So you’ve decided to write an honors research thesis. You’re probably thinking something along the lines of “Oh god, how will this all get done?” or “What if I tank the paper and my grade point is ruined and I can’t graduate and the world explodes?” I’m here to tell you that it will… Read more »
My thesis is 7,480 words long, but it’s really comprised of the different relationships that brought me to this point. Here are some of the relationships I predict will surround your thesis – and what advice about your thesis I’d pull from each. Your Family, Friends, and Mentors: Generating a research question often has much… Read more »
Hello future CARI student! Although all of this seems very far away, you should know that it is never too early to start thinking about and brainstorming for your topic. A few pieces of advice: Pick a topic, if possible, that you’ve been interested in for a while. If you genuinely enjoy reading about your… Read more »
I often find that advice concerning how not to procrastinate is somewhat futile. Everybody has their own process for writing—some plan out day-by-day plans. Some write through the night until the deadline. You know yourself and your writing style. Instead of planning writing time for which days you are going to write, I found it… Read more »
The senior thesis is a terrifying yet rewarding experience that teaches many things. Over the last three years, CARI has taught you many technical and theoretical skills that you can use to develop your senior capstone. Sure, the thesis may be daunting. You may not have any clue what topic you want to research. But… Read more »
There is a tremendous amount of advice available for students about to embark on a thesis, much of it is valid on the undergraduate level. The process of writing a thesis is, from experience, as challenging most people make it out to be. Second guessing and doubts are natural but putting things in perspective may… Read more »
Congrats for getting to second semester senior year! That’s not a small feat. I just have a couple pieces of advice for you as you approach the end of your undergraduate career. Prioritize your relationships – friendships, significant others, etc. What you’re going to remember about college is not your thesis. Sure, you’ll think back… Read more »
Congratulations on making it to the final step in the CARI process! You’re probably pretty anxious about the prospect of writing your thesis- and that’s completely understandable. I’ve got a few pieces of advice for those interested in taking it from my writing process and time in the course, even though most of it is… Read more »
Inertia is your main enemy in the research process. At every step in the process, there are fits and starts of progress. Each and every step is an opportunity to take a few days off, and those days add up to more lost productivity than the time you spend doing the work. Finishing a piece… Read more »
As a senior, you are going to have many demands on your plate. As a CARI senior, you will have even more demands. Throughout the thesis process, I really encourage you to make the research process a priority — especially at the beginning. First and foremost, get over the need for perfection. Your research results… Read more »