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2026–27

Before Graduation: The Plan

18 trips·

Fall · Pre-ThesisWeek 7209 days to graduation· 5/12 Wed
SepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMay
Fall · Pre-ThesisWinter breakSpring · ThesisGraduation
NowFall · Pre-ThesisGoalLock the topic by 10/30, Pre-Thesis proposal by 12/11
  1. Oct2026
  2. 10/15 ThuThesisTodayThesis: talk through the 3 directions with your instructorBook office hours with the Pre-Thesis instructor or an advisor. Ask which direction has the most research value and which is most finishable.
  3. Today · 10/15 Thu
  6. 10/30 FriThesisThesis: topic lockedOne-sentence question + final form (installation / game / app / film…) + why you. Once locked, don’t switch.
  8. Nov
  9. 11/1 SunSchoolEst.Graduation application opens (Albert)Last year’s window was 11/1 – 2/15. File early and check the degree title and diploma name spelling.
  11. 11/13 FriThesisThesis: 10 precedents + 2 quick experimentsFor each precedent, note what to learn and where you’ll differ; experiments can be paper prototypes or one-night code sketches.
  13. Mid-NovemberSchoolEst.Register for the last semester + run a Degree AuditMake sure remaining credits and IDM requirements all fit into spring, with the thesis course in. Any gap — talk to your advisor now.
  16. 11/26 Thu – 11/29 SunBreakThanksgiving recess: Thu 11/26 – Sun 11/29 · back 11/30Only 11/26–27 are off, plus the weekend. Wed 11/25 is a regular class day.
  17. Dec
  18. 12/1 Tue – 12/22 TueStaying in: Pre-Thesis proposal + UX project + moot court + finals (classes end 12/14, exams 12/16–22)
  19. 12/11 FriThesisEst.Thesis: Pre-Thesis proposal finalProblem, method, spring timeline, and a tech demo. The exact deadline follows the course.
  20. 12/23 Wed – 1/18 MonBreakWinter break: 12/23 – 1/18 · classes resume Tue 1/19Break starts once finals end 12/22. J-term runs 1/4–1/15 (free if you don’t enroll); 1/18 is MLK Day. The month: holidays in NYC → 15 days out West.
  22. Jan2027
  23. 1/2 SatThesisThesis: hardest technical piece workingBefore the West trip, turn the riskiest part into a working demo, so you can start building in week one of spring.
  26. 1/19 TueSchoolLast semester begins · Thesis course startsRight after the 15-day West trip. In week one, set a fixed weekly check-in with your advisor.
  28. Feb
  29. 2/5 Fri – 2/6 SatHolidayLunar New Year’s Eve 2/5 · New Year 2/6 (Year of the Goat)Staying in NYC for the New Year: reunion dinner on the Eve + a video call home (mind the time difference). On New Year’s Day there’s usually a firecracker ceremony at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in Chinatown, then a meal in Flushing. The Chinatown parade is usually a later Sunday — watch for the date. Fly to New Orleans 2/7.
  31. From 2/11 (90 days before program end)VisaEst.Apply for OPTRequest OPT through OGS for a new I-20, then file the I-765 online with USCIS. The whole process takes 3–5 months, so start gathering documents in January. IDM is STEM, so a 24-month extension comes later. Must file within 60 days after graduation. Exact dates follow the program end date on your I-20.
  33. 2/15 MonBreakPresidents Day: no classes Mon 2/15Tue 2/16 is a Legislative Day and follows a Monday schedule.
  34. 2/15 MonSchoolEst.Graduation application deadlineBased on prior years — confirm with the Registrar. Missing it pushes conferral to the next date (September).
  35. 2/20 SatHolidayLantern Festival
  36. 2/26 FriThesisThesis: prototype v1 playable by othersRough is fine, but it has to work end to end.
  37. Mar
  39. 3/12 FriThesisThesis: user testing + midpoint reviewGet feedback before spring break, let it settle while traveling, revise when back.
  40. 3/13 Sat – 3/21 SunBreakSpring break: no classes 3/15–19 (3/13–3/21 with weekends) · back 3/22
  44. Apr
  45. 4/9 FriThesisThesis: feature freezeNo new features after today — only fixes and polish.
  48. 4/23 FriThesisThesis: content locked — start install & documentationShoot the project video, write the paper, build the portfolio page, sort out exhibition equipment and materials.
  50. 4/30 FriThesisThesis: paper / documentation draft to advisor
  51. May
  52. 5/4 TueSchoolLast day of classes
  53. Early MaySchoolEst.IDM Showcase (thesis exhibition)In 2026 it was 5/7–8, one night at 370 Jay St and one at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Watch for the 2027 announcement and invite friends.
  54. 5/6 Thu – 5/12 WedSchoolFinals week (5/12, the last day, is when the degree is complete)
  55. 5/12 WedThesisThesis: final submission + works page liveMake the thesis a page in this site’s works section.
  56. Mid-MaySchoolEst.NYU All-University Commencement · Yankee StadiumIn 2026 it was 5/14 (Thu). 2027 date TBA — if family is coming, book their flights and hotel early.
  57. Mid-to-late MaySchoolEst.Tandon Commencement · Barclays CenterWhere master’s graduates walk the stage. In 2026 it was 5/18 (Mon).
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