Wisconsin Academic Decathlon (WIAD)

Independent Competitor Option — NEW for 2025–26!

What Is It?

For the first time, WIAD will allow individual students to compete independently—even if their school doesn’t have a full team or they weren't selected for the official team. These “Independent Competitors” will participate alongside other registered individuals in their GPA category (Honor, Scholastic, or Varsity).

 Eligibility

• Student must attend a Wisconsin high school and be in grades 9–12.

• Student must have a faculty/staff sponsor at their school to serve as their WIAD liaison.

• Student must complete all required forms (Code of Conduct, GPA verification, etc.) by stated deadlines.

• Must register by October 13, 2025 to avoid late fees.

• Individual Competitors MUST compete at all levels as INDIVIDUALS.

• No one high school can sponsor more than 9 individual competitors.

 Required Forms & Materials

• Official Transcript + GPA Verification (not same as team)

• Individual Code of Conduct Form (signed by student, school admin, and sponsor) (not same as team)

• Separate Google Form Registration (not same as team)

• Students must acquire their own curriculum materials or use those purchased by their school district, including:

  • USAD Study Guides & Resource Guides

  • The Great Gatsby (USAD edition preferred)

Flat Fee: $125 per Student -- to be paid by families or schools

This covers participation at all levels: Local, Regional, and State.
Students are responsible for their own:

• Transportation (for Regional & State)

• Food and beverages

• Lodging (for State, Feb. 26–27 in Green Bay)

Coach/Sponsor Role

Each Independent Competitor must be supported by:

• A staff member at their school who:

  • Ensures testing is proctored appropriately

  • Submits forms and coordinates deadlines

  • Helps guide the student throughout the season

• ONE sponsor from a school can sponsor up to 9 individual competitors

This sponsor does not need to provide weekly coaching or preparation sessions, though encouragement and support are appreciated!

Awards

Independent students compete only against other registered individuals.  They are eligible for individual subject medals, individual overall score awards, and individual participation certificates at all levels.

Interested?

Have a student who wants to participate but no team this year?

Register: Individual Registration form

Can a student compete both as part of a team and as an individual in the same season?

No. Individual competitors must register as individuals at the Local Competition and continue as individuals through Regionals and State.

• A student cannot start the season on a team and later switch to the Individual division.

• An individual competitor cannot take the place of a sick or absent team member.

• Individual competitors are not the same as alternates.
  
  

What is the difference between Alternate Teams and Individual Competitors?

Alternate Teams

• Fee: $150 for 3–5 students; $100 for 1–2 students

• Purpose: To give extra students competition experience and to be available if a rostered team member becomes unable to compete

• Do not compete against other alternates

• Not eligible for awards as an alternate

• Do not give speeches or interviews unless called to replace a rostered team member

• May attend in-person competitions as spectators only
  
  

Individual Competitors

• Fee: $125 per student

• Compete against other individuals in their GPA category (Honor, Scholastic, Varsity)

• Eligible for individual awards

• Must give speeches and interviews at Regionals and State

• Cannot replace a rostered team member

• Guaranteed advancement to Regionals and State, regardless of whether their school’s team advances
  
  

Who pays the $125 registration fee for individual competitors?

This varies by district. Some schools cover the full cost, while in other cases, the student and/or their family are responsible for part or all of the registration fee. Coaches should check with their school or district.