What is the GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge?
The Threesis is an academic competition exclusively for GSAS master’s and certificate students to share their graduate research. Participants have three minutes to present a compelling oration on the significance of their research in language appropriate for a non-specialized audience.
What kind of research can I present?
You can present a range of graduate research: a traditional master’s thesis, a capstone project (even if it’s a group project), or a final paper from a class. As long as it’s graduate-level research (not undergraduate), you can present it.
How do I know if I am eligible to participate?
Anyone who is enrolled in a GSAS master’s or certificate program is eligible to apply. (Includes December/January graduates.)
What is involved in the Threesis process?
The Threesis team is committed to help you succeed! Once you apply and are admitted, you will be required to participate in one mentoring session, in which you present a rough draft of your presentation to a small group of fellow master’s students, helpful subject librarians from Bobst, faculty, and Threesis alumni. After mentoring, you will have access to communication workshops featuring talented guest speakers who offer advice, exercises, and tips about public speaking. The overall process includes time for you to practice, refine your presentation, and prepare before the competition. You can watch the winning presentations for inspiration!
What are the rules?
- A single static PowerPoint slide is required (no slide transitions, animations, or “movement” is permitted).
- No additional electronic media is permitted (e.g. sound and video files).
- No additional props are permitted (e.g. costumes, instruments [musical, laboratory, etc.]).
- Presentations are limited to three minutes.
- Presenters may use a single note card (though may not be used as a script).
- The judges’ decisions are final.
What are the judging criteria? Who are the judges?
The judges of the competition are esteemed faculty, professors, and/or deans who are committed to graduate excellence in GSAS. They judge on the following:
- Mastery: Does the speaker clearly grasp the material?
- Communication Style: Is the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language accessible for a non-specialized audience?
- Engagement: Does the oration captivate and intrigue the audience?
Judges will provide feedback and ask questions about your topic/presentation.
Are there any prizes?
Yes! GSAS awards a first place prize of $1,250, a second place prize of $1000, and a third place prize of $750. The remaining finalists receive $400. There is also an Audience Choice award of $750, in which audience members vote for their presentation of choice. Departments participating in the Threesis Incentive Program also award $300 to those students who make it to the final round.
How can I apply? When is the deadline?
The application consists of 3 easy steps: student profile, project basics, and the abstract—that’s it! The application deadline for the 2024 Threesis Application is February 12.
Contact gsas.threesis@nyu.edu for any further questions!