Meet the third year who did his entire dissertation in 36 hours

That’s a new record

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Everyone is guilty of a bit of procrastination, but this Aberystwyth  third year started and finished his dissertation in less than two days. 

Business and Management student Jake Stennett took “last minute” to a new level when he wrote 10,000 words in 36 hours. Taking the occasional break for naps, smoking and Netflix – Jake made a friend sit with him for the final 24 hour stretch to make sure he got it gone.

After going from nothing to 2:2 in a matter of hours, we asked Jake how – and most importantly why – he decided to do it.

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“I’m a high intensity worker, and If I’m not feeling under a huge amount of pressure then I really struggle to motivate myself,” explained Jake. “But when I am under pressure, I can work for 18-20 hours a day, as I have done at work before.”

His dissertation was titled “What are the key factors for success for new ventures seeking funding through pledge funding?”, which sounds a bit dry. Jake said: “I just smashed through it chronologically, aiming for word count not quality. If I have any time left over then I’d attempt to make it seem nice.”

He added: “Of course, working straight for 36 hours is pretty grim, so I rolled myself a tower of fags and took the odd break. I did a lot of procrastination for the first 12 hours, with Netflix and naps, which probably didn’t help but there we go.

Last year a Warwick graduate did his entire dissertation in one 48 hour sitting. Jake beat his time by a cool 12 hours.

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His poor lungs

The worst part was others trying to hold him back. Jake said: “People telling me I was fucked was the hardest. What I really needed was undying confidence that I could do it. Other than that, the lack of research made it feel like I was spouting trash sometimes.”

Despite getting a 2:2, Jake has absolutely no regrets in not starting his dissertation 36 hours before it was due. “This is how I work,” he explained. “It was always going to happen this way. I love to be stressed out and crazy, it is just who I am. Even if some act of God meant that I had an extra couple of weeks, I probably would still leave it till the last minute.”

He added: “I probably could have got a better grade had I been a bit more organised, but I’m proud of my 2:2.”

36 hours later

36 hours later

As for advice, Jake would recommend surrounding yourself with friends. He said: “I had a guy sit with me for the last 24 hours straight in the computer lounge,  rolling me cigarettes and providing that top shelf banter. Other than that, just remember, stress when you’re doing a last minute piece of work is a good thing.”

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Do you know someone who has written their entire dissertation in less than 36 hours? Email [email protected]