Three Minute Thesis™ (3MT™) Eligibility, Rules, and Tips

Eligibility

Currently enrolled Texas A&M master's and doctoral students, IN ALL DISCIPLINES, who are engaged in original research are eligible to participate in 3MT™. Presentations must focus on research students are conducting or have conducted during their current degree program, either by the student individually or as a part of a research team. The research must be at a stage where findings, preliminary conclusions, and broader impacts can be discussed.  

A minimum of 5 competitors are required for each competition category. In the event that this threshold is not met OR the top competitors in the category have scores lower than the average of ALL competitor scores, the competitor category will not be held. The top 7-10 competitors overall will advance to the Finals. 
 

2023 Three Minute Thesis Competition


Rules

3MT competitors get three minutes to present their research to a general audience, using just one visual slide. 

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed. (Please make sure that you have copyright permissions for any imagery used on your slide.) The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, scripts, or teleprompters) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum; competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (eg. no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter begins speaking.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
• With 30 seconds to go, the timekeeper holds up a sign. A bell chimes at the end of the 3-minute period. Speaking after the bell chimes results in an automatic disqualification.

Scoring Criteria

Comprehension and Content

• Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question.
• Presentation provided clear positionality of the presenter to the research and research approach.
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research.
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research.

Engagement and Communication

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience.
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.

Tips for 3MT Success

Attend Development Sessions and Feedback Sessions hosted by the Graduate and Professional School, Center for Teaching Excellence - English Language Proficiency Program, and University Writing Center. 

Prepare your script

• Write for your audience, the general public (not a technical audience)
• Remove jargon or at least clearly explain it
• Tell a story
• Sell why it's important. How does your research impact society? Why should anyone care? 

Prepare your slide

• Less is more! In general, the most successful competitors have had a single image on their slide. 
• The slide isn't delivering your message, you are. Use the slide the emphasize a point or the main take away

Your 3MT presentation

• Practice, practice, practice and get feedback!
• Watch example 3MT presentations - search 3MT on the Grad School Youtube page. 
  • View an archive of presentations, sorted by student, competition year, and department here. 
• Check out tips from Namgyun Kim, Texas A&M's 2021 winner and finalist at the Council of Southern Graduate Schools' 3MT regional competition, in the video below. 

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