First round of competition
Must be enrolled in a K-State master's or doctoral program in the Fall 2026 semester to give a presentation in the first round on October 28, 2026.
K-State 3MT On-Campus Competition
The 3MT on-campus competition involves a first round of competition in the Fall 2026 semester and a final round of competition in the Spring 2027 semester.
- The 3MT presentation must cover original research conducted as part of your K-State graduate degree program (a formal thesis or dissertation is not required)
- You are not required to be at a certain stage of your research but will be more competitive if you have at least some findings to share.
- Present a compelling oration of your original research topic and its significance using language appropriate for a non-specialist audience
- Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps, or songs)
- Competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified
- Only a single static slide that represents the purpose and importance of your original research is allowed; no slide transitions, animations, or 'movement' of any type are allowed; the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration
- Props, sounds, and other materials may NOT be included in the presentation
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech
- The decision of the judging panel is final
Participant eligibility
This competition requires that you give a presentation in-person on the K-State Manhattan campus. All registrants compete in the first round of competition in the Fall 2026 semester.
Final round of competition
If you are selected as a finalist, you must be enrolled in the spring 2027 semester in order to compete in the final competition on January 27, 2027.
Details
First round dates and deadlines
These are important dates to be familiar with if you plan to participate in the on-campus competition.
Sign up by Oct 6
Registration is simple and quick!
Submit your slide by Oct 26
After registering, you will receive a link to slide submission.
First round - Oct 28
Presentations will be 9am-5pm, K-State Student Union
Final competition
January 27, 2027 - 5pm - Union Ballroom
Up to 14 first-round participants will advance to the final competition to compete for the following:
- 1st place - $500 scholarship
- 2nd place - $250 scholarship
- People's choice - $125 scholarship
The first place winner will represent K-State at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) 3MT® competition in Minneapolis, MN on March 26, 2027.
Judging criteria
Comprehension and Content
- Presentation provided clear motivation, background, and significance to the research question.
- 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.