Arcadia Academic Decathlon
WHAT is Arcadia Academic Decathlon? WHY should I join?
Academic Decathlon (AcaDeca) was created by a SoCal teacher for high schoolers.
Founded in 1968, AcaDeca is the oldest academic competition in the nation.
Decathletes compete in ten subjects based on a single annual theme.
THEME: India
TOTAL SUBJECTS: Ten
All decathletes compete in all categories, but it’s not hard! All AcaDeca materials
are taken from the high school curriculum and will contribute to school!
Art—Great for those who have taken art classes of any sort
Economics—A required senior course for all students
Language and Literature—Articles and books we read are in APs, Honors, and
College Preparatory classes
Math—Up to Calculus
Music—Great for those who have taken any lessons or music theory
Science—Rotates between core classes such as biology, chemistry, and other
natural sciences every high school student must take
Social Science— History lessons you won’t receive at AHS
Essay—Good practice for any English class (AP, Honors, or College Prep); All
students must learn to write a timed essay in high school
Interview—Good practice for other interviews (clubs, volunteering, jobs,
internships, college)
Speech—Very useful for class presentations and public speaking assignments
GPA LEVELS: Three
All students will compete in a group of their peers based on their two-year GPAs.
Medals and trophies will also be awarded by group. Each team consists of three
members from each group. Arcadia has two teams and takes a maximum of
eighteen students for competition each year.
HONOR: 4.00—3.75
SCHOLASTIC: 3.75—3.00
VARSITY: 2.99—
REASONS TO JOIN: MANY
1. All AcaDeca materials are designed for high school students to supplement
high school studies and improve grades.
2. Free tutoring and advice from other team members on all subjects. Any
questions, ranging from difficult math problems to confusing college visits
can be answered.
3. Acceptance of students from all GPA levels and all grade levels. Decathletes
all study the same material and lack of prior knowledge in difficult
concepts will not hurt underclassmen.
4. With ten subjects, there’s something for everyone. Every Arcadia
decathlete has received a medal (or more!) over the past three years
5. Decathletes are not only better students, they are also better leaders. No
other team on campus gives students to opportunity to improve academic
and people skills.
6. We are well-rounded students who can think across subjects and use
material from one for another. We are trained thinkers, not memorizers.
7. Colleges and admissions officers are well-acquainted with this team. In
fact, a previous captain (Michelle Lee) serves in the admissions office at
Claremont McKenna and can solidly say AcaDeca is a great team.
8. AcaDeca knowledge goes into college courses and beyond. Many alumni
can attest to being well-prepared for rigorous college classes and already
knowing difficult material.
9. Once in AcaDeca, always in AcaDeca. Numerous alumni at colleges are
willing to volunteer their time and effort to teach decathletes and help
with everything from college applications to course selections.
10. Competitions are safely finished by the beginning of February, leaving time
to study for APs and finals.
COMMITMENT: Four
All decathletes are expected to commit four hours a week starting in early June and
ending in early February. Weekend meetings may be called on Saturday or Sunday
afternoons prior to competition day. Any extra study is not required, but it is highly
advised that individual commitments increase as competition nears. AcaDeca has a
local scrimmage in November based upon the seven objectives (the test-based
ones) and performance at that test-run will help determine the final teams. Final
team members will be competing at El Rancho High School and USC’s Galen Center.
HOW do I try out? WHEN are the important dates?
CHECKLIST:
 Attend informational meeting at school
 Complete application (on the website arcadiaacademicdecathlon.weebly.com)
 Study try-out packet (on the website arcadiaacademicdecathlon.weebly.com)
 Complete try-out exam (pick one of two days offered)
 Check initial acceptance list and sign-up for interview (pick one of three days offered)
 Complete try-out interview (***ONLY if your name is on the initial acceptance list)
ACADEMIC DECATHLON MEETING SCHEDULE
Monday, 5-11-15
LUNCH: Information Middle School Meeting (DANA, Room 18)
***Applications open
Friday, 5-15-15
LUNCH: Information High School Meeting (AHS, F109)
Thursday Friday, 5/2122/15
After School at the High School: Written Tryouts
Friday Night
Initial Accepted List Emailed, Interview Sign-Ups
Tuesday, 5-26-15
3:00—5:00 PM: 10-Minute Interviews
Wednesday, 5-27-15
3:00—5:00 PM: 10-Minute Interviews
Thursday, 5-28-15
3:00—5:00 PM: 10-Minute Interviews
Friday, 5-29-15
3:00—5:00 PM: 10- Minute Interviews
Monday, 6-1-15
Final list posted