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The GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge is an annual academic competition for master’s students to showcase their graduate research. Each participant has three minutes to present a compelling oration on the significance of their thesis, capstone, or other graduate-level project, in language appropriate for a non-specialized audience. Founded by former GSAS Interim Dean Malcolm Semple, “Threesis” originates from the idea of presenting a “thesis” in “three” minutes.
Now in its 8th year, Threesis provides approximately 100 master’s students with high quality resources to crystallize their research, hone their communication skills, and improve upon their presentation and public speaking skills. As Threesis participants, students receive mentoring in collaboration with specialized subject librarians from the NYU Bobst Library, Threesis alumni who have succeeded as finalists, and current doctoral students in GSAS. They also receive access to communication workshops, and connect with each other along the way.
Students then compete in the Qualifying Rounds, in which they present their research to GSAS faculty. Twelve finalists emerge and advance onward to compete in the Final Round, where they share their work with the panel of NYU Silver Professor judges as well as a public audience made up of current students, GSAS alumni, family, and friends. The judges select winners for first place ($1000), second place ($750), and third place ($500) prizes, and the audience votes to help determine the winner of the Audience Choice award ($750). In addition to the prizes, winners also receive a video of their own individual presentation (useful for digital resumes). Your donation will contribute directly to these prizes and videos.
What began as a creative event that has evolved into an impactful experience. Since its inception, almost 800 students have participated in Threesis and 96 finalists have competed in the Final Round. Past participants have shared that Threesis helped them develop the confidence necessary to succeed in both job interviews, PhD programs, and post-graduate pathways. Threesis continues to open doors for master’s students and make a lasting impact on them beyond NYU—and we are thrilled to invite you to be part of this personal impact!
