Illinois 2011

[lllazar]

I don't know why the proctors can't keep within the rules - making a bad test with material that should be on the test is one thing. MAKING tests is hard. But i say this quite literally, a 10 year old could look at the event rules sheet, and make a test, no matter how bad, whilst still only asking questions that are legal by the event rules.

Again, making bad test = im not too angry, making illegal test = that's not fair, and thus i have every right to be angry.

[kjhsscioly]

oh, then my coach just failed to forward us that memo. Also, there were a bunch of other species that were European on the matching questions. Do you remember what the hawk species was?

[courage7856]

oh, then my coach just failed to forward us that memo. Also, there were a bunch of other species that were European on the matching questions. Do you remember what the hawk species was?

No, but I have the test in my binder. I'll check and post it in a few hours

EDIT: I didn't see anything that jumped out at me. Do you remember which matching section it was?

[mathemaniac]

I'm from a TOTALLY new team in Illinois, no invitationals, only regionals for us. I'm in the College of DuPage regional, and I think our team is actually pretty good, but the lack of experience is a serious impediment. Anyone got any pointers, or any info on how Illinois runs differently from other states, if it does?

[courage7856]

I'm from a TOTALLY new team in Illinois, no invitationals, only regionals for us. I'm in the College of DuPage regional, and I think our team is actually pretty good, but the lack of experience is a serious impediment. Anyone got any pointers, or any info on how Illinois runs differently from other states, if it does?

I think IL is pretty similar to other states. The thing that I think invites are really good for is practice. Just reading the rules gives you no idea for what it's actually like when you're there. I recommend the Wiki's 2011 Test Exchange for all events (http://scioly.org/wiki/2011_Test_Exchange). For specific events, check the event thread. I'll be at CLC, not DuPage, but good luck at Regionals! If you start now, you can get a lot of preparation done.

[kjhsscioly]

I'm from a TOTALLY new team in Illinois, no invitationals, only regionals for us. I'm in the College of DuPage regional, and I think our team is actually pretty good, but the lack of experience is a serious impediment. Anyone got any pointers, or any info on how Illinois runs differently from other states, if it does?

I was at those regionals last year, and probably will be again. They are pretty typical, and so many teams go to states, but the real issue is your state team number, which can make or break your state chance. Watch out for bad proctors, because most regional proctors haven't even read the rules. Otherwise, COD and state runs well. Because you are a new team, try hard for before regional, and work on building interest in the club, and don't sweat states. Use competitions as a learning opportunity, and make sure to write down any questions from the test that you had trouble with, because they don't give back tests.

Oh yeah, COD is a maze, so head out for events super early and have fun finding your way around. The numbers all say different buildings, but they are all in the same building, which is big, so carry all your stuff with you, you won't have time to get to homerooms between events.

[lllazar]

I never thought of it but you could just take a backpack everywhere right? Then again itd be annoying if there were stations...youd need to lug it around everywhere. Unless you put gave it to the proctor for the time being and just took wat u need out of it.

[courage7856]

I usually keep everything I need with me in my backpack. At the event, I take out everything I need (notes, binder, pencil, etc.) and leave my backpack near the door. Since events are so supervised, I know nobody can take it. Also, some proctors will disqualify you if your cell phone goes off. Leaving it in my backpack lets me keep it on without an issue. Also, at State, I won't have to go back to the homeroom if I'm running late.

[germinator]

Supervisors can be lenient about the cell phone policy
Last year in State, several cell phones went off
but i dont think anyone was disqualified as a result

[kjhsscioly]

My partner's phone went off in state once, but he popped out the battery, so we weren't DQ'd . I would still be careful. It would be silly to get disqualified in an event for something so easily remedied.