Know the requirements and deadlines for degree completion and maintain your momentum

In order to complete your degree on schedule, ensure that you have fulfilled your program's course requirements, and are aware of the thesis submission procedures and deadlines. Also, it is imperative that you maintain your momentum to the end.

Often graduate students who are nearing completion of their degree will have multiple opportunities to become involved in additional research or professional activities. Faculty members may approach them to help with various interesting projects. As well, students have typically developed a circle of friends. This graduate lifestyle - tackling new projects and socializing- can become a pleasant habit. As a result, however, some students begin to drift away from their planned timeline as they move through their graduate programs.

As you near the end of your graduate studies, it is important to keep your eye on the finish line. This means that you make completing your degree your top priority and begin planning the next step in your life. Graduate school should be a time-limited phase in your life, not a substitute for life.

If you find that you are losing momentum and are concerned about finishing on time, seek your advisor's advice on how to regain your momentum. You may also tap into your support system for advice.