3MT Resources and FAQ

Information Sessions & Workshops

  • Friday, November 15, 2024, 1 - 2 PM: Information & Research Communications Session, Thwing Center, room 201 (in-person). 
  • Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 11:59 PM: Deadline to Submit Video for CWRU First Round. Top competitors will move on to the final round.
  • January 2025 (TBA): Perfecting Your 3MT Slide Workshop (Zoom Session)
  • January 2025 (TBA): Perfecting Your 3MT Pitch Workshop (Zoom Session)
  • Thursday, February 13, 2025, 12 - 2 PM: Practice Session for 3MT Finalists, Tinkham University Center, Ballroom A.
  • Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 12 - 2 PM: Practice Session for 3MT Finalists (In-Person), Tinkham University Center, Ballroom A.

Additional Resources

*Please note that CWRU is recommending that all videos be recorded on Zoom

CWRU Resources

  • The CWRU Writing Resource Center (WRC)
    • Provides support for writers across the university. Our writing consultants provide individualized, hands-on instruction specific to each writer’s goals.
    • Writers may receive up to 120 minutes of writing instruction per week in either 30- or 60-minute increments. Writers may make one appointment per day.
    • Make an appointment here

External Resources

 

FAQs

  • Who is eligible to participate in the 3MT competition?
    • CWRU students enrolled in either a Master’s or Doctoral program with an original research project may compete. 
    • IGS and BS/MS students in the graduate phase of their program are eligible to participate. 
    • Undergraduate students are not eligible to participate.
  • Does my slide have to be in PowerPoint?
    • No, not for the first round of the competition.
  • How many transitions or animations can I have in my slide?
    • None, it must be a static slide.
  • What happens if my presentation is longer than three minutes?
    • You will be disqualified. 
  • How long can the video submission be?
    • Less than or exactly 3 minutes; submissions with a time stamp of 3:01 will be disqualified.
  • Is background music during the video presentation allowed?
    • No.
  • How can I ensure that I am sufficiently prepared for the first round?
    • Watch the recording from the 2023-24 CWRU Research Communications Session for tips.
    • Review the 3MT tips and resources shared here.
    • Practice, practice, practice!
    • Get feedback from faculty, peers, friends, and family.
  • What is the judging criteria going to be like?
  • How do I submit my video?
    • Submit your video here by Monday, December 2, 2024, 11:59 PM. The video submission link will be posted in the fall. 
  • I have questions that are not covered in the FAQs; whom should I contact?
  • Can I use a laser pointer?
    • No.
  • Can I refer to notes during the competition?
    • No.
  • Does my slide have to be in PowerPoint?
    • Yes, to standardize the format of the competition. Please make sure that your slide is set to Widescreen (16:9).
  • How many transitions or animations can I have in my slide?
    • None, it must be a static slide.
  • Will I be able to see a countdown timer during my presentation?
    • Yes, during the final round of the competition.
  • What happens if my presentation is longer than three minutes?
    • You will be disqualified.
  • Is there a dress code?
    • There is no strict dress code. Please dress professionally and comfortably. No costumes or props are allowed.
  • Will my presentation be video recorded?
    • Yes, to post on the CWRU 3MT website.
  • Can I win more than one category?
    • Yes, it is possible to win the First/Second/Third place and receive the People’s Choice Award.