This page contains answers to frequently asked questions specific to the 2026 Science Olympiad National Tournament. Please note that these FAQs are different from the event-specific Frequently Asked Questions linked on the Resources page.
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No, General Rule #5 prohibits this as tournament organizers have not given permission to do so.
No, there is a maximum of 6 alternates.
Guests are welcome to view the following events:
Division B — Boomilever, Helicopter, Hovercraft, Mission Possible, Ping Pong Parachute, Scrambler
Division C — Boomilever, Bungee Drop, Electric Vehicle, Helicopter, Hovercraft, Robot Tour
No, all competitors must attend events during the blocks corresponding to their team numbers on the tournament schedule. No swaps or changes are permitted. Students arriving late may be allowed to compete at the Event Supervisor’s discretion, but they will not be given additional time.
Teams may choose to stay on campus in USC dormitory housing, which includes a meal package, or arrange their own lodging and meals off campus. More information about on-campus housing and meal packages will be provided in the coming months. For off-campus options, visit the Travel & Accommodations and Places to Eat pages.
All students must follow the rules for the Swap Meet, which are posted on the Ceremonies page.
Yes, there is a dress code for the Awards & Closing Ceremony. Please see the Ceremonies page for details.
Medals will be awarded to the top six finishers in each event for each division. Trophies will be awarded to the top ten teams in each division.