What if my practicum project keeps getting bigger?

It starts small. Could you also add a Spanish version? Maybe survey the other two clinics? Each request sounds reasonable on its own, and then halfway through the term your project has doubled while your hours and deadline haven't.

Pin down the original scope

If you don't have one already, write a one-paragraph project summary: the goal, the final product, what's included, and the due date. Send it to your preceptor to confirm. It's hard to discuss scope creep without a shared starting point.

Flag additions when they happen

When a new request comes in, respond positively but name the trade-off right away:

"I'd be glad to add the other two clinics. That's probably another two to three weeks of work. Should I push the final report date, or drop the focus groups to make room?"

This isn't refusing work. It gives your preceptor the information they need to decide. Most supervisors don't realize how requests add up until someone lays them out.

Protect the part your program needs

Your program cares about a finished product that demonstrates specific competencies. If new tasks threaten that, say so plainly and suggest ways to handle the extras, such as a phase two after you leave, a hand-off memo, or a smaller version.

Loop in your advisor if needed

If the project is still expanding and you can't finish the required deliverable within your practicum hours, bring your faculty advisor in early. Many programs allow the deliverable to be adjusted with approval, but not at the last minute.

For practical ways to estimate and renegotiate, see the trap of underestimating project scope. If you have the opposite problem, read what to do about busywork.