3MT® Competitor Toolkit
We are so excited that you are planning to compete in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition!
This webpage is a hub for helpful information for challengers including a timeline, information on our prep workshops, and other important items.
Timeline
Prep Workshops
September 29 - October 30, 2025
We provide a series of preparatory workshops to support you through the development of your presentation! All new challengers are strongly encouraged to attend one of each.
Qualifying Round
November 3 - 7, 2025
Throughout the week of November 3rd, we'll be holding our qualifying round for all challengers across both campuses. Results to be announced November 12th!
Final Competition
November 20, 2025
10 challengers selected from the qualifying round will go on to compete in this final competition on Main Campus! Winners will be announced the same night!
2025 Prep Workshops
Check out all of our preparatory workshops below! Select each for the InvoNet link and location information.
Writing a Recipe for a Tasty 3MT® (Script Writing)
Main Campus
Tuesday, September 30, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Health Science Campus
Monday, October 6, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Virtual
Monday, September 29, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Telling Your Visual Story (Slide Design)
Practice Labs
Main Campus
Monday, October 20, 12 - 2 p.m.
Health Science Campus
Wednesday, October 29, 12 - 2 p.m.
Virtual
Eligibility & Rules
Review the eligibility requirements and competition rules below!
Who Can Compete?
- Doctoral Candidates: currently registered in good standing; must have passed their qualifying exam and entered candidacy
- Master’s Students: currently registered in good standing; must have completed 2 semesters and submitted their GRAD form
- Graduated students: students who have already graduated are not eligible to compete
What are the Rules?
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement.
- No electronic media (sound/video files).
- No props (e.g. costumes, instruments, lab equipment, etc.)
- You get 3 minutes. Period. If you go over 3 minutes, you lose!
- Decision of judges are final.
Important Deadlines
Competition Registration Deadline
Complete this webform to enter the competition.
Submit Qualifying Round Materials
You must submit the following to GradSuccess@utoledo.edu:
- Your name as you wish for it to appear on your slide
- Your headshot picture
- Your competition slide (if choosing to use one)
- Your presentation title
Submit Final Competition Materials
If selected for the final competition, you must submit the following to GradSuccess@utoledo.edu:
- Your name as you wish for it to appear on your slide
- Your headshot picture
- Your competition slide
- Your presentation title
Sunday, October 26 at 11:59 p.m.
Friday, October 31 at 12 p.m.
Monday, November 17 at 11:59 p.m.
What to Expect: Qualifying Round
Before the Qualifying Round
We're here to support you every step of the way! You will receive an email with the following information:
- Your qualifying round time slot and location
- A scoring rubric
During the Qualifying Round
During the qualifying round, you will present your 3MT® presentation to a panel of judges of varying disciplines. Our competition coordinators and timekeeper will be present as well. This round is not open to the public, but you are allowed to bring anyone from your support system with you! When you arrive, you (and anyone you bring along) will be asked to wait outside of the room of your presentation and will be welcomed in by one of our competition coordinators and introduced to the judges.
All you will need to do is present and you are done! After your presentation, the judges will score your rubric and our competition coordinators will reach out with the results once all challengers have presented.
What to Expect: Final Competition
If you are selected as a finalist, here's what you can expect during the 2025 Final Competition!
When and where is the final competition this year?
The final competition will be on Thursday, November 20th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Field House Room 2100 on Main Campus!
What time do I arrive?
All finalists must arrive by 5:15 p.m.
Is there a dress code?
We recommend wearing what you would wear to present your research at a conference, so business casual works great! This includes button-down shirts, blouses, slacks, khakis, dresses, closed-toe shoes, etc. We encourage you to choose what you feel reflects your personal style and professionalism.
Important note: You will be provided with a lapel microphone for your presentation.
How does the final competition work?
The final competition begins with us welcoming all attendees and participants and introducing our finalists and judges.
Then, we start presentations (the order of presentations will be provided to you prior to the competition)!
Once presentations conclude, the audience will take a moment to vote for a People's Choice Award winner. Then, all finalists and the audience will enjoy a brief reception with refreshments while the organizers and volunteers tabulate scores.
Once tabulation is complete, the winners will be recognized and we will wrap up!
Can I invite my family and friends?
Yes! Please invite your support system. This competition is open to the public.