the college application process thesis statement

How to write a college admissions essay

Published September 17, 2020. Updated December 24, 2021.

This page will cover the following points:

Key takeaways

Why the essay is important, types of prompts, brainstorming your essay response, organize your ideas by creating a thesis statement, starting the essay, concluding the essay.

• College admissions essays allow you to showcase your personality and set yourself apart from other applicants.
• Colleges will either provide you with a prompt (which may be specific to your major) or you will be asked to write a personal statement that is more open-ended.
• Although application essays are personal and usually discuss your ideas and experiences, it is still important to have a thesis that ties all those ideas together into a cohesive essay.
• Be sure to have one to three editors read your paper and provide you with objective and constructive feedback.

As you embark on the college application process, you will discover that much of the application focuses on grades, GPAs, standardized test scores, and a list of your accomplishments; it’s all very formal, data-driven information. However, the essay portion allows you to showcase your personality and perspective to admissions officers. This is the application section that truly sets you apart from the other applicants. As such, it is important to put time and effort into these essays.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

These essays usually hover between 250 and 650 words. Make sure to read the expectations listed on the application or in the prompt itself.

The essay is about you , so you can write it in first person. However, be mindful of how often you use the words “I,” “my,” and “me”; you don’t want your writing to sound redundant. You can avoid overusing these words by rearranging your sentences and using synonyms. Here are a few examples:

Original sentence:

I know that college will provide me with a career path that will allow me to succeed.

Revised sentence:

College will provide a career path that will allow me to succeed.

I was cast in the school play, which I enjoyed because I love to sing and dance.

Since I love to sing and dance, the highlight of junior year was being cast in the school play.

Additionally, your tone should be infused with your voice since this essay should showcase who you are. Allow your personality to shine through. Be careful about integrating humor, though; make sure it translates to your audience (a bunch of strangers you’ve never met before). Have your editors determine if your humor is coming across as intended (see the revision section below for more info on editors).

There are a few different prompts that you might come across, depending on the schools you apply to. Below are the most common examples:

1. Provided prompt

Often, the Common App, as well as many other schools, will provide prompts for you to answer.

Here are a few examples:

• We all face obstacles and challenges in our lives. Discuss a specific challenge you encountered and how it affected you.
• Talk about a person who has been a role model/mentor. How have they helped shape who you are today?

Reflect on a problem that you would like to solve. Devise a solution and explain why this issue is important to you.

These predetermined prompts allow you to focus on a specific aspect of your life. Notice that each prompt focuses on you and how your life has led you to this point. Your experiences should be at the heart of this essay; don’t fill up the essay with unnecessary background information.

Make sure that you complete what the prompt requires you to do. A good tip is to underline the verbs to help you remember what you should be focusing on in your essay.

2. Major-specific prompt

If you plan on declaring a major as a freshman, you might be asked to write an essay on your planned field of study. There will often be specific prompts, so make sure to consider the tips in the previous section, but tailor your responses to the field of study.

Discuss why you want to study business and explain how this degree will assist you in your career goals.

If applicable, construct the essay in the formatting style your field of study prefers.

Here’s a brief overview of some of the major formatting styles:

• Humanities: MLA (Modern Language Association)
• Medicine: AMA (American Medical Association)
• Education, Business, Journalism, and Psychology: APA (American Psychological Association)
• History: Chicago Style

3. Personal statement

These are open-ended prompts that allow the applicant to discuss a variety of things.

• Why do you want to attend this school?
• What do you hope to gain by attending this school?
• Why are you choosing to study a specific major?

These prompts can be daunting as they require you to choose the focus of the essay. There could be myriad events in your life that have encouraged you to apply to this specific school; it can be difficult to decide how to discuss all of those reasons in one short essay. Below are some tips on how to organize your ideas.

After reading the prompts on the application, start brainstorming possible ideas for your essay. Allow yourself to write down whatever comes into your mind; never edit yourself during a brainstorming session! Your best ideas might come from something that you never expected.

For provided and major-specific prompts, brainstorm ideas, experiences, and details related to the prompt. Focus on the underlined verbs to make sure you address all aspects of the prompt.

For personal statements and open-ended prompts, consider the following questions:

• What have been the most significant events of my life? (These can be negative and/or positive.)
• Which people in my life have impacted me the most?
• What obstacles have I overcome?
• Why do I want to go to college?
• What are my most significant accomplishments?
• How have my hobbies/interests/family/religion/culture/etc. molded me?
• How have I contributed to my community/school/social circle?
• What do I hope college will do for my future?

Next, think about the ideas you’ve brainstormed: how do they align with the prompt you’ve been assigned and/or chosen? Keep relevant details and eliminate unrelated ideas.

Although this essay is about you and is written from a first-person perspective, you still need a thesis statement to anchor all of the details. Doing so will result in an organized final draft.

To focus your ideas, look at the results of your brainstorming: what is the underlying argument that unites all of these details? You should do this for any type of prompt you’re addressing.

Brainstorming

• coach helped me when I struggled to master free-throws
• grandma supported me after mom got sick
• my friends are important to me; I can rely on them when life gets hard
• I hope college will allow me to find a steady, stable job so I can support myself and family

Potential thesis based off of brainstorming:

Because so many people have supported me, I hope to support myself and others in the future after graduating from college.

This anchoring idea can help you make sure that every detail in your essay is related to the same concept. If you align all of your evidence to the thesis statement, your final product will be focused and clear.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

A piece of writing needs a strong first line; otherwise, why should the reader continue reading? Make sure to immerse your readers and interest them in what you have to say right from the beginning.

Tips for a strong first line:

• Start with a setting. “The roaring cheers from the fans in the bleachers encouraged me to get back up.”
• Start with dialogue. “Ok, I’m not totally sure I can do this, but I’m going to give it my best shot.”
• Start with a description. “My grandma’s wrinkled but strong hands kneaded the dough, flour exploding like fireworks each time the dough thumped onto the countertop.”
• Start with a conversation. “Everyone claims that they have the best recipe for cookies, but my family’s molasses gingerbread cookie truly deserves this distinction.”

Tips for avoiding a weak first line:

• Do not provide a restatement of the prompt.
• Do not begin with a dictionary definition.
• Do not open with a rhetorical question.

Imagine if at the end of a movie, the director chose to restate everything that already took place rather than providing an ending to the story. Audiences would be infuriated! They’d want a conclusion, not a summary. Make sure to provide your reader with a solid ending.

Here are some things to consider when ending a piece:

• What do I want my readers to take away/learn from this essay?
• What should readers do now that they’ve read my essay?
• What is one last way I can convince them to agree with me?
• How can I show the reader that being accepted into this school will change my life?

It can be intimidating to share writing that contains personal details with another reader, but this step is crucial; you need another set of eyes to give you feedback before you send it off to an admissions board. Find one to three editors to critique your essay.

Additionally, make sure that the editor(s) will give you objective, honest criticism. Often, family and friends will read it over and simply say that your writing looks good. That’s nice of them, but you need editors with critical eyes. Find editors who will be able to provide you with constructive feedback so you can write a strong, personalized essay.

Things editors should ask themselves as they read your essay:

• Are there spelling and grammar errors?
• Does the content address the prompt?
• Does the first line catch the reader’s attention? If not, what suggestions can I make for the author?
• Is there a thesis statement? Does every detail/piece of evidence relate to that thesis statement?
• Are words like “I,” “me,” and “my” being overused?
• Does the conclusion avoid summary?
• If there’s humor in the essay, is it lighthearted and easy to understand?

Don’t be afraid of criticism; no draft is polished or perfect right away. Take time to integrate the feedback provided.

These steps will help you produce a stellar essay that will set you apart from the other applicants. Best of luck with your applications!

Click here  to see an example college application essay.

Published September 7, 2020.

By Ashley Ingle: Ashley is earning her master’s degree in English and has been a high school English teacher for eight years. In her free time, she enjoys writing, eating French fries, and rewatching episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

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Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

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How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

• Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
• Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
• Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

• What impact did reality TV have on American society?
• How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
• Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

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Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

Basics of thesis statements.

The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper. Specific means the thesis deals with a narrow and focused topic, appropriate to the paper's length. Arguable means that a scholar in your field could disagree (or perhaps already has!).

Strong thesis statements address specific intellectual questions, have clear positions, and use a structure that reflects the overall structure of the paper. Read on to learn more about constructing a strong thesis statement.

Being Specific

This thesis statement has no specific argument:

Needs Improvement: In this essay, I will examine two scholarly articles to find similarities and differences.

This statement is concise, but it is neither specific nor arguable—a reader might wonder, "Which scholarly articles? What is the topic of this paper? What field is the author writing in?" Additionally, the purpose of the paper—to "examine…to find similarities and differences" is not of a scholarly level. Identifying similarities and differences is a good first step, but strong academic argument goes further, analyzing what those similarities and differences might mean or imply.

Better: In this essay, I will argue that Bowler's (2003) autocratic management style, when coupled with Smith's (2007) theory of social cognition, can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover.

The new revision here is still concise, as well as specific and arguable.  We can see that it is specific because the writer is mentioning (a) concrete ideas and (b) exact authors.  We can also gather the field (business) and the topic (management and employee turnover). The statement is arguable because the student goes beyond merely comparing; he or she draws conclusions from that comparison ("can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover").

Making a Unique Argument

This thesis draft repeats the language of the writing prompt without making a unique argument:

Needs Improvement: The purpose of this essay is to monitor, assess, and evaluate an educational program for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, I will provide suggestions for improvement.

You can see here that the student has simply stated the paper's assignment, without articulating specifically how he or she will address it. The student can correct this error simply by phrasing the thesis statement as a specific answer to the assignment prompt.

Better: Through a series of student interviews, I found that Kennedy High School's antibullying program was ineffective. In order to address issues of conflict between students, I argue that Kennedy High School should embrace policies outlined by the California Department of Education (2010).

Words like "ineffective" and "argue" show here that the student has clearly thought through the assignment and analyzed the material; he or she is putting forth a specific and debatable position. The concrete information ("student interviews," "antibullying") further prepares the reader for the body of the paper and demonstrates how the student has addressed the assignment prompt without just restating that language.

Creating a Debate

This thesis statement includes only obvious fact or plot summary instead of argument:

Needs Improvement: Leadership is an important quality in nurse educators.

A good strategy to determine if your thesis statement is too broad (and therefore, not arguable) is to ask yourself, "Would a scholar in my field disagree with this point?" Here, we can see easily that no scholar is likely to argue that leadership is an unimportant quality in nurse educators.  The student needs to come up with a more arguable claim, and probably a narrower one; remember that a short paper needs a more focused topic than a dissertation.

Better: Roderick's (2009) theory of participatory leadership  is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning.

Here, the student has identified a particular type of leadership ("participatory leadership"), narrowing the topic, and has made an arguable claim (this type of leadership is "appropriate" to a specific type of nurse educator). Conceivably, a scholar in the nursing field might disagree with this approach. The student's paper can now proceed, providing specific pieces of evidence to support the arguable central claim.

Choosing the Right Words

This thesis statement uses large or scholarly-sounding words that have no real substance:

Needs Improvement: Scholars should work to seize metacognitive outcomes by harnessing discipline-based networks to empower collaborative infrastructures.

There are many words in this sentence that may be buzzwords in the student's field or key terms taken from other texts, but together they do not communicate a clear, specific meaning. Sometimes students think scholarly writing means constructing complex sentences using special language, but actually it's usually a stronger choice to write clear, simple sentences. When in doubt, remember that your ideas should be complex, not your sentence structure.

Better: Ecologists should work to educate the U.S. public on conservation methods by making use of local and national green organizations to create a widespread communication plan.

Notice in the revision that the field is now clear (ecology), and the language has been made much more field-specific ("conservation methods," "green organizations"), so the reader is able to see concretely the ideas the student is communicating.

Leaving Room for Discussion

This thesis statement is not capable of development or advancement in the paper:

Needs Improvement: There are always alternatives to illegal drug use.

This sample thesis statement makes a claim, but it is not a claim that will sustain extended discussion. This claim is the type of claim that might be appropriate for the conclusion of a paper, but in the beginning of the paper, the student is left with nowhere to go. What further points can be made? If there are "always alternatives" to the problem the student is identifying, then why bother developing a paper around that claim? Ideally, a thesis statement should be complex enough to explore over the length of the entire paper.

Better: The most effective treatment plan for methamphetamine addiction may be a combination of pharmacological and cognitive therapy, as argued by Baker (2008), Smith (2009), and Xavier (2011).

In the revised thesis, you can see the student make a specific, debatable claim that has the potential to generate several pages' worth of discussion. When drafting a thesis statement, think about the questions your thesis statement will generate: What follow-up inquiries might a reader have? In the first example, there are almost no additional questions implied, but the revised example allows for a good deal more exploration.

Thesis Mad Libs

If you are having trouble getting started, try using the models below to generate a rough model of a thesis statement! These models are intended for drafting purposes only and should not appear in your final work.

• In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert _____.
• While scholars have often argued ______, I argue______, because_______.
• Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which is important because_______.

Words to Avoid and to Embrace

When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize , and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing.

Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question , and interrogate . These more analytical words may help you begin strongly, by articulating a specific, critical, scholarly position.

Read Kayla's blog post for tips on taking a stand in a well-crafted thesis statement.

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Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

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25 Thesis Statement Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

Read More: What is the American Dream?

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

Read More: Learn about Urbanization

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

Read More: Do we have Free Will?

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

Read More: Soft Skills Examples

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

Read More: Moral Panic Examples

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Read More: Mass Media Examples

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Green Flags in a Relationship
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Research Process

• Understanding Your Assignment
• Brainstorming

Thesis Statement

• Identify Key Search Terms
• Finding Books and Ebooks
• Finding Articles
• Library Search Strategies
• Using Google
• Reference Resources
• CRAAP Method
• Evaluating News Sources
• More Resources

One of the most important components to any essay is having an effective thesis statement!

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is the main point of your essay. Usually composed of one or two sentences, the thesis statement tells the reader what your paper is about. It should be debatable and not a statement of fact. Aside from guiding the reader, it also helps you while you are writing to keep your paper focused.

Tips for writing a working thesis statement!

After you have identified and developed your research topic, formulate a good research question that can help you create your thesis statement. Your thesis should answer your research question, challenge the reader, and be supported by evidence. 

When creating your thesis statement, ask yourself the following questions:​

• Is my thesis statement clear and specific?

Be sure your thesis is as specific and clear as possible so the reader knows what your essay is about. Remember, as with the research process, your thesis is a work in progress and you may end up revising it in order to accommodate your research.

• Is my thesis statement too broad or general?

Having a thesis statement that is too broad can lead you to having too much information that may not be relevant. You want to be very clear and specific with your argument and provide as much detail on your specific points so readers know exactly what is going on in your essay.

• Where do I put my thesis statement? 

Generally, your thesis should appear early on in your essay in order to effectively state your claim and guide the reader.

For more help with thesis statements visit:

Purdue University Writing Lab

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/thesis_statement_tips.html

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College Essay Thesis Statement

College essay thesis statement generator.

Crafting a potent thesis statement for a college essay is an art that can shape the trajectory of your argument and captivate your readers. As students transition from high school to college, the complexity and depth of essays increase, demanding more intricate thesis statements. Whether you’re dissecting literary works, examining scientific phenomena, or debating societal changes, the right thesis sets the tone. Dive into our comprehensive guide to explore exemplary thesis statement examples, insightful writing methodologies, and handy tips tailored for college-level essays.

What is a thesis statement for a college essay? – Definition

A thesis statement for a college essay is a concise, clear, one-to-two-sentence statement that presents the main idea, argument, or focus of an essay. It serves as a roadmap, guiding the reader through the arguments presented in the essay and giving them an insight into the essay’s purpose. For college-level essays, the thesis often goes beyond mere statement of facts, delving into analysis, evaluation, or interpretation of a particular topic or set of ideas.

What is an example of a College Essay thesis statement?

“In exploring the multifaceted dynamics of climate change, it becomes evident that human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, play a paramount role in exacerbating global warming, thereby necessitating urgent international intervention and sustainable practices.”  You may also be interested in our  undergraduate thesis statement .

100 Thesis Statement Examples for College Essay

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Crafting an impactful thesis statement for a college essay requires both precision and depth. Serving as the foundation for your argument, a well-constructed thesis captures the essence of your essay topic and directs the narrative. For college essays, the good thesis statement often provides analysis, context, or a unique perspective.

• The Impacts of Social Media: “The pervasive influence of social media on contemporary society extends beyond communication, reshaping personal identities, societal norms, and global politics.”
• Modern Feminism: “Third-wave feminism, while building on the achievements of the past, focuses on dismantling patriarchal norms in media, workplace dynamics, and intersectional discrimination.”
• AI and Ethics: “The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence necessitates the development of comprehensive ethical guidelines to prevent potential misuse and protect individual rights.”
• The Evolution of Jazz: “The metamorphosis of jazz from the 1920s to the present showcases a rich interplay of cultural influences, technological advances, and individual genius.”
• Climate Change Politics: “The divisive politics surrounding climate change hinder comprehensive global policies, despite overwhelming scientific consensus and observable ecological shifts.”
• Renaissance Art: “The art of the Renaissance, deeply rooted in religious themes, also mirrored societal shifts towards individualism and secularism, forever changing the trajectory of Western art.”
• Quantum Mechanics for Laymen: “The principles of quantum mechanics, while seemingly abstract and counterintuitive, have direct implications on daily technologies, from smartphones to medical equipment.”
• Mental Health in Universities: “The alarming rise in mental health issues among university students calls for institutional strategies that prioritize well-being, including better counseling services and academic support.”
• Post-Colonial African Economies: “The economic landscapes of post-colonial African nations are shaped by both remnants of colonial exploitation and emerging local innovations, demanding a nuanced understanding.”
• Veganism and Health: “Adopting a vegan lifestyle, while promoting ethical treatment of animals, also offers profound health benefits, including reduced risks of chronic diseases.”
• Gothic Literature: “Gothic literature, with its dark motifs and introspective characters, reflects societal anxieties of its time, from feudal systems to industrial revolution repercussions.”
• Cryptocurrencies and Global Finance: “The surge in cryptocurrency popularity challenges traditional financial systems, promising decentralization but also raising concerns about stability and regulation.”
• The Philosophy of Science: “The philosophy of science not only questions the nature of scientific inquiry but also examines its relationship with truth, belief, and societal progress.”
• Migration Patterns: “Contemporary global migration patterns, influenced by conflicts, economic opportunities, and environmental changes, reshape socio-political landscapes of both origin and host countries.”
• The Role of Play in Child Development: “Structured and unstructured play, essential for child development, fosters cognitive, social, and physical skills, challenging contemporary educational paradigms.”
• Fusion Cuisine: “The emergence of fusion cuisine underscores the melding of diverse cultures, reflecting globalization’s impact on gastronomy.”
• Bioethical Concerns in Genetics: “Advancements in genetic engineering, while promising medical breakthroughs, raise significant bioethical concerns, from designer babies to socio-economic disparities.”
• Space Exploration and Humanity: “Space exploration, beyond technological marvel, challenges our understanding of humanity’s place in the universe, posing philosophical, ethical, and existential questions.”
• Gentrification and Urban Development: “The process of gentrification, while reviving urban locales, often displaces long-standing communities, creating socio-economic rifts.”
• Eastern vs. Western Medicine: “The dichotomy between Eastern holistic practices and Western allopathic medicine reflects differing cultural perspectives on health, wellness, and healing.
• The Impact of Greek Philosophy: “Ancient Greek philosophy, with its emphasis on introspection and ethics, has sculpted Western thought, influencing everything from science to modern governance.”
• Modern Architecture: “Contemporary architectural practices, merging functionality with aesthetics, reflect society’s evolving relationship with urban spaces and sustainability.”
• Digital Marketing Evolution: “The rise of digital marketing strategies, driven by analytics and personalization, is redefining brand-consumer relationships in the digital age.”
• Epidemiology of Pandemics: “Historical and contemporary pandemics highlight the intricate interplay between global travel, public health infrastructure, and societal response.”
• Romantic Poetry: “Romantic poetry, with its reverence for nature and emotion, represents a rebellion against Enlightenment’s rationalism and the industrial era’s dehumanization.”
• Nano-technology in Medicine: “Nanotechnology’s integration in medical fields promises revolutionary treatments but also presents uncharted ethical and health concerns.”
• Organic Farming vs. Conventional Methods: “Organic farming, championing biodiversity and ecological balance, counters conventional farming’s detrimental environmental effects, albeit with challenges of scalability.”
• The World of eSports: “The meteoric rise of eSports blurs the lines between traditional sports and digital entertainment, demanding recognition in mainstream culture and economics.”
• Biodiversity Loss: “The alarming rate of global biodiversity loss, intensified by human activities, jeopardizes ecosystem stability and human sustenance.”
• Shakespeare’s Female Characters: “Shakespeare’s portrayal of female characters defies Elizabethan norms, presenting complex women who navigate power, love, and fate.”
• Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrency: “Blockchain’s potential extends beyond cryptocurrencies, promising transparency and security in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and public records.”
• Impact of K-Pop: “K-Pop’s global surge underscores the power of cultural exchange in the digital age, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.”
• Neuroscience and Free Will: “Contemporary neuroscience’s insights into decision-making challenge traditional notions of free will and moral responsibility.”
• Postmodern Literature: “Postmodern literature, with its fragmented narratives and metafictional techniques, mirrors society’s quest for meaning in an age of skepticism.”
• Renewable Energy Solutions: “Harnessing renewable energy sources, from solar to wind, is pivotal in combating climate change, though it presents economic and infrastructural challenges.”
• Virtual Reality in Education: “The integration of virtual reality in educational settings promises immersive learning experiences, revolutionizing traditional pedagogies.”
• Mental Health and Pop Culture: “Pop culture’s portrayal of mental health, while often sensationalized, has ignited critical discussions about stigmatization and representation.”
• Ancient Civilizations and Modern Society: “Ancient civilizations, from their governance structures to technological innovations, have indelibly shaped the socio-cultural fabric of modern societies.”
• Dystopian Fiction’s Reflections: “Dystopian fiction’s grim visions echo societal anxieties about technology, governance, and human nature.”
• The Ethics of Animal Testing: “Animal testing, central to many scientific breakthroughs, remains ethically contentious, balancing medical advancements against animal welfare.”
• Financial Crises and Global Interconnectivity: “Recurrent financial crises underscore the intricate interdependencies in global financial systems, highlighting the need for coordinated international policies.”
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: “The integration of AI in healthcare, from diagnostics to treatment, promises precision medicine but necessitates rigorous ethical scrutiny.”
• Buddhism in the Modern World: “Buddhism’s contemporary resurgence in the West showcases the quest for spiritual meaning beyond materialism.”
• The Fashion Industry and Sustainability: “The fashion industry’s increasing shift towards sustainability battles its historically significant environmental footprint.”
• Impacts of Colonization: “Colonization’s legacies, evident in socio-political structures and cultural dynamics, continue to influence post-colonial nations.”
• Microplastics and Environmental Health: “Microplastics, pervasive in ecosystems, pose insidious threats to environmental and human health, demanding global mitigation strategies.”
• Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: “In our increasingly interconnected world, cybersecurity becomes paramount, safeguarding personal, corporate, and national interests.”
• Narratives in Video Games: “Modern video games, with intricate narratives and character development, challenge traditional storytelling mediums, offering immersive experiences.”
• Quantum Computing’s Potential: “Quantum computing, while in its nascent stages, holds the promise to revolutionize industries from cryptography to drug discovery.”
• LGBTQ+ Representation in Media: “Increased LGBTQ+ representation in media mirrors societal shifts, fostering visibility and challenging long-standing stereotypes.”
• The Microbiome and Human Health: “Understanding the human microbiome’s complexity has redefined our perspectives on health, disease, and even consciousness.”
• The Digital Divide: “The digital divide, separating tech-savvy communities from the underserved, intensifies socio-economic disparities in the information age.”
• Evolution of Language: “The dynamic evolution of languages, shaped by socio-political changes and technological advances, encapsulates cultural histories and identities.”
• Ethical Implications of Drone Warfare: “Drone warfare, while mitigating soldier casualties, raises pressing ethical concerns regarding civilian impacts and accountability.”
• Impact of Streaming Services: “Streaming services, redefining media consumption, challenge traditional entertainment industries and reshape global cultural dynamics.”
• Yoga’s Global Popularity: “Yoga’s global ascent, beyond a physical regimen, underscores a universal quest for holistic well-being and cultural exchange.”
• Future of Work and Automation: “Automation and AI’s rise promises efficiency but also necessitates a reevaluation of work, identity, and economic structures.”
• Middle Eastern Politics: “The complexities of Middle Eastern politics, rooted in historical, religious, and socio-economic intricacies, shape global geopolitics.”
• Psychedelics and Mental Health: “Recent research on psychedelics hints at groundbreaking mental health treatments, challenging established therapeutic norms and societal perceptions.”
• Modernism in Visual Arts: “Modernist art, with its abstracted forms and innovative techniques, reflects a tumultuous era’s socio-cultural upheavals.”
• Impact of Autonomous Vehicles: “The emergence of autonomous vehicles, while promising safety and efficiency, raises ethical, economic, and infrastructural questions.”
• Indigenous Rights and Globalization: “Globalization’s sweep, often erasing indigenous cultures, necessitates urgent measures to preserve native rights, languages, and traditions.”
• Role of Cryptography: “Cryptography, foundational to digital security, balances the dual imperatives of privacy protection and lawful surveillance.”
• The Ethics of Gene Editing: “Gene editing technologies like CRISPR, promising medical marvels, also provoke ethical dilemmas concerning genetic determinism and potential misuse.”
• Music Therapy and Health: “Music therapy’s efficacy, bridging neurology and emotions, offers holistic approaches to mental and physical wellness.”
• Impact of Fast Fashion: “Fast fashion’s allure of affordability comes at significant environmental and ethical costs, spotlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.”
• Space Tourism’s Future: “Space tourism, once a sci-fi dream, confronts real-world challenges of safety, ethics, and environmental impact.”
• Role of Microfinance in Development: “Microfinance initiatives, empowering marginalized communities, showcase a potent blend of social welfare and economic strategy.”
• Migration and Globalization: “Globalization, driving migration patterns, highlights the interplay between economic opportunity, cultural exchange, and socio-political challenges.”
• Role of Satire in Social Commentary: “Satire, with its humor and critique, has historically been a potent tool for social commentary, challenging power structures and societal norms.”
• Evolution of E-commerce: “E-commerce, transformed by technological innovations and consumer behaviors, is reshaping global retail, logistics, and consumer expectations.”
• Rise of Citizen Journalism: “Citizen journalism, democratizing news dissemination, challenges traditional media paradigms but also raises concerns about credibility and accountability.”
• Green Technologies and Urban Planning: “Green technologies in urban planning promise sustainable cityscapes, melding ecological concerns with inhabitants’ well-being.”
• Multilingualism and Cognitive Benefits: “Multilingualism, beyond cultural enrichment, offers cognitive benefits, enhancing problem-solving, multitasking, and memory.”
• Human Rights in Digital Surveillance: “The rise of digital surveillance, while promising security, poses grave concerns about privacy, freedom, and human rights.”
• History and Evolution of Tattoos: “Tattoos, once a cultural or ritualistic symbol, have evolved into a form of personal expression, influenced by global aesthetics and societal shifts.”
• Neopets and Early Internet Culture: “Neopets, while a nostalgic game for many, provides insights into early internet culture, commerce, and online community dynamics.”
• Historical Revolutions and Modern Impacts: “Historical revolutions, shaping nations and cultures, offer insights into resistance, societal change, and the enduring human spirit.”
• Gaming and Social Skills: “Contrary to popular belief, modern multiplayer gaming environments foster critical social skills, teamwork, and global collaboration.”
• Oscar Wilde’s Social Commentary: “Oscar Wilde’s literary works, beyond their wit, provide incisive social commentary on Victorian society, morality, and hypocrisy.”
• Paleo Diet in Modern Times: “The Paleo diet’s resurgence, inspired by ancestral eating patterns, challenges contemporary dietary norms and industrial food practices.”
• Ancient Mythologies in Modern Media: “Ancient mythologies, continually reinvented in modern media, highlight humanity’s enduring fascination with heroism, morality, and the unknown.”
• Pop Art and Consumer Culture: “Pop art, celebrating and critiquing consumer culture, reflects the post-war era’s juxtaposition of prosperity and existential angst.”
• Classical Music’s Modern Revival: “Classical music’s modern revival, fused with genres from rock to techno, illustrates its timeless adaptability and emotional resonance.”
• Modern Slavery and Global Supply Chains: “Modern slavery, concealed within global supply chains, necessitates rigorous corporate responsibility and consumer awareness.”
• Manga and Cultural Export: “Manga’s global popularity showcases Japan’s cultural export’s potency and the universality of its themes and narratives.”
• Impact of Reality TV: “Reality TV, blending entertainment and real-life, influences societal norms, aspirations, and perceptions of authenticity.”
• Influence of Nordic Noir on Crime Fiction: “Nordic Noir, with its bleak landscapes and introspective detectives, has reshaped global crime fiction, emphasizing atmosphere and social critique.”
• Data Privacy in the Digital World: “As personal data becomes the new gold, the tug-of-war between corporate interests, governmental regulations, and individual privacy intensifies.”
• Adaptations and Originality in Cinema: “Film adaptations, while deriving from original sources, pose challenges and opportunities for creativity, fidelity, and cultural interpretation.”
• Eco-Tourism’s Role and Responsibilities: “Eco-tourism, promoting sustainable travel, carries the responsibility of genuine environmental stewardship, not mere green-washing.”
• Post-Apocalyptic Fiction’s Appeal: “Post-apocalyptic fiction’s allure lies in exploring societal rebuilds, human resilience, and moral dilemmas in extremis.”
• Veganism’s Socio-Economic Impact: “Veganism, beyond dietary choice, influences global agriculture, economies, and debates on ethics and sustainability.”
• Matriarchy in Historical Societies: “Historical matriarchal societies, often overshadowed in mainstream historiography, offer insights into gender dynamics, leadership, and cultural norms.”
• Impressionism and Perception: “Impressionist artists, capturing fleeting moments and atmospheres, challenge viewers to consider the subjective nature of perception.”
• Decolonizing Global Education: “Decolonizing education necessitates a reevaluation of curricula, pedagogy, and institutional structures, embracing diverse knowledge systems.”
• Renaissance Humanism’s Legacy: “Renaissance humanism, championing reason, art, and individual potential, laid the groundwork for modern Western thought.”
• Cyberpunk and Technological Dystopia: “Cyberpunk literature, exploring high-tech dystopias, reflects anxieties about unchecked technological advancements and societal control.”
• Holistic Medicine’s Role in Modern Healthcare: “Holistic medicine’s growing role emphasizes a comprehensive view of health, blending physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.”
• Feminism’s Waves and Evolution: “Understanding feminism requires studying its multifaceted waves, each addressing unique socio-political contexts and challenges.

These thesis statements are designed to encompass a vast array of topics suitable for college essays, providing a foundation upon which a student can build their argument or exploration.

Thesis Statement Examples for College Argumentative Essay

In a college argumentative essay thesis statement clearly states a position on a debatable issue, setting the tone for the subsequent arguments. It’s crafted to persuade readers and backed up with solid evidence throughout the essay.

• Censorship and Art: “Art should remain uncensored as it serves as society’s mirror, reflecting both its beauty and ugliness.”
• Mandatory Voting: “Mandatory voting should not be imposed as it infringes on personal freedom and may lead to uninformed decisions.”
• Digital Privacy: “In the digital age, individual privacy rights should supersede governmental security concerns.”
• Standardized Testing: “Standardized tests fail to accurately measure student intelligence and should be de-emphasized in college admissions.”
• Veganism and Environment: “Adopting a vegan lifestyle is the most impactful step an individual can take for environmental conservation.”
• Space Exploration: “Investment in space exploration is not an extravagance but a necessity for scientific advancement.”
• Tuition-free College: “Tuition-free college, while an idealistic notion, may not be the most practical solution for educational reform.”
• Universal Basic Income: “A Universal Basic Income (UBI) can address socio-economic disparities and provide a safety net in a rapidly automating world.”
• E-sports Recognition: “E-sports should receive the same recognition and support as traditional sports, given its competitive nature and vast audience.”
• Language Preservation: “With globalization, proactive steps are essential to preserve endangered languages and, by extension, cultural diversity.”

Thesis Statement Examples for College Admission Essay

For a college admission essay, the thesis statement encapsulates the main idea or theme the applicant wishes to convey. It highlights personal experiences, values, or aspirations in a succinct manner.

• Personal Growth: “My year volunteering in Nepal transformed my worldview, instilling in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and global citizenship.”
• Pursuit of Medicine: “A close encounter with a life-threatening illness in my family ignited my unwavering passion for medicine.”
• Artistic Endeavors: “Growing up in a family of artists, I’ve learned to view the world as a canvas of endless possibilities.”
• Overcoming Adversities: “Battling dyslexia not only strengthened my resolve but also shaped my unique perspective on learning and adaptability.”
• Leadership Evolution: “My role as the student council president honed my leadership skills, teaching me the nuances of collaboration and decision-making.”
• Environmental Activism: “Witnessing the impact of climate change in my hometown propelled me into environmental activism, a mission I wish to expand in college.”
• Science and Curiosity: “My childhood fascination with the cosmos steered me towards astrophysics, a field where my curiosity finds its calling.”
• Global Engagement: “Participating in Model United Nations cultivated my interest in global affairs and diplomacy.”
• Digital Innovation: “Creating my first mobile app at 15 revealed my penchant for technological innovation and problem-solving.”
• Sports and Teamwork: “Being a basketball team captain taught me the balance between individual prowess and collective strength.”

3 Point Thesis Statement Examples for College Essay

A three-point thesis statement offers a concise overview of three main arguments or aspects that will be addressed in the essay. This structure helps guide the reader and provides a clear roadmap of the writer’s points.

• Impact of Social Media: “Social media revolutionizes communication, influences self-perception, and has significant socio-political implications.”
• Modern Education’s Challenges: “Today’s education system grapples with technological integration, evolving pedagogies, and increasing mental health concerns among students.”
• Globally Influential Novels: “Novels like ‘1984,’ ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ and ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ tackle dystopian futures, racial injustice, and magical realism, respectively.”
• Urbanization Concerns: “Rapid urbanization leads to infrastructural strain, environmental degradation, and socio-cultural shifts in metropolitan areas.”
• The Power of Music: “Music serves as a universal language, a therapeutic tool, and a reflection of societal epochs.”
• Digital Age Revolution: “The digital age reshapes information accessibility, interpersonal relationships, and global economic structures.”
• Human-Animal Bond: “The relationship between humans and animals encompasses companionship, therapeutic benefits, and ethical dilemmas.”
• Climate Change Effects: “Climate change precipitates extreme weather events, threatens biodiversity, and impacts global socio-economic structures.”
• Ancient Civilizations’ Legacies: “Ancient Egypt, Greece, and China profoundly influenced art and architecture, political systems, and philosophical thought.”
• Healthy Lifestyle Components: “A holistic healthy lifestyle encompasses balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and mental well-being.

Do College Essays Have Thesis Statements?

Absolutely. While the format might vary, the thesis statement’s role remains crucial in college essays. It captures the essence of your argument or the main point you’re conveying. From analytical to personal narratives, having a clear thesis or central idea can elevate your essay.

How Do You Write a Thesis Statement for a College Essay? – Step by Step Guide

• Decipher the Prompt: Begin by breaking down the essay question. Recognize its nuances and understand its demands.
• Pick a Relevant Topic: Your chosen topic should not only intrigue you but should also be relevant to your course and the prompt.
• Engage in Research: Dive into scholarly articles, journals, and credible online sources to gather insights and refine your perspective.
• Formulate Your Argument: Deduce your stance or the main message you want to communicate.
• Aim for Precision: Your thesis should be a beacon for your essay. Avoid ambiguity and be direct.
• Ensure It’s Open to Debate: Particularly for argumentative essays, your thesis should incite discussion, signaling that there’s more to be explored.
• Positioning is Key: Place your thesis towards the end of your introduction to give readers a clear roadmap.
• Iterate: As your essay evolves, adjust your thesis if necessary to mirror your arguments more accurately.
• Seek Peer Review: A fresh set of eyes can offer valuable feedback to enhance clarity and cogency.
• Solidify: Ensure that your finalized thesis seamlessly ties together the various threads of your essay.

Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement for a College Essay

• Maintain Clarity: Dive straight into your point. Avoid unnecessary detours.
• Stay Away from Clichés: College essays thrive on original thought. Ensure your thesis isn’t a regurgitated idea.
• Be Bold: Use assertive language. Steer clear of phrases like “I feel” or “It might.”
• Narrow It Down: Broad statements dilute impact. “The effects of climate change on coastal cities” is more potent than “Climate change affects the world.”
• Stay Adaptable: Your essay might evolve, and that’s okay. Adjust your thesis accordingly.
• Hone the Skill: Practice drafting thesis statements even outside of assignments. It’s a craft that gets sharper with use.
• Echo in Conclusion: Your essay should come full circle, reiterating the essence of your thesis in the conclusion.
• Avoid Overcomplicated Terms: While scholarly, your essay should be readable. Don’t overwhelm with jargon.
• Stick to the Prompt: Ensure your thesis remains anchored to the essay prompt, offering a clear and direct response.
• Reflect Depth: Your thesis, though concise, should hint at the depth and complexity of your exploration.

By adhering to these guidelines and tailoring them to the specific demands of each essay, you’ll enhance the quality and effectiveness of your college essays.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a College Essay Thesis Statement on the impact of social media on youth.

Create a College Essay Thesis Statement about the importance of sustainable development.

The Thesis Statement

In Gordon Harvey’s  Elements of the Academic Essay , he makes a succinct attempt to define the thesis statement, stating that it is “your main insight or idea about a text or topic, and the main proposition that your essay demonstrates” (Harvey 1). He also places it foremost in his list of elements, with the implication that it is the most crucial component. The fact that Harvey uses the second person, “your main insight” and “your essay,” is significant. Rather than rehashing what has been discussed in class, a student presents her or his opinion in a hopefully simple sentence, and then devotes the following paragraphs to supporting it, defending against counters, and ideally convincing the reader.

This expected format of the academic essay, with the thesis statement, is contentious, as opined by Anne Berggren, who complains that “only in student writing is the writer expected to place at the end of the first paragraph a one-sentence of the conclusion the writer is aiming for and then, as students often put it, ‘prove’ that point” (Eisner, Caroline, ed. 54) While Berggren laces this statement with her own opinions, it is true from a personal standpoint, and it is also true that students do seek to create a single sentence meant to achieve numerous expectations, from presenting a provocative argument to conveying a general sense of the direction of the paper.

In  Writing Your Thesis , Paul Oliver establishes arguably neutral expectations of a thesis statement, stipulating that it have a “structure and format which help the reader to absorb the subject matter” and an “intellectual coherence which starts with precise aims” (Oliver 13). The ambiguity of these definitions is no coincidence; throughout the book, Oliver offers similar direction such as theses’ being “original contributions to knowledge” (20). It is important to acknowledge that Oliver is clearly part of the system in that the thesis is prevalent, that it is should presented as this “single sentence,” and that it is something that any student is capable of formulating. In  Avoiding Thesis and Dissertation Pitfalls , R. Murray Thomas and Dale L. Brubaker recognize this predicament by recording actual conversations between Professor and Student, with a professor allegorically explaining to a mystified student that “writing a thesis is rather like a strategy you adopt for helping someone find a place on a map. The strategy involves starting with a broad area that you are confident the person already knows, and then by gradual steps leading the person to the place you want to talk about” (Thomas and Brubaker 154). Though this reasoning is definitely clearer, thanks to lay analysis, it still is a broad concept that does little to investigate the means by which a student creates a good thesis statement.

Beyond these philosophical ideals, little natural proficiency at thesis statement composition should be expected among novice writers. In Virginia Perdue’s “Authority and the Freshman Writer: The Ideology of the Thesis Statement,” she addresses this understandable disparity and encourages that the writing instructor aim to think of different approaches to explain the purpose of thesis statement. She complicates the issue by pointing out that there are changing perceptions of academic argument that may be more apposite for first-year writing, and—taking a page from Berggren—that the format itself, in the form of a “simple” single sentence, is paradoxically complicated for students to engage in. In  Writing Research Papers , James D. Lester attempts to tackle this paradox by positing an approach to the thesis statement that divides it into a two-step process: first with the preliminary thesis that allows the writer to neatly prepare arguments, and then with the final thesis that is presented to the reader. “The two differ slightly because the preliminary thesis helps you explore issues for discussion while the final thesis sentence informs your audience of the particular issue being discussed” (Lester 24). While this process may seem helpful on the surface, it in actuality further elucidates the troublesome mystique that perplexes students.

The thesis statement and expectations of it bring forth a larger problem in the academic society in general. Novice student writers feel pressured to conform to this broad notion of what a thesis statement is. Tutors should be aware about allowing their students to be able to write effective academic papers without sacrificing their originality.

Works Cited

Eisner, Caroline and Martha Vicinus, ed. Originality, Imitation, and Plagiarism: Teaching Writing in the Digital Age. U Michigan Press, 2008.

Kellogg, Ronald T and Bascom A. Raulerson III. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, Volume 14, Number 2, April 2007, pp. 237-242.

Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide. Scott, Foresman and Company, 1986.

Oliver, Paul. Writing Your Thesis Statement. London: SAGE, 1994.

Perdue, Virgina. “Authority and the Freshman Writer: The Ideology of the Thesis Statement.” Writing Instructor, v11 n3 p135-42 Spr-Sum 1992

Thomas, R. Murray and Dale L. Brubaker. Avoiding Thesis and Dissertation Pitfalls: 61 Cases of Problems and Solutions. Bergin & Garvey, 2001.

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What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on April 16, 2024.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

Thesis template

You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.

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Table of contents

Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.

You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

• A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay .
• A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement for Master’s programs, and is also sometimes required to complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts colleges.
• In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.
• In other countries (particularly the UK), a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

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The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

• Your discipline
• Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section ,  results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

• Example thesis #1:   “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807” by Suchait Kahlon.
• Example thesis #2: “’A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man’: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947″ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

• Your full title
• Your full name
• Your department
• Your institution and degree program
• Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

Read more about title pages

The acknowledgements section is usually optional. Its main point is to allow you to thank everyone who helped you in your thesis journey, such as supervisors, friends, or family. You can also choose to write a preface , but it’s typically one or the other, not both.

Read more about acknowledgements Read more about prefaces

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An abstract is a short summary of your thesis. Usually a maximum of 300 words long, it’s should include brief descriptions of your research objectives , methods, results, and conclusions. Though it may seem short, it introduces your work to your audience, serving as a first impression of your thesis.

Read more about abstracts

A table of contents lists all of your sections, plus their corresponding page numbers and subheadings if you have them. This helps your reader seamlessly navigate your document.

Your table of contents should include all the major parts of your thesis. In particular, don’t forget the the appendices. If you used heading styles, it’s easy to generate an automatic table Microsoft Word.

Read more about tables of contents

While not mandatory, if you used a lot of tables and/or figures, it’s nice to include a list of them to help guide your reader. It’s also easy to generate one of these in Word: just use the “Insert Caption” feature.

Read more about lists of figures and tables

If you have used a lot of industry- or field-specific abbreviations in your thesis, you should include them in an alphabetized list of abbreviations . This way, your readers can easily look up any meanings they aren’t familiar with.

Read more about lists of abbreviations

Relatedly, if you find yourself using a lot of very specialized or field-specific terms that may not be familiar to your reader, consider including a glossary . Alphabetize the terms you want to include with a brief definition.

Read more about glossaries

An introduction sets up the topic, purpose, and relevance of your thesis, as well as expectations for your reader. This should:

• Ground your research topic , sharing any background information your reader may need
• Define the scope of your work
• Introduce any existing research on your topic, situating your work within a broader problem or debate
• State your research question(s)
• Outline (briefly) how the remainder of your work will proceed

In other words, your introduction should clearly and concisely show your reader the “what, why, and how” of your research.

Read more about introductions

A literature review helps you gain a robust understanding of any extant academic work on your topic, encompassing:

• Selecting relevant sources
• Determining the credibility of your sources
• Critically evaluating each of your sources
• Drawing connections between sources, including any themes, patterns, conflicts, or gaps

A literature review is not merely a summary of existing work. Rather, your literature review should ultimately lead to a clear justification for your own research, perhaps via:

• Addressing a gap in the literature
• Building on existing knowledge to draw new conclusions
• Exploring a new theoretical or methodological approach
• Introducing a new solution to an unresolved problem
• Definitively advocating for one side of a theoretical debate

Read more about literature reviews

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

Read more about theoretical frameworks

Your methodology chapter shows your reader how you conducted your research. It should be written clearly and methodically, easily allowing your reader to critically assess the credibility of your argument. Furthermore, your methods section should convince your reader that your method was the best way to answer your research question.

A methodology section should generally include:

• Your overall approach ( quantitative vs. qualitative )
• Your research methods (e.g., a longitudinal study )
• Your data collection methods (e.g., interviews or a controlled experiment
• Any tools or materials you used (e.g., computer software)
• The data analysis methods you chose (e.g., statistical analysis , discourse analysis )
• A strong, but not defensive justification of your methods

Read more about methodology sections

Your results section should highlight what your methodology discovered. These two sections work in tandem, but shouldn’t repeat each other. While your results section can include hypotheses or themes, don’t include any speculation or new arguments here.

Your results section should:

• State each (relevant) result with any (relevant) descriptive statistics (e.g., mean , standard deviation ) and inferential statistics (e.g., test statistics , p values )
• Explain how each result relates to the research question
• Determine whether the hypothesis was supported

Additional data (like raw numbers or interview transcripts ) can be included as an appendix . You can include tables and figures, but only if they help the reader better understand your results.

Read more about results sections

Your discussion section is where you can interpret your results in detail. Did they meet your expectations? How well do they fit within the framework that you built? You can refer back to any relevant source material to situate your results within your field, but leave most of that analysis in your literature review.

For any unexpected results, offer explanations or alternative interpretations of your data.

Read more about discussion sections

Your thesis conclusion should concisely answer your main research question. It should leave your reader with an ultra-clear understanding of your central argument, and emphasize what your research specifically has contributed to your field.

Why does your research matter? What recommendations for future research do you have? Lastly, wrap up your work with any concluding remarks.

Read more about conclusions

In order to avoid plagiarism , don’t forget to include a full reference list at the end of your thesis, citing the sources that you used. Choose one citation style and follow it consistently throughout your thesis, taking note of the formatting requirements of each style.

Which style you choose is often set by your department or your field, but common styles include MLA , Chicago , and APA.

Create APA citations Create MLA citations

In order to stay clear and concise, your thesis should include the most essential information needed to answer your research question. However, chances are you have many contributing documents, like interview transcripts or survey questions . These can be added as appendices , to save space in the main body.

Read more about appendices

Once you’re done writing, the next part of your editing process begins. Leave plenty of time for proofreading and editing prior to submission. Nothing looks worse than grammar mistakes or sloppy spelling errors!

Consider using a professional thesis editing service or grammar checker to make sure your final project is perfect.

Once you’ve submitted your final product, it’s common practice to have a thesis defense, an oral component of your finished work. This is scheduled by your advisor or committee, and usually entails a presentation and Q&A session.

After your defense , your committee will meet to determine if you deserve any departmental honors or accolades. However, keep in mind that defenses are usually just a formality. If there are any serious issues with your work, these should be resolved with your advisor way before a defense.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

• Survivorship bias
• Self-serving bias
• Availability heuristic
• Halo effect
• Hindsight bias
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

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The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.

If you only used a few abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation , you don’t necessarily need to include a list of abbreviations .

If your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they won’t be known to your audience, it’s never a bad idea to add one. They can also improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader.

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

A thesis is typically written by students finishing up a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Some educational institutions, particularly in the liberal arts, have mandatory theses, but they are often not mandatory to graduate from bachelor’s degrees. It is more common for a thesis to be a graduation requirement from a Master’s degree.

Even if not mandatory, you may want to consider writing a thesis if you:

• Plan to attend graduate school soon
• Have a particular topic you’d like to study more in-depth
• Are considering a career in research
• Would like a capstone experience to tie up your academic experience

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The Thesis Process

The thesis is an opportunity to work independently on a research project of your own design and contribute to the scholarly literature in your field. You emerge from the thesis process with a solid understanding of how original research is executed and how to best communicate research results. Many students have gone on to publish their research in academic or professional journals.

To ensure affordability, the per-credit tuition rate for the 8-credit thesis is the same as our regular course tuition. There are no additional fees (regular per-credit graduate tuition x 8 credits).

Below are the steps that you need to follow to fulfill the thesis requirement. Please know that through each step, you will receive guidance and mentorship.

1. Meet with Your Research Advisor

Upon admission to the program, set up an introductory meeting with your Research Advisor to discuss potential thesis topics as well as course selections that can support your thesis path. 

When you have completed between 24 and 32 credits, you work more intensively with your assigned Research Advisor to determine a specific thesis topic.

Log in to MyDCE , then ALB/ALM Community to schedule an appointment with your assigned Research Advisor via the Degree Candidate Portal.

Failure to work with your Research Advisor initially and then more intensively may result in your Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP) Application not being approved (see below) and/or the selection of a different thesis topic.  

Thesis Topic Selection Guidelines

Every effort is made to support research interests that are grounded in your ALM course work, but faculty guidance is not available for all possible projects. Therefore, revision or a change of thesis topic may be necessary.

• The above point about topic selection is particularly pertinent to scientific research (e.g., biology) that is dependent upon laboratory space, project funding, and access to private databases.
• This point is also critical for our candidates in ALM, liberal arts fields (i.e., anthropology, English, government, history, international relations, psychology, and religion) who are required to have Harvard faculty direct their thesis projects. Review Harvard’s course catalog online ( My.Harvard.edu ) to be sure that there are faculty teaching courses related to your thesis topic. If faculty are not available, you will need to choose an alternative topic.
• Your topic choice must be a new area of research for you. You cannot re-purpose prior research. If you want to draw or expand upon your own previously written scholarship for a small portion of your thesis, you need to obtain the explicit permission of your research advisor and cite the work in both the proposal and thesis. Violations of this policy will be referred to the Administrative Board.

We’ve put together this guide  to help frame your thinking about thesis topic selection.

While it is natural to follow your interests in selecting a thesis topic, it is important to avoid choosing a topic where your own passions might produce insurmountable biases and assumptions. A thesis is not a piece of advocacy work where you are out to prove something that you already believe. Thesis projects must take a fair and balanced stance by bringing in differing points of view from respected scholars in the field. 

2. Prepare Your Crafting the Thesis Proposal Application

Once you and your Research Advisor have confirmed your thesis topic, the next step in the process is to prepare and submit the CTP Application in order to gain registration approval for the Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP) tutorial or course.

The CTP Application process confirms that you have done enough prior reading and thinking about your thesis topic to generate a pertinent and answerable research question. Pre-CTP preparation is critical as it helps to ensure that you will benefit from and succeed in the CTP.

Application Approvals and Denials. Your Research Advisor will provide feedback on your CTP Application.  If your application is not approved after 3 submissions, your Research Advisor cannot approve your CTP registration. 

If not approved, you’ll need to take additional time for further revisions and submit a new CTP Application during the next CTP submission cycle (if your five-year degree completion date allows).

Application Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible to submit a CTP Application, you need to (1) be in good standing and (2) have completed a minimum of 32 degree-applicable credits, including the research methods/statistics and Engaging in Scholarly Conversation requirement, if required for your field.

Advising Note for Psychology Candidates View More

Students in psychology sometimes face difficulty securing necessary IRB approvals for certain projects. For this reason, Research Advisors will not approve proposals that raise significant concerns about feasibility. Such concerns include cases where projects would require the researcher to possess a level of expertise or experience exceeding documented capabilities, as well as instances where the researcher is unlikely to be able to obtain appropriate faculty supervision for a proposed topic, question, method, or procedure. You must schedule an appointment with your Research Advisor at least three months in advance of the CTP Application deadlines to discuss potential research projects to ensure adequate time for assistance in developing a viable project idea.

Advising Note for Biology and former Biotechnology and Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Candidates View More

Thesis projects in these fields are designed to support ongoing scientific research happening in Harvard University, other academic institutions, or life science industry labs and usually these are done under the direction of a principal investigator (PI). Hence, you need to have a thesis director approved by your research advisor  prior  to submitting CTP Application. Your CTP Application is then framed by the lab’s research. Schedule an appointment with your research advisor a few months in advance of the CTP Application deadlines in order to discuss potential research projects and thesis director assignment.

The CTP Application is sent to our central email box:  [email protected] by the following firm deadlines:

• June 1 for fall CTP
• November 1 for spring CTP.  
• September 1 for the three-week January session (ALM sustainability candidates only)
• International sustainability students who need a student visa to attend Harvard Summer School must be officially admitted to the degree program before February 1, must submit the CTP Application on February 1, and must register for the CTP course on March 1 in order to submit timely I-20 paperwork. See international students guidelines for more information.

3. Register and Successfully Complete Crafting the Thesis Proposal

Once your CTP Application is approved, you register for the Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP) tutorial or course as you would any other degree requirement.

The goal of the CTP is to produce a complete, well-written draft of a proposal containing all of the sections required by your Research Advisor. Creating an academically strong thesis proposal sets the foundation for a high-quality thesis and helps garner the attention of a well-respected thesis director.

Thesis proposals typically include approximately 15 to 20 pages of text, in addition to any required reference sections, such as bibliographies and glossary/definition of terms.

Tutorial experience. The fall and spring CTP  tutorials are not courses in the traditional sense. Although there will be assignments for you to complete during the CTP, with due dates, and there will be times when you and your classmates meet as a group with your Research Advisor, there won’t be a regularly scheduled class meeting time for the CTP. 

The main work for the CTP will consist of your working independently on your proposal with your Research Advisor by submitting multiple drafts and scheduling individual appointments.

Grading. You need to make self-directed progress on the proposal without special prompting from the research advisor. You receive a final grade of SAT or UNSAT (failing grade).

You are expected to incorporate all of your Research Advisor’s feedback and be fully committed to producing an academically strong proposal leading to a thesis worthy of a Harvard degree. If you are unable to take advice from your Research Advisor, follow directions, or produce an acceptable proposal, you will not pass the CTP.

The CTP for sustainability is a three-week course in the traditional sense and you receive a letter grade, and it must be B- or higher to receive degree credit for the course.

Academic Integrity. Successful CTP completion also includes a check on the proper use of sources according to our academic integrity guidelines. Violations of our academic integrity policy will be referred to the Administrative Board.

Maximum of two attempts . If you don’t pass the CTP, you’ll have — if your five-year, degree-completion date allows — just one more attempt to complete the CTP before being required to withdraw from the program. If you fail the CTP just once and have no more time to complete the degree, your candidacy will automatically expire. Please note that a WD grade counts as an attempt.

If by not passing the CTP you fall into poor academic standing, you will need to take additional degree-applicable courses to return to good standing before enrolling in the CTP for your second and final time, but only if your five-year, degree-completion date allows. If you have no more time on your five-year clock, you will be required to withdraw from the program.

Human Subjects

If your thesis, regardless of field, will involve the use of human subjects (e.g., interviews, surveys, observations), you will need to have your research vetted by the  Committee on the Use of Human Subjects  (CUHS) of Harvard University. Please review the IRB Lifecycle Guide located on the CUHS website. Your research advisor will help you prepare a draft copy of the project protocol form that you will then finalize with your thesis director to send to the CUHS. 

Given the amount of time that can be required for IRB review, drafting of the required CUHS project protocol forms need to be started with your Research Advisor during the CTP tutorial, before a thesis director has been assigned.

4. Post-CTP Proposal Approval, Thesis Director Assignment, and Registration

Successfully completion of the CTP means you have completed a well-written full draft proposal. Ordinarily, this full draft is not a final accepted proposal. Most students reach the final accepted proposal stage by submitting additional changes and edits to their RA post-CTP.

Post-CTP Changes and Edits Deadline. We expect you to work diligently and quickly with your RA post-CTP to move from full draft to final proposal stage. Indeed, you should have an approved final proposal and be registered in the thesis soon after CTP completion, within weeks, but no later than 3 months. You cannot delay. If you take longer than 3 months after the CTP to register for the thesis, you may be required to retake the CTP.

Thesis Director Assignment. Once your RA has determined that your draft has reached the final proposal stage, you move to the thesis director assignment stage. The Research Advisor places you with a thesis director by sending out your final proposal to prospective Thesis Directors.

Do not approach faculty to ask about directing your thesis.  You may suggest names of any potential Thesis Directors to your Research Advisor, but it must be the Research Advisor who makes contact with them. (If they are eligible/available to direct your thesis, after you have an approved thesis proposal.) You are not permitted to approach faculty to ask them about directing your thesis.

Registration. When a Thesis Director has been identified or the thesis proposal has been fully vetted by the preassigned life science Thesis Director, you will receive a letter of authorization from the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs officially approving your thesis work and providing you with instructions on how to register for the eight-credit master’s thesis. The letter will also have a tentative graduation date as well as four mandatory thesis submission dates (see Thesis Timetable below).

When registering for the thesis, you will have two weeks to pay in full.  This is an eight-credit course, so be sure to have the necessary funds available when you register.

You must be good academic standing to register for the thesis. If not, you’ll need to complete additional courses to bring your GPA up to the 3.0 minimum prior to registration.

Thesis Submission Deadlines and Graduation Timetable

The thesis is a 9-to-12-month project that begins after the Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP); when your Research Advisor has approved your proposal and identified a Thesis Director.

The date for the appointment of your Thesis Director determines the graduation cycle that will be automatically assigned to you:

As you can see above, you do not submit your thesis all at once at the end, but in four phases: (1) complete draft to TD, (2) final draft to RA for format review and academic integrity check, (3) format approved draft submitted to TD for grading, and (4) upload your 100% complete graded thesis to ETDs.

Due dates for all phases for your assigned graduation cycle cannot be missed.  You must submit materials by the date indicated by 5 PM EST (even if the date falls on a weekend). If you are late, you will not be able to graduate during your assigned cycle.

If you need additional time to complete your thesis, you need to formally request an extension by emailing that petition to:  [email protected] .  Regardless of when you started, the maximum allotted time to complete your thesis, including any granted extensions of time is 12 months.

Advising Tip to Meet Your Five-Year Deadline: The last possible time you can register for the CTP to meet your five-year deadline date is the fall term two years prior or, if a sustainability student, in the January session one year prior. It is not, however, recommended to wait this long. Indeed, it is vigorously discouraged.

For example, if your five-year deadline is May 2026:

• Complete the CTP in fall 2024 (or in January 2025, if a sustainability student)
• Be assigned a Thesis Director (TD) in March/April 2025
• Begin the 9–12-month thesis project with TD
• Submit a complete draft of your thesis to your TD by February 1, 2026
• Follow through with all other submission deadlines (April 1, April 15 and May 1 — see table above)
• Graduate in May 2026

5. Working with Your Thesis Director

You must work diligently and independently, following the advice of your Thesis Director in a consistent, regular manner equivalent to full-time academic work to complete both the research and the writing phases of your thesis by your required timeline.

You are expected to incorporate all of your Thesis Director’s feedback and be fully committed to producing an academically strong thesis worthy of a Harvard degree. If you are unable to take advice from your Thesis Director, follow directions, or produce an acceptable scholarly thesis product, you will not receive a passing grade.

You are required to produce at least 50 pages of text (not including front matter and appendices). Chapter topics (e.g., introduction, background, methods, findings, conclusion) vary by field.

Once registered in the thesis, we will do a 3-month check-in with you and your Thesis Director to ensure progress is being made. If your Thesis Director reports little to no progress, the Dean of Academic Programs reserves the right to issue a thesis not complete (TNC) grade (see Thesis Grading below).

6. Thesis Template, Format Review, and Academic Integrity Check

All ALM thesis projects must written in Microsoft Word and follow a specific Harvard Extension School format. A properly formatted thesis is an explicit degree requirement; you cannot graduate without it.

You are required to use the Extension School  ALM Thesis Template  or the Extension School ALM Thesis Template for Creative Writing  (specifically designed for creative writing degree candidates). The template has all the mandatory thesis formatting built in.

Besides saving you a considerable amount of time as you write your thesis, the template ensures that your submitted thesis meets the mandatory style guidelines for margins, font, title page, table of contents, and chapter headings. If you use the template, format review should go smoothly, if not, a delayed graduation is highly likely.

Your Research Advisor will complete the format review  prior  to submitting your thesis to your Thesis Director for final grading according to the Thesis Timetable (see above).

Academic Integrity. Format review also includes a check on the proper use of sources according to our  academic integrity  guidelines. Violations of our academic integrity policy will be referred to the Administrative Board.

7. Mandatory Thesis Archiving

Once your thesis is finalized, meaning that the required grade has been earned and all edits have been completed, you must upload your thesis to Harvard University’s electronic thesis and dissertation submission system (ETDs).

Uploading your thesis ETDs is an explicit degree requirement; you cannot graduate without completing this step. Furthermore, no changes to the thesis are allowed once it has been graded and archived in ETDs.

The thesis project will be sent to several downstream systems:

• Your work will be preserved using Harvard’s digital repository DASH (Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard).
• Metadata about your work will be sent to HOLLIS (the Harvard Library catalog).
• Your work will be preserved in Harvard Library’s DRS2 (digital preservation repository).

By submitting work through ETDs @ Harvard you will be signing the Harvard Author Agreement. This license does not constrain your rights to publish your work subsequently. You retain all intellectual property rights.

For more information on Harvard’s open access initiatives, we recommend you view the Director of the Office of Scholarly Communication (OSC), Peter Suber’s brief introduction .

Thesis Grading

You need to earn a grade of B- or higher in the thesis. If you fail to complete substantial work on the thesis, you will earn a grade of TNC (thesis not complete). If you have already earned two withdrawal grades, the TNC grade will count as a zero in your cumulative GPA.

If you earn a grade below B-, you will need to petition the Administrative Board for permission to attempt the thesis for a second and final time. The petition process is only available if you are in good academic standing and your five-year, degree-completion date allows for more time. Your candidacy will automatically expire if you do not successfully complete the thesis by your required date.

If approved for a second attempt, you may be required to develop a new proposal on a different topic by re-enrolling in the CTP and being assigned a different thesis director. Tuition for the second attempt is calculated at the current year’s rate.

If by not passing the thesis you fall into poor academic standing, you’ll need to take additional degree-applicable courses to return to good standing before re-engaging with the thesis process for the second and final time. This is only an option if your five-year, degree-completion date allows for more time.

The Board only reviews cases in which extenuating circumstances prevented the successful completion of the thesis.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Developing Strong Thesis Statements

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The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.

The thesis needs to be narrow

Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.

Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.

Types of claims

Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.

Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:

Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:

Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:

Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:

Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.

Academic Appeal Process

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1. Introduction and Purpose

During their experience at Loyalist, issues of concern to students may arise from time to time. These issues can either relate directly to their grades and academic progress, or to other matters.

The intent of this policy and its associated procedure, is to ensure that, in the event of disagreements between students and the College or its staff, the College follow processes which are effective, fair, timely, and respectful of students while maintaining academic integrity.

2. Application

This policy applies to all Loyalist College students, faculty and staff.

3. Policy Statement

The College faculty and staff are strongly committed to resolving student concerns at the informal level. However, in the event that it is not possible to resolve the concern through the informal process, students may choose to pursue a formal Academic Appeal.

The associated procedures provide details of the formal Academic Appeal process at Loyalist and relate to appeals in response to:

• A penalty for academic dishonesty
• A penalty for breach of confidentiality
• Actions taken by the College as a result of a student’s failure to meet minimum program performance standards
• A failing grade in a specific course
• Actions taken by the College as a result of student behaviour at any College approved activity or function, whether organized, informal, on campus, off campus, or online, including inappropriate use of computer facilities or other College property
• Other issues which may impede a student’s academic progress during their experience with the College