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What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:01 am
by Altairey
I don't have these in my state. Are they very different from regionals? I suspect they're just a way to get a better practice with taking tests before "actual" competitions. Is this correct?

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:01 am
by zyzzyva980
For all intents and purposes, invitationals are practice tournaments. They're often hosted by one school, which either finds their own judges or asks each participating team to proctor an event. The only real difference between regionals and invitationals is that invitationals don't count for anything. They really are just there for you to prepare for the regional and state competitions.

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:32 pm
by fishman100
Like Z said, it's a good way of warming up to competition and Science Olympiad if you are new. If you are a returning member, then you get more practice (and experience) for your events.

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 8:17 am
by butter side up
Also, if you live in a region that is not very competitive, but in a state that is, you can test your team against stronger competition. Our team went to Conestoga, Solon, Tiger, and our Athens Invites to gain practice. They are a huge help, especially for new events and builders. They show you what you need to study, and where improvements need to be made. We also use the results from Invites to determine our strongest pairings and individuals to decide who will compete in what at Regionals and States.

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 4:45 pm
by Insert Name Here
i was wondering the same thing, actually. i mean, i see 'invitationals' being mentioned quite often and i never knew what it was or anything. after last year, i only have 1 year experience. anyone in SoCal please consider hosting their own invitational and invite my school. :D i could use more practice

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 7:15 pm
by mingtian
Insert Name Here wrote:i was wondering the same thing, actually. i mean, i see 'invitationals' being mentioned quite often and i never knew what it was or anything. after last year, i only have 1 year experience. anyone in SoCal please consider hosting their own invitational and invite my school. :D i could use more practice
Usually the more competitive states hold them like New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, etc. I would imagine South Cal. would hold one. Just ask around.

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 8:39 am
by Cheesy Pie
Illinois holds them, I know. I used to think that they decided who got into Regionals.

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:08 am
by mingtian
Cheesy Pie wrote:Illinois holds them, I know. I used to think that they decided who got into Regionals.
Yeah, Ohio hosts numerous ones too.

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 2:16 pm
by geminicross
JC Booth in georgia also has one

Re: What are Invitationals?

Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 7:15 pm
by zyzzyva980
The majority of states, especially those often competitive at nationals, hold invitationals. If a state has more than, say, 50 teams, it's a good bet there'll be an invite held there at some point.