DNA results can be overwhelming and some are anxious to solve those decades-long brick walls the minute they get the results back.

That’s not how it works, especially if you have never analyzed DNA results before. To help in the results analysis:

• Have your tree as complete as you can.
• Trace as many descendants of your ancestors through your 3rd great-grandparents as possible–at least down to people born in the 1920-1930 era. This helps in analyzing short trees.
• Identify as many matches as you can (back through 3rd/4th cousins at least)–even on the lines you are not interested in. This helps to sort out other matches and helps to build your skills.