Search New York State History Day: What to Expect General Contest Information   Entry Information   Levels of Competition   Home can't read it? click here for a new image		Home     News     Contest     Teachers     Students     Parents     Staff     Contact Us     Store   General Contest Information Arriving at the Contest When you arrive at the contest site, you must check in at a registration desk. You will receive a schedule of events that explains where and when to set up your entry and the time of your judging interview. The contest will be divided by format: documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, and web sites and each format includes two divisions, a senior level and a junior level. Dress Code Plan to wear what the working world refers to as "business casual." Basically this means skirts, slacks or khakis, button down shirts, nice sweaters, etc. Being clean and neat is most important. Also, don't forget that costumes are not allowed unless you are competing in a performance. Judging Overview Each individual or group will speak with a set of judges once during the contest. Judges will be divided into groups of two or three qualified volunteers who are eager to learn about your project. You should expect these types of questions: How did you start your research? What drew you to this topic? How does your topic relate to the theme? What is the significance in history of your topic? Why did you choose these colors? How did you decide how to organize your exhibit, documentary, paper, etc.? What primary sources did you use and where did you find them? Be prepared for all of these and more questions, but do not script your answers. You will be more comfortable and sound more natural if you think about what you might say but do not try to memorize it. Judging Rounds In a large contest, your entry may compete in two rounds of judging. In the first round, every entry is reviewed and judged. The top entries from this round will then compete in a final run-off round of judging. For exhibits, papers, and web sites, you will not be told if your project advances to the final run offs. For performances and documentaries, you will be notified if you are selected for the final run-off because you must perform again or replay your entry. During the final run-off rounds, you will not be asked any further questions by the judges. Your piece will be judged on its ability to stand alone and speak for itself. Award Ceremony Winners in each division and all categories will be announced at the awards ceremony. Students progressing on to the next level of competition should receive information about the next contest at this time. After the Contest After the contest you will receive the evaluation sheets filled out by each of the judges who interviewed you. Use their comments to improve your project if you are advancing to the next level or to improve your entry for next year's contest.