There is no College-wide data about the number of thesis writers, but, as an example, according to Economics Director of Undergraduate Studies Jeffrey A. Miron, approximately 40 students are writing a thesis in his department, which amounts to about 20 percent of concentrators.

“I would say the majority of students actually don’t write a thesis,” Ackerman said. In fact, Ackerman originally had not planned to write a thesis, but after researching a charter school study in a graduate economics course last semester, he decided to continue researching and petitioned to enter the thesis process late.

Although many thesis writers, like those concentrating in Government, History and Literature, or English, have already submitted their theses, many seniors will be writing over spring break.

Jason C. Huo ’14, an Engineering Sciences concentrator who will be finishing his thesis in early April, said he is envious of friends who are finishing their theses this week. Still, Huo said, he anticipates that his final months at the College will be a relaxing time of reflection.

“It’s sort of time to look back and think, ‘Wow we’ve been here for four years,’” he said.

—Staff writer Meg P. Bernhard can be reached at meg.bernhard@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @Meg_Bernhard.