Explanation of Scoring

1.      The Utah Academic Decathlon has ten events; each event is evenly weighted at 1000 points per competitor for a 10,000-point possible total. However, only six scores are counted for the team ranking, (top two Honor, top two Scholastic, and top two Varsity) so the top team score possible is 60,000. Winning scores at the State Finals are usually in the 40,000 range.  

2.      Five of the objective tests have 50 items; the raw score is converted to a 1000-point basis by the computer with each item worth 20 points. The math test has 35 items. 

3.      The essay is scored holistically based on a rubric. Each essay is read independently twice. If there is a divergence of more than 200 points in the two scores, the essay is read and scored by the Chairperson. The third score then replaces the divergent score. The two scores are averaged for the final score. 

4.      The speech and interview are performed before a panel of judges (usually three). The judges complete the Scantron scoring forms. These are scanned directly into the computer, which then computes an average score based on a maximum of 1000 points.  

5.      Super Quiz has both a written component and an oral component. The written test will have 40 items worth 15 points each that will count for 60% of the total score (40 x 15 = 600). In the oral relay, each student will answer five questions worth 80 points each that will count for 40% (5 x 80 = 400)

6.      Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each event and for each category. All ties are awarded.

7.      Team overall ranking is determined by the top two scores in each category, i.e. the top two Honor scores, the top two Scholastic scores, and the top two Varsity scores.

8.      In Super Quiz, the team ranking is also determined by the top two scores in each of the three categories.