All the Difference
The best advisor is someone who not only understands your topic but also gets how you work. Some students need frequent check-ins. Others prefer independence. Find someone whose style matches yours and who’s willing to let you take the lead while still being there when you get stuck.
I was lucky to work with someone who asked the right questions without ever trying to reshape my voice. That balance is important.
Don’t Wait for Confidence—Start Anyway
There were many moments I didn’t feel “smart enough” to write what I was writing. But here’s the truth: confidence doesn’t come before you start. It comes from starting—from figuring things out, writing through confusion, and realizing you know more than you think.
You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. You just need to begin.
Give Yourself Grace
Your thesis won’t be perfect. Some sections will feel stronger than others. Some weeks you’ll be productive, others you’ll struggle to focus. That’s okay.
What matters most is that you keep going. You’ll hit a wall at some point—everyone does. When that happens, take a break, talk to someone, reread your introduction, or remind yourself why this topic matters. Then come back and try again.
Final Words
Writing an honors thesis is the most challenging academic thing I’ve ever done—and easily the most rewarding. It forced me to grow not just as a student, but as a thinker and communicator. It gave me the space to ask hard questions and pursue real answers. It taught me that persistence matters more than perfection.
Rachel Applefield is a senior at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, majoring in Law and Public Policy with a minor in Social Welfare Advocacy. Her research focuses on the intersection of political ideology, antisemitism, and misinformation in campus environments. Rachel will be attending the Indiana University Maurer School of Law as a JD candidate starting Fall 2025.
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