FAQs (New? Start here!)

So, you're thinking about Academic Decathlon. Good. You're in the right place.

What is this site?

This is the main website for the VVHS Academic Decathlon team. While everyone you see posting here is a real person, who exists in the real world, this site--out here in cyber space--is our regular meeting place. Here we meet to share ideas, to learn, to argue, to brag, etc. This is the main hub for all of our activities.

Eventually there will be more of an "in person" aspect; when the new school year starts, we'll have weekly meetings where everyone is invited to attend and participate in avid study sessions and discussions

What is Academic Decathlon?

Academic Decathlon is a competition. It shares it's name with the track & field event, but unlike that sport, this is a competition of the mind. A test--not just of intelligence, but of dedication, cleverness,
and teamwork.

The ten events are: Music, Art, Math, Language & Literature, Science, Social Science, Economics, Speech, Interview, and Essay.

Who participates in Academic Decathlon?

Everyone is encouraged to participate in Academic Decathlon. However, only self-motivated individuals, who are willing to prove their intelligence to earn their accolades, will be successful.

A full Academic Decathlon team is 9 students: 3 Honors, or "A," students, 3 Scholastic, or "B," students, and 3 Varsity, or "C," students. These categorizations are based on GPA. No category is more or less important than the others; all are weighted equally for scoring purposes.

Just like on a basketball team, not every team member will be "on the floor" competing at the same time. While every decathlete will compete at Scrimmage, only 12 will compete at Regionals, and eventually only the final 9 will compete at State and Nationals. It is important to remember that, just like a basketball team, alternates and reserves are very much a part of the team and have an integral role in team preparations. However, if you would like to be a "starter" (or, rather, one of the 9 members who will compete at State), you must earn your spot.

When are the competitions?

Scrimmage (everyone participates) is held in mid-November. Regionals (12 decathletes compete) is held in mid-January. State (9 decathletes) is held in mid-February. Nationals (9) is held in mid-April.

If I join Academic Decathlon, what do I have to do?

To be a member of Academic Decathlon, you must be willing to make a commitment. You will need to attend every competition (see above) and you must participate in regular weekly activities.

No one expects you to be a genius right off the bat, or to have all the answers. Just like a basketball team, you must practice routinely to hone your skills and improve your technique. Our weekly activities represent the drills and practice sessions which will prepare you for success in Academic Decathlon. These weekly activities take two forms: the Weekly Assignment and the Weekly Quiz. Your future as a decathlete begins when you complete your first Assignment or Quiz.

What is the Weekly Assignment?

This is always something you must "do": something to look up on the internet, something to read, maybe a question to respond to or a task to accomplish. Almost always these Weekly Assignments will be accompanied by a blog post, written by you, where you will update your fellow decathletes on your progress/accomplishments/ideas. These assignments will generally revolve around the Academic Decathlon curriculum in some way.

What is the Weekly Quiz?

Weekly Quizzes consist of five multiple choice questions and a "bonus" question. Each multiple choice question is worth 1 point, while the bonus question is worth up to 5 points, for a possible total of 10 points. When you click on "Submit" at the conclusion of a quiz, the Coaches will be able to view (and grade) your responses.

The Weekly Quiz contains difficult material. These quizzes, however, are unlike other quizzes, in that you are NOT expected to have all of the answers before you take the quiz. Instead, consider the quiz to be a learning tool; if you do not know an answer, here is your chance to "look it up"--and, ya know, learn it.

Wait. Are you really telling me to cheat on my Weekly Quiz?

Yes. Use every resource at your disposal: Official Academic Decathlon material. Google. Textbooks. Whatever. This is how we are learning and preparing for the real competition.

When are the Weekly Assignments and Weekly Quizzes posted? When are they due?

Weekly Assignments and Quizzes are posted every Monday (at some point during the day) and must be completed by the conclusion of the following Monday.

What happens if I miss a Weekly Assignment or a Weekly Quiz?

Academic Decathlon is a commitment; in order to be a valuable team member, you must be fully committed to yourself and your teammates. Therefore, Weekly Assignments and Weekly Quizzes are NOT OPTIONAL. Please plan on finishing both by the Monday deadline each week.

However, if you do miss a week, this is not the end of the world. On the main page, you will see a tab labeled 'Excuses.' If you do not meet the Monday deadline for a given week's Assignment or Quiz, click on this tab and fill out the accompanying form. By acknowledging that you missed an important activity, this shows your Coaches that you are taking responsibility for your participation as part of a team.

If you miss more than two weeks or if you fail to fill out the Excuses form within one week of a missed Assignment or Quiz, the Coaches will reevaluate your commitment to the team and your position therein.

Can I complete a Weekly Assignment or Quiz after the due date?

Yes, but be aware that you must also fill out the Excuses form, in addition to completing late activities. If you go back and complete missed Assignments or Quizzes, however, the Coaches will bear this positive information in mind when they assess your team membership.

I just joined. Do I need to go back and complete all the old quizzes and assignments?

No. Your first post should serve to introduce yourself to the group. Tell us a little about who you are. If you'd like, you can look at "Assignment #1" for a topic to use as your introduction. Otherwise, just start with the current week. Welcome aboard! 

Do the Weekly Assignments and Weekly Quizzes count for "credit"? What is the Leaderboard?

There are no grades here. You are not "penalized" for missing assignments (however, see above for the procedure when you miss a week). No one is counting anything "against" you or "for" you. The leaderboard is just for fun; it does not "count" towards whether you make the final team or not, nor does it have any standing on anything except maybe your psyche. 


Where can I find out more information?

Visit usad.org to read more about the national program, see pictures and testimonials from national competitions, and read the curriculum overviews.

Have questions or suggestions? Leave a comment below!