Preparing for Contest Day: What to Expect

​​This weekend kicks off contest season for Connecticut History Day! Students attending the New Haven Contest at Southern Connecticut State University will have their projects judged by educators, history professionals, alumni, and volunteers as they share their projects about Triumph and Tragedy in History. At the end of the day, the first round of students will know if they are heading to the State Contest in May.
 
Whether this is your first contest season or your last, there are always tips on how to get the most out of contest day. Regional Contests aren’t just about presenting your project. This is your chance to meet new friends, experience new things, and interact with others who are passionate about history. Below you can find information and tips on what to expect on contest day and what you can do to get the most out of it. 

Connecticut History Day staff waiting to check in students for the 2018 Hartford Regional Contest.

What to Expect

When you arrive at your regional contest, there will be some parts that are the same for every student across the state. You'll check in for the contest and attend the Welcome Ceremony, you'll present your project, and you'll have the chance to view other student work. Each contest has a variety of other opportunities for students to take advantage of as well. 

At each contest, students can: 

• Purchase a Connecticut History Day T-Shirt
• Attend a living history or musical performance. 

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Some contests may have other opportunities available for students as well such as:

• Campus Tours at Southern Connecticut State University (New Haven contest), Sacred Heart University (Fairfield Contest), Central Connecticut State University (State Contest)
• Food Trucks, Dining Hall access, and food for sale
• Movie Screenings
• Performances by living history performers or musical groups
• Playing board games

The Band of Steady Habits, featuring Connecticut's State Historian Walt Woodward, performs at the 2018 Torrington Contest.

The opportunities are not the only reason why you are at the contest though. Depending on what your project is, you are expected to bring: 

• Four copies of your process paper and annotated bibliography for Exhibits, Performances, and Documentaries.
• Even though you have already submitted your website or paper, you may want to bring an extra copy of your paperwork for your own reference. 
• Your props, costumes, and script if you are presenting a Performance.
• A copy of your documentary on a DVD, thumb drive, or laptop for Documentary students.
• You may want to bring extra materials-- like tape, scissors, etc.- to do any minor repairs on your exhibit.

Along with presenting your Exhibit, Performance, Documentary, Website or Paper, you also will go through an interview about your project. This is one of the things that students get most nervous about. Judges are excited to meet students and learn more about your research. Remember, you are not judged on your interview. Try to relax and enjoy sharing about your work!

A student does a quick repair on her exhibit before the 2018 State Contest.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Contest

There is a lot to do on a contest day. There can also be a lot of down time between when you arrive, present your project, and the closing ceremony. To make the most of your day, make sure to take advantage of the opportunities listed above and consider the tips listed below.
On contest day, consider bringing the following with you:

• Lunch and/or snacks
• Cash, most contests have food or snacks available for purchase. Many have restaurants nearby.
• Cash to purchase a Connecticut History Day T-Shirt ($10-$12)
• A book, homework, a game, or playing cards
• -Your phone to take pictures throughout the day. Make sure to share them on social media by using the hashtag #CHD2019 and #CTHistoryDay! 

During contest day, we recommend that you:

• Be an audience member and view other student projects
• Attend the fun events happening during your contest
• Attend the Closing Ceremony at the end of the day

Contest day is all about what you make of it. So have fun and enjoy your time at Connecticut History Day! 

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