How to finish your PhD faster | 7 tips including an unspoken truth!

How can you finish a PhD faster? It's a tough time but here are 7 tips to make sure that you stay on track and you are able to finish faster.
With a little bit of discipline, you can achieve a PhD in as little as 2 - 3 years. Here's how:
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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:31 Build the right habits
4:20 Start writing frequently
5:40 Relax for one full day a week
7:21 Build strong supervisor-student relationships
9:23 Avoid "paper bait" and what that means!
11:24 Find a mentor outside of your faculty
13:15 Communicate with colleagues
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[@Jonathan-xe4ec]

Listen to this video at 1.5x speed and you'll finish your PhD even faster.

[@nihedks1070]

1.75x over here 😁

[@SebCarro.OccPsychology]

Indeed

[@michaelntimba5157]

Worked for me

[@thesciencechasm6379]

Hahaha

[@user-zq1nz7qv7o]

3x

[@sashanealand8315]

1 start focused work on the one thing first thing in the morning 2 set aside time for writing everyday 3 relax one day a week 4 let supervisors know what you expect from them 5 avoid paper bait 6 connect with colleagues

[@maythamsaeed533]

Excellent summary

[@noralizamohdnor5259]

One more, have a mentor ...

[@ROGUE406]

Spot on. It took me 5 years to finish my PhD while in full-time employment- and my job requires constant travel - besides being a husband and father. In my experience: 1. The most important thing is setting up the right habits and routine. 2. Pioritize your physical and mental health (gym, yoga etc) and sleep. Some of my best ideas came to me in my dreams - weird as it sounds. 3. Take some time off. There were times I couldn't put a sentence together, no matter how much I tried...then times when the right words would literally flow from my fingers! So I took time off when I was brain-dead, and worked hard when I was in a purple patch. 4. Talk to other experts and colleagues about your PhD work and approach - it helps to identify your blind spots, generate alternative approaches and also to test whether your topic is clear enough.

[@BlondeQtie]

Even in part time (20 hours a week) for 5 years you aren’t able to achieve what a full time phd student achieves in 2,5 years…

[@ROGUE406]

@@BlondeQtie I bet the full time PhD student cannot make a fraction of the money that I make as a part-timer... so I guess everything has its costs and advantages

[@BlondeQtie]

@@ROGUE406 If you want to earn money, why do a PhD? Quality is what matters. I earned money before my PhD and now I have no financial worries and can focus on the research.

[@ROGUE406]

@@BlondeQtie I didn't do a PhD to earn money. Quite the opposite. I did a PhD when I had money. I just needed to deepen my understanding of field of study - no financial motivation involved

[@angelazhang3393]

@@BlondeQtie That's not really true. I am a full time PhD, but I can tell you there are many Master students who already knew a lot more about my field than I did when I first started. I spent my first couple of years mostly catching up. (I did come from industry, left, and chose to pursue a PhD.) I would say many other PhD students are the same, as they could've chosen to pursue a different discipline than their background or the discipline is new in general. (I'm in CS working with ML, AI so many things are generally new here.) Plus, there are people whose PhD is highly related to their work so they technically already started "researching" even before they started. Honestly - more time in a PhD is nothing to brag about. I came to learn something specific so I can make things better in the real world. Spending more time here does not equal "better" quality, though time is a necessity for learning. If others can achieve their own goals in a shorter time - kudos. Everyone's experience is different.

[@abbigalebrown2720]

First week of PhD and already feel overwhelmed. Love these tips. Going to try my best. Thanks for you help.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

You can do it! Take each day as it comes. Always happy to help!

[@unchainedwarriortv]

How are you getting on, Abbi?

[@SatishPawar-ko2ll]

The 'Paper bait' tip is so true. I helped so many people in their work and didn't even get any authorship.

[@emilyrawling695]

I am completing a PhD with a Studentship and I am expected to finish it in 3 years. I am really enjoying watching your videos. For me the ‘Imposter Syndrome’ is my main barrier. I completed my Masters in a year whilst working full-time in a stressful/demanding role. I am in the mindset…….I must start work immediately and I am seeing my research as my job. I think I may limit my social media access to evenings as suggested. XXX

[@farhanazakir7976]

I am 1 month into my PhD, and these tips were really helpful. Thank you. Especially, the tip about paper baiting and taking a break. Not lot of people I talked to told me this.

[@benwarnes3177]

Great work man! I’m starting my PhD in right around two weeks. I will take these tips and put them to use. Much love from Canada!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Best of luck! I'm pleased the video helped!

[@mayur_old4397]

You will succeed, all the best

[@chrisogonas]

Amazing tips! Thanks

[@zackariasmartin7566]

This video (and info) is EXCELLENT! I just started my Ph.D and this advice is AWESOME!!

[@heatherernst]

Great ideas. I wish I had seen this sooner. I am not in a science PhD, but the ideas are still important.

[@NileNetworks]

This guy is just great man !

[@gilga03gig61]

Thanks for your videos! Also doing a PhD in Australia as an international student (French). Really like the way you bring PhD-related topics :)

[@pac4458]

Thanks for this tips , I can't wait !

[@paulocorreia1596]

Thanks for the advice!

[@lesegokgatitswe8136]

Thank you Andy, this was useful, particularly the part about avoiding paper bait. I am working and studying at the same time. It is quite challenging and sometimes I go for long periods without writing anything. I plan to do better this year and hopefully finish strong.

[@Ann-qr1sr]

Can u do a video on how to get into a teaching profession in a university after PhD?

[@genghislad6195]

You are a breath of fresh air Andy, thanks for everything you do

[@thedesignchanel1]

Sharing tips and experiences gave me strength to think about Phd .. YOU CHANGED MY WORLD.. BIG THANK YOU

[@lululillian64]

Hi, Andy. Thank you for all your wonderful and inspiring videos. I will like to see a video on Paper/ Journal Reviews.

[@polyglotpower2405]

I literally had the book Atomic Habits right here on my desk when he mentioned to read the book; sounds like I need to finish it and enact my habit strategy asap.

[@vanessaphd]

This is helpful! Can you make a video talking more about finding and having a mentor? How to ask? Qualities? Etc... thanks!

[@elisangelasouza4129]

Andy, good morning! I am a researcher from Brazil, I´ve just entered in a process of "starting" my PHD studies. Here the process is different, we can start just studying some core subjects. All your tips are great, I am preparing myself to really start my PHD. Great videos! Thanks for sharing!

[@truthspeaksgroup1569]

Thank you. I am doing all of these. I am doing chapter one now

[@TheVratilo]

Good content Andy. Maybe topic for part time PhDs who work in industry (non related with scientific subject), tips and trick, potential benefits from PhD in future etc. how to structure your day ?

[@bhargavatejasallapalli2861]

I wish I could this channel sooner. I have wasted an whole year (2020). Hope 2021 is productive and I catch up.

[@biochemistry3821]

Great! Thank you!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

You are welcome!

[@abhishek001ghosh]

The most important reason , according to me, is the course work requirements during a phd .There are certain US universities and even IIT Kanpur and IISC Bangalore in India , where course work is very rigorous, as one has to credit (not audit) a number of abvanced courses in their first year .After obtaining a decent cgpa , u are allowed to take your comprehensive exams and then comes your research.l believe that under these circumstances completing in 3years is a tough job altogether. That is the reason the average time is 5 years in these places.

[@nirbhay_raghav]

Yes you are right. I am at IISc currently at end of my first year and this is so true. Coursework is very rigorous and everyone is expected to have a 7 or even 7.5+ CGPA depending on supervisor. And then comes a project that you have to do before a comprehensive which in itself feels like the end of a PhD by the time you are done. Most people hence relax after their compre thinking they have worked so hard. And thats why PhD finishes in 6 years or 7 sometimes.

[@user-qy8zi8hq4v]

Isn't it same for all IIT? I just finished my first 6 months of PhD from home. Feeling highly demotivated. Not able to focus while studying from home

[@ratnanirupama3368]

Yes yes, I have experienced the same at IITH. It's the same in all IITs. The first year was very rigorous

[@timothyrday1390]

It's similar in humanities PhD programs in the US. You spend at least a year doing coursework, doctoral readings credits, and preparing for the comprehensive exams. You then need to work on your proposal and to get that accepted by your committee (5 professors). Even getting the committee put together can be an ordeal because you need two outside readers. After you've done all that, it can take another 4-5 years to write a dissertation that is worthy of a defense. Finishing in PhD in 3 years is almost unheard of in the humanities.

[@mahidersolomon811]

Great thanks

[@syaduinotech3681]

Thanks for the tips. Can you share some experience and ideas, how to finish phd fast in the part time mode?

[@gibmiralles]

Thank you for the video! Very useful tips!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

A pleasure!

[@abodaher6808]

You are the best Andy, thank you for sharing your experience :)

[@DrAndyStapleton]

My pleasure! I appreciate the comment!

[@meharihabtemariam3035]

I heard extremely intelligent people are so funny in every way of their way, and you proved that for me. Whenever I start to hear you, I always imagine how funny classes could had been if you were an academician.

[@dubwhite852]

I think that many of these are good tips in general (school, work, projects). I will save this to listen to from time to time to ensure l stay in line. Thank you, Andy! €8-)

[@shakespearaamina9117]

Thank you

[@tadessehunegnaw5412]

You present very intriguing tips. I need a lot of motivation since PhD is hard. That is why some successfully do it. I have experienced killing my time through unnecessary jargon tasks such as lots of time on face book and other social medias. After much time elapsed, I wake up and start to insult me, see me as a man that can do nothing. I have struggling to start my proposal but could not concentrate or easily distracted. I could not develop a discipline. I have planned to wake up from bed at 5:00 Am. I made it for a few days but come back to the previous habit. I need this motivation to develop into strict habits. Thank you very much for your important tips.

[@raaviaggarwal8223]

Loved this! "Paper bait"....LOL

[@shawnb4745]

I'm starting my DBA doctorate in February. Your tips and advice is really great and I love that you put everything in context. I started working on my doctorate (all my notes and structure) way back in May 2020 when I applied to school. Graduated with my MBA in December and giving myself the month of January to officially read through the course textbook (Business Research) every day. You are correct: write and work every day.

[@jaymill8281]

I start my DBA program in a week! Good luck to you

[@windstorm4141]

I'm currently doing Masters but my aim is towards the PhD. I always watch these videos which are motivating me during my study. I heard some people lose motivation with time, from your experience how could I keep this motivation up?

[@paulabelen3615]

Thanks!! 🌼

[@DrAndyStapleton]

No problem 😊

[@nik0la561]

Hey m8. I'm starting my Ph.D. in September and your videos are going to be super helpful. I moved to the Netherlands for a Ph.D. so I'm super super excited about what's coming and your stuff calms me down a bit :-D. Really underviewed/rated content you produce! Thanks a lot :P

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thank you! Best of luck and I'll continue to create content for PhD and postdocs!

[@hezronottey6474]

Hi I'm so grateful to you for sharing these tips. Thank you. I start my PhD in a couple weeks (September).

[@DrAndyStapleton]

An absolute pleasure! Thank you! Good luck with your PhD!

[@queenedede7622]

Am starting my professional doctorate programme in January. Your videos are really helpful. Thank you!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Best of luck!

[@Dani-rs9ik]

How do we know what we need from our supervisor right at the beginning? In my experience as a first-generation student so far, there seem to be a lot of assumptions that we already know what we need help with. How do we find those things out so we can ask for them?

[@mohamedkaar5530]

Good presentations

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thank you

[@joojosmith3824]

starting PhD in marketing in Ghana and this is great help bro

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Best of luck! I'm glad that this was helpful good luck with your PhD in marketing!

[@dentalameen3938]

Thank you Sir, is it possible to get RTP scholarship for PhD in Australia with 4 publications in good journals?

[@esgara8446]

Thank you, Andy. I work full time and I am doing PhD part time. Also, I have a family. For me, it is about time management. I manage to have some time for social life.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Fantastic!

[@lululillian64]

What tips would you have for those who have to juggle work with the Ph.D. study? Some of us have to work to pay bills and family upkeeps.

[@colleenstuart190]

Is 3yrs really fast Andy? Most universities in South Africa state very clearly, right out the gate, that you have 3yrs. Thereafter, you will have to apply for an extension with good reason and you will still pay a fine.

[@janswanton3631]

This is the second video of yours that I have watched that has mentioned 'papers'. What are papers? Also I have never met my supervisor and am never likely to due to Covid and geography. You make it sound like this will be a problem. That worries me. Your videos are very helpful, only in that they really make me worry about what I have coughed up my savings for (I start my PhD in 3 weeks and have had zero contact with the University, not even to ask for fees. I've only had a short email offering me a place, which I have replied to accepting. You make it sound like you work cheek by jowl with these people!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Here is some information about Papers: www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/scientific-papers-13815490/ Working closely with your supervisor is an important part of a PhD. This can be done remotely (via Zoom). But in the early stages daily contact will help you start strong and in the right direction.

[@dominosia107]

Started my PhD recently and will definitely keep this in mind 😊

[@likhithareddy704]

Me too! Good luck :)

[@nadagh3235]

Thanks. How can someone get an academic mentor if the university doesn't support and you are new in the university and the culture?

[@frankatoghansah730]

Hello Andy, Please, is it good to get a topic from your supervisor? That is if he/she tells you that he has a topic for you. Thank you

[@kelsey0096]

I’m considering enrolling part time in a PhD (paramedic). I’ll be working full time throughout this journey. Is it realistic to also maintain a social life? Have holidays once a year for a few weeks etc. i don’t know if I’m being naive thinking I can balance my social life & relationship whilst completing my PhD. I have good habits and work ethic and am very good with time management but neglecting other areas of my life worries me. Part time would mean 6 years and it’s PhD by publication.

[@suchiparihar42]

Hey, I just got admission in PhD, but due to this pandemic there is some in classes can you please suggest how should I use this time .

[@rbg9854]

But what if the paper bait is directly from your supervisor? Would saying No be too direct and damage the relationship with the supervisor?

[@paularubina3778]

Hi, my question is how to power through when feelings of overwhelm threaten to derail me. Thank you!

[@NecroLioness]

I cant go to the lab without having a coffee first - its too dangerous :D for me it was always planning the day and drinking coffee at the same time then go straight to the lab

[@dmgcina]

Great tips. This will come very handy as I am starting the journey in 2021.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Writing in the morning has been a game-changer for me. Unfortunately, I've only learned that in my postdoc. I'd religiously write for at least 30 min a day. It's interesting you spoke about taking the weekend because I have just made a video about working at the "prime" time and get the difficult tasks done first! I did mine in 4-years in the HK system, I couldn't imagine doing 3-year PhD like the Australian system!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thanks for the comment! The weekend should contain at least one day where you do not have to think about work - but getting the hard stuff done first is a fantastic motivator for the rest of the day!

[@realalsingh-ramharrack9148]

Hey thanks for the advice . Whats the topic of your PhD and what’s your angle ?

[@patientpalabendela7173]

Thanks

[@DrAndyStapleton]

You are welcome

[@jimbeldavid9431]

@@DrAndyStapleton I will be starting my PhD this year on strategic management. I need your advice I need to finish fast and the best .

[@mrinaliniroy8496]

the paper bait and not workin on weekends- best tips for me

[@rikafatmadona3277]

You're right. I've lost my time just for social media, facebook, whatsapp, Line, email... I hope can caught the lost..

[@irmaksaglam3782]

Do you have any ideas about how we can find a mentor?

[@pushpavallim645]

Can u give me suggestion how to complete PhD as early as possible being a mom for two kids...

[@manassehdati6459]

How can l formulate better a phd topic? Must it be what, whom and where?

[@janswanton3631]

How do you find a 'mentor' and 'colleagues'? I no longer know anyone, let alone anyone remotely connected with academia! I live alone, in lockdown.

[@manassehdati6459]

I have a topic in mind on Neuromarking tòol and brand loyalty. Is there anyone I can talk to for guidance?

[@justinsheetz2796]

I always had a sneaking suspicion Chris Allison had a PhD. (you look like him)

[@ManikaLamba]

Which camera and mic do you use to record your videos? I am going to have an important presentation soon online and I want a good mic for that.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Here is all my gear. I use the audio from the shotgun microphone as recorded by the portable recorder. Although the on camera microphone is really great! Camera - Canon EOS 650D amzn.to/3aDOog6 On camera mic - amzn.to/3iMTzx0 Webcam - amzn.to/34bqk2R Shotgun microphone - amzn.to/34gzcUX Portable recorder - amzn.to/3kUzF53 Lighting - amzn.to/2YgbAfv

[@ManikaLamba]

Andy Stapleton Thank you so much!!! It is so helpful! Much appreciated!

[@ManikaLamba]

Andy Stapleton Do you think it is worth investing on mic and/or camera for 1-2 presentations? I am really confused.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

@@ManikaLamba Good lighting and good audio will make the presentation much easier to understand and watch. It is not necessary, however to buy new things for it. A couple of lamps with baking paper over them can be your light source and a chea USB microphone will also do the trick for audio.

[@Pearlsofwisdom-123]

Sir make a come back vedio who have wasted enough time

[@jelsoso3219]

How do you know if experiment results that you collected are enough for paper?

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Typically - I just start writing and see if I can tell a full story. Then I find the gaps in the logic and fill them with more experiments or theory.

[@jelsoso3219]

@@DrAndyStapleton thanks. I try it

[@DrMartinObrien]

Another strategy i like to use is to select a journal that allows one to submit a short communication/ a note/ letter ( different journals refer to it by different names). Basically these types of articles will likely have a word limitation e.g., 1500 to 2000 words. After carefully wording the aims of your study, can you ‘fit’ your paper within the word limitation? If you can, you may just have done enough for a paper!

[@cupidlucid]

I know my time is running short to write a Ph.D. thesis and I am getting very late, late even to cross the final deadline to submit the thesis and my supervisor is not happy with this situation, but even then I do not site to write and can't focus on writing it, knowing it that Ph.D. is very crucial for my survival in the department, why do not I start it. how can I force myself to sit and write it? Please share some tips.

[@asmaassoum2600]

Just checking.... Have you started yet?

[@cupidlucid]

@@asmaassoum2600 I have stated but stuck in the middle. U?

[@asmaassoum2600]

@@cupidlucid lost motivation so I'm watching some KZbin videos hopefully I can get back to work asap. Thank you for asking

[@cupidlucid]

@@asmaassoum2600 good luck, please push me to my work too please

[@asmaassoum2600]

@@cupidlucid yeah let's get the work done.. It will come to an end no matter what.. It's just a matter of consistency from our side

[@awsafabdun-nur3556]

8. I will include The backup plan so if you find deadlock in a task you can move forward. no need to stay on a single problem of phd for six or seven months. The world moves and there is many tasks that need to be solved.

[@shaikhajuma9605]

I'll stop procrastinating. Thank you.

[@bashprof]

About emails... I will be dead at the end of the day if I didn't check my emails, because we mostly communicate through emails. I am suppose to reply ASAP. I think that point depends on the group. But fb and other stuff, yp, keep them as far as possible. Anyway good video, dude!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thanks! Yeah, the email culture changes from group to group. But minimizing how often you check them is a great place to start for productivity!

[@jijingihemenemmanuel4464]

is there any app that can interpret table results?

[@ambrosekola4011]

chat gpt

[@erickmoreta8287]

Do you think that being a foreign helps to have more time to advance in your PhD?

[@avs3488]

I am about to start my phd but i dont have a research back ground. Will i finish it?

[@MuzixMaker]

You should research that question

[@pilotracoon80]

Ahhh, a list of all my problems during my PhD. I'm still doing it after 6 years and I'm almost completely isolated from the scientific comunity. At least now I get one dissapointing meeting with my supervisor every week (if he doesn't forget about it)

[@dystephiary]

Here because I finally got into a program abroad and I'm getting scared haha

[@michaelasimon6694]

If my mentor emails me, I need to email her back within 10 hours or there will be a problem. Take the email thing with a grain salt because it will be different for everyone.

[@DrMartinObrien]

That’s a great point! I hope your mentor follows her own high standards when replying to your emails : )

[@Voltanaut]

In this video, you called yourself an international student. Which fair country to you hail from and where do you currently live?

[@milankaur6626]

He studied in Australia

[@makelesigonelevu1238]

Did you work during your PhD?

[@arseniysleptsov9217]

almost Gilfoyle, but kind :D

[@firstjedi2]

Communicating with your lab mates is not necessarily good idea, unfortunately some of them will just carry you to waste your time, go to them only is truly necessary and take them with a grain of salt. PhD is a lonely way that’s the best advice from a fellow PhD student.

[@BlondeQtie]

i have to disagree! i am doing a phd in chemistry and organic chemistry and my fellow phd and post doc students are very helpful. they have years worth of knowledge, they can help you with new methods, bounce off ideas or give you a realistic inside into the group and what’s expected. Plus, lonely lunch breaks suck.

[@firstjedi2]

@@BlondeQtie you must be a woman and pretty. Have a look on why these fellows PhD students are so interested on being helpful with you. Either that or you are at the first stages of PhD where you think world is pink color.

[@BlondeQtie]

@@firstjedi2 It might surprise you, but I also have female fellow students and gay fellow students and married fellow students. Don’t be so bitter.

[@DrMartinObrien]

It really depends on the culture in your lab culture. Are the days spent chatting/gossiping or is that left for lunch or after work? My advice is to be friendly with everyone (don’t stand out if you are the only serious one in the group), and leave gossiping for lunch/social occasions. You are likely being paid peanuts or nothing at all and doing anything besides your research during the week is not smart.

[@suchismitakar2154]

Wasted 3 years. Salvaging the rest

[@suhasnuggsam3997]

These days it would be checking Reels or Shorts from Instagram, KZbin, TikTok. IMO much more dangerous than Facebook

[@valeriiaandreeva6812]

Was triggered by “go out in nature”🫠