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The Ninth Annual GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2019. The qualifying rounds will take place on Friday, April 12, 2019.

The Threesis is a vehicle to showcase the academic excellence and important scholarly work of GSAS master’s students. Each participant has three minutes to present a compelling oration on the significance of their research in language appropriate for a non-specialized audience.

In order to be considered for entry in the GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge, master’s students are invited to submit this application with an abstract of their thesis, capstone project, or other graduate-level research (as defined below), by Friday, February 8, 2019. Threesis application decisions will be announced early in the 2019 spring semester. If you are selected to participate in Threesis, you will receive dates for the mandatory mentoring workshops during which you will receive constructive feedback from a dynamic group of mentors including the talented subject librarians of Bobst, Threesis alumni who have succeeded through the Final Round, and members of the GSAS community. 

ELIGIBILITY

Anyone who is enrolled in a GSAS master’s program (including students with a thesis under submission) is eligible. Graduates of the current academic year are also eligible.

DEFINITIONS

Thesis: any thesis, capstone project, creative project, or graduate-level research required by your department.

Abstract: a brief description of your project in one to three paragraphs (250 words). 

A single static PowerPoint slide is required (no slide transitions, animations, or "movement" of any type permitted). No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files). No additional props (e.g. costumes, instrumentals, materials, etc.). 

Presentations are limited to three minutes. The judges' decisions are final. 

Qualifying round judges will provide feedback and potentially ask questions about your topic after each contestant's presentation. 

Finalist judges will award three prizes: first place of $1,000, second place of $750, and third place of $500. The audience will determine the audience choice award of $750. 

Departments participating in the Threesis Incentive Program pledge to award $300 to their students who advance from the qualifying rounds to the final round. See the participating programs from last year: 

JUDGING CRITERIA

1. Mastery: Does the speaker clearly grasp the material? 

2. Style: Is the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language accessible for a non-specialized audience?

3. Engagement: Does the oration captivate and intrigue the audience? 

BENEFITS

The Threesis is a unique opportunity to showcase your scholarly research as a master's student in GSAS. Previous participants, finalists, and winners have gone on to pursue PhD programs and job interviews with success. Threesis develops robust presentation skills, public speaking skills, and research skills that are applicable and valuable to doctoral research and professional endeavors alike.

Your scholarly contribution is important! Share it with the GSAS community for a chance to win prize money and the title of 2019 Threesis Champion. GSAS awards prizes for the following:

• First place of $1,000
• Second place of $750
• Third place of $500

The audience also determines the Audience Choice Award of $750. Participating departments in the Threesis Incentive Program also pledge to award $300 to their students if they make it to the Final Round. ​Contestants are eligible to win multiple prizes (e.g. First place and Audience Choice).

Network and engage with academics and mentors within GSAS and throughout the University. Connect with fellow master's students from diverse departments and programs throughout the Graduate School. Showcase your graduate research, improve your presentation and public speaking skills, and develop a strong network that will support you for years to come.