Competition Events 

The Academic Decathlon features ten individual events and a Team Super Quiz that challenge students' knowledge, communication skills, and teamwork.

Speech

Each decathlete will deliver both a prepared speech and an impromptu speech before a panel of two to three speech judges. For the prepared speech, students will speak for up to four minutes on a topic they select in advance. The impromptu speech follows, during which students are given a topic on the spot and have one minute to prepare before delivering a speech of up to two minutes.

Interview

In the interview, students will have seven minutes to answer questions about themselves. Students should prepare to answer questions about their background, interests, and goals.

Essay

In the essay, students will have fifty minutes to write the strongest paper possible. Students are recommended to prepare by outlining and writing compelling arguments related to six of the seven Academic Decathlon subjects (excluding math). Students are also recommended to study the annual Academic Decathlon theme to gain evidence and information on whatever topic they may face on competition day.

Tests of Knowledge (Objective Exams)

To round out the events above, students will take seven multiple choice exams, one in each of the Academic Decathlon subjects: Art, Music, Social Science, Science, Economics, Literature, and Mathematics. 

Super Quiz

In the Super Quiz, teammates take turns solving tough multiple choice challenges in a trivia-like format in front of a live audience. This component of the Academic Decathlon will not impact team scores, as it is designed in the spirit of sportsmanship and fun!