Masuk Free Press

As Masuk class of 2025 start the year, we are reminded of the daunting year-long project that will play a crucial role in whether we can graduate or not: Capstone. With 20 hours of required fieldwork and numerous deadlines sprinkled throughout the year, it can feel overwhelming to many in the senior class.

However, as most are just starting to navigate their projects, a small minority of the class is finalizing theirs and getting ready for early presentations, which are scheduled for Nov. 4. This raises multiple questions that many of us pondered when the project was first introduced at the end of junior year: should one opt to present early or stick with the traditional timeline? What advantages and disadvantages does each choice bring? And ultimately, how does one determine the best course of action?

Advocates for early presenters argue that it offers numerous benefits. One of the most significant is that it reduces the stress of having to meet strict deadlines throughout the year. 

“I just wanted to get it over with so I wasn’t worrying about it the rest of the year,” said early presenter Portia Lisanti. Early presenters are only restrained to one deadline, Oct. 10, where their full portfolio must be completed and submitted by that date in order to qualify to present early.

For many students, the end of senior year is seen as an exciting time. With college decisions coming out and the taste of graduation ahead, early presenters argue they do not want to jeopardize the freedom and relaxation of second-semester senior year. By completing their Capstone presentation early, seniors can alleviate the pressure and stress of the project, and have a smooth rest of the year 

“There are a lot of fun and exciting things happening in the second-semester  senior year,” said early presenter Alison Merriman. “And I didn’t want Capstone to take up a lot of my time.”

Another advantage for those who choose to present early is audience size. Early presenters typically present in front of a small group of teachers, while regular presentations are done in front of a larger audience including juniors, teachers and community members. This difference can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with public speaking, as it can be a nerve-wracking experience for many. This reduced pressure of a smaller audience can make a substantial difference in a presenter’s overall performance.

“Presenting in front of a full room of people was something I really did not want to do,” said Merriman. “Which is why I thought presenting early was better.”

However, an overwhelming majority of seniors decide to do their Capstone project in regular time, which also offers its benefits. 

One key argument is that they do not want to feel rushed in their project. While early presenters only have the summer and a month in the fall to complete the requirements, regular Capstone presentations do not need to be completed until May. 

“There is a lot to the project, and I feel like spreading it throughout the year instead of cramming it all into a short amount of time is better,” said regular presenter Olivia Cottrell.

Another benefit is being able to rely on your peers’ help throughout the process. This is because a majority of seniors are doing their projects on the same timeline as yours, while early presenters could be seen to have little guidance in the process.

“I did most of my fieldwork and portfolio over the summer, so I didn’t have much direction because I couldn’t just walk up to my Capstone coordinator and ask them a question,” said Lisanti.

The debate over early versus traditional presentations for the senior Capstone project is multifaceted, with valid arguments on both sides. Early presentations reduce stress later on and during the presentation, on the other hand, regular presentations allow the student to take more time on the project with more guidance.

“I chose the option that I thought would best work for me and how I handle deadlines and time management,” said Cottrell.

If you do not handle deadlines well and are nervous to speak in front of a large group of people, early presentations might be for you. However, if you prefer a more structured style, regular presentations can be the better option. Despite what path you choose or plan to choose, there are benefits to both, and the decision can only be made based on the person you are.