Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Wharton High School Data Science Competition begin?
Teams may begin registering for the competition on January 8, 2024, through January 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The Wharton High School Data Science Competition begins on February 2, 2024, and ends on April 3, 2024.
Who is eligible to participate?
High school students (see Rules) around the world who are interested in data science and sports and want to improve their knowledge and skills. Teams can form from data science or sports clubs, home-schooled students, as well as random groups of students (from the same school) who like a challenge and want to learn.
Students do not need any data science or sports experience to participate; however, they must have an advisor (see Rules) to help them, if needed, navigate the Online Modules so they can learn data science through sports. It is recommended that participants have completed an Algebra I course prior to the competition.
How much time will the competition likely require?
Phase 1 requires the most amount of work. We anticipate it will take:
- Student Teams about 7-14 hours total
- Advisor about 2 hours/week
What do advisors do?
While many advisors will also be teachers, advisors may simply serve as sounding boards and motivators, depending on their area of expertise and how closely they are involved with the competition. See information on the advisor role.
Does my team have to have an advisor?
Yes, teams are required to have one advisor, who must be a teacher/educator at the high school of their student team. Advisors are important motivators, as well as sources of information and insight. See information on the advisor role.
Who can serve as an Advisor?
See information on the advisor role.
Is there a cost to participate in the competition?
No, the competition is free for all participants, and there is no registration fee.
Who should complete the registration form for the competition?
Advisors are responsible for registering both themselves and their student team for the competition. Students are NOT permitted to register for the competition on their own behalf or on behalf of their team. If this rule is not followed, the team will not be permitted to participate in the competition.
How many students can be on a team?
Each team must maintain a minimum of three team members and a maximum of five members from the very start of the competition. All team members must play a contributing role. Students are not permitted to participate on more than one team.
Can a team include students from different schools?
No. Students must form a team with members (and an advisor) from the same high school in which they are enrolled. If your school has various branches, your team must be comprised of students and an advisor from the same branch.
Can home-schooled students compete?
The Wharton High School Data Science Competition hopes to be as inclusive as possible for all types of learners. Home-schooled students can compete but should do so with teams from their own community or from the same co-op or online school. Teams with home-schooled students are asked to provide documentation to verify that structure, providing the name or affiliation of the co-op or online school. The documentation will be reviewed to confirm that the team structure aligns with the Competition rules, which restrict teams made up of students from different schools and/or geographical locations.
Home-schooled teams must be led by a parent advisor with the option to involve a secondary advisor who is either a teacher or data science professional. It is important to note, however, that the Wharton High School Data Science Competition does not permit paid advisors of ANY kind. Student teams that hire a paid advisor (or attend a camp or course that claims to teach about our competition) will be disqualified. Like all teams, parents and other advisors of home-schooled teams will have access to our free online resources, including a competition teaching guide, lesson plans, and student resource pages.