Guide for Students
Everything you need to know as a MIST competitor.
Eligibility
Section titled “Eligibility”- Must be a high school student with current and active enrollment
- Must compete with your enrolled school’s team
- Only one team per school is allowed
- May only compete in one competition per category
- Students in sports must also register for a non-sport competition
Competition Categories at a Glance
Section titled “Competition Categories at a Glance”Key Deadlines
Section titled “Key Deadlines”Two Weeks Before Tournament
Section titled “Two Weeks Before Tournament”Submit these via MyMIST (see Early Submissions):
- Prepared Essay
- Short Fiction
- Poetry
- Short Film
- Business Venture Proposal
- Science Fair Abstract
- Social Media
- Humanitarian Service
- Digital Art
Late Submission Penalties
Section titled “Late Submission Penalties”- Within 24 hours: -5 points
- Each additional day: -10 points
- Beyond 3 days: Disqualified
What to Bring
Section titled “What to Bring”Tournament Day Essentials
Section titled “Tournament Day Essentials”Competition-Specific Items
Section titled “Competition-Specific Items”- Knowledge Tests: Your own copy of the assigned book (no annotations!)
- Quran Recitation: Your own Quran (no annotations or color-coded versions)
- 2D/3D Art: Completed artwork, drafts, written statement
- Fashion Design: Portfolio with all required elements
- Oratory/Spoken Word: 3 copies of your piece
- Science Fair: Display board, abstract copies, lab notebook
Top 10 Rules Competitors Break
Section titled “Top 10 Rules Competitors Break”- Putting your name on submissions - Use MIST ID only!
- Missing early submission deadlines - Results in point deductions
- Not bringing hard copies - Many competitions require 3 copies
- Using AI - Grounds for disqualification in all competitions
- Annotating books/Qurans - No highlighting, post-its, or margin notes
- Going overtime - Results in being ranked last
- Not attending registered competitions - 5-point deduction per competition + sports disqualification
- Leaving workshops early - Must stay until the end for spirit points
- Leaving tournament early without permission - Request 7+ days in advance
- Not checking for updates - Failure to read communications is on you
Submission Format Guidelines
Section titled “Submission Format Guidelines”All written submissions should be:
- Typed and double-spaced
- Size 12 font, Times New Roman
- PDF format
- Cover page with title, MIST ID, and competition name
- No name or identifying markers
- File named:
MISTID_COMPETITIONNAME
Day-of Checklist
Section titled “Day-of Checklist”Before Arriving
Section titled “Before Arriving”At the Tournament
Section titled “At the Tournament”Tips for Success
Section titled “Tips for Success”- Read the rules - Know exactly what’s expected
- Practice - Rehearse presentations and performances
- Prepare early - Don’t wait until the last minute
- Ask questions - If you don’t know, ASK!
- Support your team - Attend others’ competitions when allowed
- Have fun - Make connections and enjoy the experience
Getting Help
Section titled “Getting Help”- During tournament: Find a MIST Representative
- Before tournament: Contact your Regional Headquarters
- Lost badge: See a MIST Representative immediately