Will/Did you make it to nationals?

[Teal]

I think that if we worked endlessly for the next three weeks leading up to state, we might get a trophy. I'm hoping we can pull it together.

You have 3 more weeks?!?!?! our States are in 7 days!!!!!!

I guess that's a good thing if you make it to Nats, then you have more time to prepare?

[FueL]

Often, in bigger states, the teams that win have science olympiad classes at their schools and stuff like that, which gives them a big advantage over teams that don't

Just wondering, can you name any specific schools that run SO classes?

[Skink]

i think many states have 1 or 2 teams that win their state competition almost every year

Often, in bigger states, the teams that win have science olympiad classes at their schools and stuff like that, which gives them a big advantage over teams that don't

And in my state (and probably others), several of the best teams come from the wealthiest communities. The best schools have the best "raw materials" to make the best SO teams out of. And maybe they do SO class...but I doubt it. Those schools are just that quality.

[gneissisnice]

i think many states have 1 or 2 teams that win their state competition almost every year

Often, in bigger states, the teams that win have science olympiad classes at their schools and stuff like that, which gives them a big advantage over teams that don't

And in my state (and probably others), several of the best teams come from the wealthiest communities. The best schools have the best "raw materials" to make the best SO teams out of. And maybe they do SO class...but I doubt it. Those schools are just that quality.

And while I hate to say it, wealth can make a big difference in some of the tech events. As unfair as it is, Sumo Bots in particular can be made easier if you have the money for top notch supplies and kits.

Still, I don't think many teams have a Scio class. Three Village (Gelinas and Murphy for Division B and Ward Melville Division C) doesn't have a Scio class, but we do very well (WM just made Nats today, so proud of them!).

But I won't deny that money can make a difference, though it shouldn't.

[Teal]

The only school I know that has a SO class in WA is Aviation (though I'm most definitely wrong.) They do well enough, I guess.

[paleonaps]

And while I hate to say it, wealth can make a big difference in some of the tech events. As unfair as it is, Sumo Bots in particular can be made easier if you have the money for top notch supplies and kits.

Still, I don't think many teams have a Scio class. Three Village (Gelinas and Murphy for Division B and Ward Melville Division C) doesn't have a Scio class, but we do very well (WM just made Nats today, so proud of them!).

But I won't deny that money can make a difference, though it shouldn't.

It makes a huge difference, especially for tech events, but also for things like access to computers, district funding, etc.

[JKrafsur]

I completely agree with the whole "it gets annoying to have teams on a constant win streak and get to go to nationals every year." While they did work just as hard as me if not harder, after a while, it does get a little boring and pointless if the same teams go over and over again. (No offense to them)

[FueL]

I completely agree with the whole "it gets annoying to have teams on a constant win streak and get to go to nationals every year." While they did work just as hard as me if not harder, after a while, it does get a little boring and pointless if the same teams go over and over again. (No offense to them)

Then put more effort into your own team? If they're beating you, they must be doing something better.

[JKrafsur]

No, not really. They meet 7 days a week for 3-4 hrs. daily, we meet on weekdays for 2 hours

[EastStroudsburg13]

I completely agree with the whole "it gets annoying to have teams on a constant win streak and get to go to nationals every year." While they did work just as hard as me if not harder, after a while, it does get a little boring and pointless if the same teams go over and over again. (No offense to them)

Then put more effort into your own team? If they're beating you, they must be doing something better.

There's only so much you can do with your own team. In the end, it's up to them if they want to put in the effort, and in my experience, it's much more easily said than done.