I'm sure many of y'all have questions to ask. Here are some of the FAQ and questions that we think are important to be answered.
Signing up/Studying for Events:
Q: How many hours/how long should I be studying per week?
A: It varies. Different events require different levels of studying each day/per week. Obviously, studying for a short focused time is more efficient than studying for long hours but getting distracted every 5 minutes. In the end, whatever amount of studying, you, your coach, and partner thinks is needed is how much you should strive for.
Q: How much effort should I put in?
A: Like above, it varies depending on what team you are one. If you selected Junior Varsity, you would obviously wouldn't be expected to put in as much effort as someone who chose varsity and on Team A. But all in all, please give it your 100% or whatever you can give to ensure in the best results.
Q: How many events should I sign up for?
A: Like the 2 questions above, it depends on how committed you are and how much effort you are willing to put into Science Olympiad. Please don't sign up for 4 events (max) if you know you can't keep up with the work. Please also consider carefully if you want to be a meetings only member, Junior Varsity or Varsity.
Q: What should I do if my coach isn't active/hosting regular weekly meetings?
A: Speak up! Message one of the leadership students of Coach Ankit and we'll help you contact your coach to find a time when everyone can meet! Worse case scenario, you get a replacement coach. If your coach isn't responsive, continue studying on your own and work own creating a cheat sheet/binder (if allowed).
Invitationals:
Q: What are invitationals like?
A: Wow, this is a big question. Science Olympiad invitationals are usually held at a high school, where each participating school is in charge of hosting/grading an event. Students, coaches, and parents will come early in the morning (usually 7am) to set up, meet with partners, get ready, and have a team breakfast. Each event has their own block period and classroom, where you and your partner will take the test. You will receive your schedule a few days beforehand and a map of the school. Testing is usually from 8am-3pm (latest). Then, parent volunteers will grade the tests and a award ceremony will be held later in the day.
Q: What if I can't home to the invitational?
A: Signing up for Science Olympiad means that you are dedicated and will sacrifice some of your Saturdays to invitations 1h30 - 2h away. However, if there is a valid reason why you can't come to the invitational, PLEASE message Coach Ankit or the leadership team AND your partner to tell them that you won't be there so your partner can find a sub for that event if needed.Â
Q: What if my partner shows up late to a invitational?
A: Good one. You should have ALL of your partners contact info. You should have their phone number (if they have a phone), email, discord, and any other communication platform the two of you both use. If they don't show up in time for the event, don't spam them with all caps and vent at them, instead, go around and see if anyone who isn't competing in that block period and be a sub. Even if they know nothing about the event, they can still help in many ways. If your partner never showed up, please tell Coach Ankit and/or the leadership team so we can try to get in contact with them and figure out what's going on.
Q: If my event starts later in the day, do I still have to come at 7?
A: The answer is no, but we encourage that you do. Coming early is actually a ton of fun! Whether its coming and chatting with friends, or making hot chocolate, it can be a very enjoyable Saturday morning! However, if you feel like sleeping in, that's fine too! Just make sure you tell your partner ahead of time, check rush hour traffic, and make sure there is someone available at your household to bring you later.