# data[].attributes.body
Don’t be too hard on yourself. You will find your dissertation topic as you go through the program and it will probably change a couple of times.

Stay organize with your work and articles you use. You ever know what will be brilliant to use later on in the program. Even if you think you’ll never use it again, keep it and put it in a labeled folder.

And lastly, just jump in! Some assignments will scare you because you’ve never done that type of assignment before. That’s OK. Jump in, ask as many questions from as many people as you can and don’t be afraid to make a mistake and ask to correct it. Speak up for yourself and use your voice.

Extra tip: my cohort created a private Facebook group where we could get help, ask questions, vent, and pump each other up! It is the main thing they got me through this program! It was a great help!

# data[].attributes.body
My favorite hack:

Align your term papers with your dissertation topic. Your future self will thank you later!

Bonus: IRB is easier when adults are your sample (vs. kids)

# data[].attributes.body
So, there are a ton of great apps and tech tools to help you stay organized. But, make sure whatever system you go with works for you. I went super simple and used Google Drive for most of my work! I had a spreadsheet that acted as my bibliography. I composed class assignments in Docs. I wrote my chapters, drafts, and final dissertation all in Microsoft Word but backed up to Drive. When actively reading articles, I used Notability on an iPad or touchscreen laptop (Lenovo Yoga), again backed up to Drive. I was obsessive about folder organization. I wouldn’t recommend this method for everyone though...

Also, find colleagues to connect with, even if you are in a totally online program!

# data[].attributes.body
One thing I wish I had done is journal about my process. How I decided on the focus for my dissertation and the process of going through the classes.

Keep all of your research in easily organized folders and back up everything constantly!

Take breaks when needed but go back and finish! I had a trauma happen and took time off. My chair kept me on task to come back. Remember that only 1% of the population goes for their doctorate and of those, only 1% complete them. At least that is what they said during my program. :)

Get a good editor and don't be afraid to speak up or change if they are not. I was told by my chair that my editor was awful - she marked things for me to clean up and change - apparently that is what she is paid for. They cost a lot so get a good one to save you work.

Stats are scary but not as scary as you think. I was able to get someone from the local university to help with mine (you can hire someone but you MUST understand the test and be able to explain it later).

Don't overlook small things in your research that may be helpful. After all the work to get to my proposal defense I almost wasn't approved except for one paper I was able to quote in my research that supported the specific area I wanted to look at.

Walk. I didn't do the walk for a number of reasons. I wish I had. But even if you don't, CELEBRATE when you are done. Becoming a Dr. is a BIG DEAL and you deserve the honor when you are done.

If you have any questions I may be able to help with don't hesitate to reach out. (Stacr272@gmail.com) Twitter: @sryan3rdgrade

# data[].attributes.body
One of the things that saved me so much time was using a citation manager. My go-to is Papers (https://www.papersapp.com). Their magic citations is, to be very honest, magic.

As Alvaro noted, I also found myself using a variety of technology tools to help. I needed a new desktop anyway, so at the beginning of my program, we purchased a 21" desktop and I found myself with a new iPad Pro + Apple pencil to boot. Both are ready to retire after three years of non-stop work.

If you can, keep things digital so that you can do a quick search by keywords (I used Notability and GoogleDocs). If you are going old-school, make sure to note the reference + page number. You'll thank yourself later.

The APA template in Microsoft Word is good. Use it, and then customize as necessary. You don't want to spend too much time formatting things when the template will take care of most of that for you.

Choose your instruments (for your study carefully). Do your homework on who has used it and what they found. I was a bit rushed for my needs assessment and used a survey that didn't measure what I was really looking for. I changed surveys for my actual study.

I also concur with Michael's sentiment that a good dissertation is a done dissertation. =)

Lastly, enjoy the process. My own journey has had its share of ups and downs, but it has totally been worth it.

If you have questions, send me a DM. I'm happy to help.
Twitter: @Ms_Cabiness

# data[].attributes.body
One of my chairs used to tell me the only good dissertation is a done dissertation.

Another of my professors would tell me that perfect is the enemy of good.

Finally, some advice from my own experience, find something that you are passionate about exploring. You will be spending anywhere from one or two years studying a single, discrete thing. There will be times where you will hate what you are doing and want to give up on it altogether. If it isn't something that you are passionate about finding the answers to, the likelihood that you will give up increases.

# data[].attributes.body
The journey is!

# data[].attributes.body
- Use one bibliography management tool and stick with it throughout the whole program. I used Zotero. Learn all of its features and it can help you organize the tons of literature you’re going to read along the way.
-Have and use more than one computer and operating system. I used a desktop with Windows10, a MacBook, and my IPad. I also had multiple screens going on at the same time. My iPad was used for reading and marking up literature when I wanted to read in places outside of the house.
-I used PaperShip to help me markup PDFs and on Zotero I had the PaperShip addon that helped me import the notes and highlights I made. This was so helpful down the road when I started to synthesize my writing.
-Learn about and use tools like NVivo (if doing qualitative research) or R & SPSS (if doing quantitative). Also EPPI Reviewer is good for systematic literature reviews.
-And absolutely, the most important tool I used was Scrivener. Scrivener helped me organize my thoughts, draft my papers with tremendous efficiency. I wish I had known about it earlier in my program, I would have been way more prepared when I started my dissertation.

# data[].attributes.body
Staying organized is so important to being successful. Whether you work through Keep, Tasks, a hand written calendar, etc., staying organized and hitting the quick things whenever you can helps stay on task and moving forward.

# data[].attributes.body
Take brain breaks- go for a walk, exercise, talk to someone not in the thick with you, watch a movie, or go on a vacation. Balance and relaxation is important to retaining and excelling. You got this!