Imperial College Science Challenge - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

We hope that this section will answer any questions you may have about participating in either the Imperial College or schools competition. If you have any further questions please contact us.

1. Is it too late to enter the 2008 challenge?
Yes, the deadline has now passed. To recieve updates about this years challenge and to be notified about next years challenge please sign up for updates:

Secondary Schools

Imperial Students

2. How do I submit my essay?

The submission process is very simple. We require both a hard copy of your essay with a covering sheet and an electronic copy to be uploaded through our web form. If you are at Imperial College you may drop off your hard copy in the RCSU office during lunchtimes.

The Submission form is now closed.

Each school may submit up to three essays. Please upload them using our form and post paper copies to:

Science Challenge,
RCS Union, Student Activities Center,
Beit Quad, Prince Consort Road,
London, SW7 2BB

3. Where do I find the cover sheet to attach to my essay?

Once you fill in our submission form you will be directed to a page with all your information, which will act as your cover form. Please print that page and attach it to the hard copy of the essay you submit.

4. Who is eligible for the essay competition?
The Imperial Competition is open to all registered undergraduates and postgraduates at Imperial College across all campuses.

The Schools competition is open to all students in Years 11 to 13. Each school must register to participate.

5. In which language shall I submit the essay?
The essay must be written in English.

6. May I submit more than one essay?
IC students may submit more than one essay. Schools may submit up to three essays. Submitting more essays from one school will lead to all entries being rejected.

7. Am I allowed to include graphs and tables?
Yes, you are welcome (but not obliged to) to include relevant graphs and tables. Their content will not count into the number of words in your essay.

8. What is the length of the essay?
The essay should not exceed 800 words. The following elements do NOT count into the number of words: abstract, description of images, bibliography, content page, title page (if you provide one). Moreover, graphs and tables do NOT count into the number of words.

The abstract has no word limit, but do consider that it is only intended to summarize your 800 words.

9. How do I view the online seminars?
All the seminars are posted on this page.

10. What are the grading criteria for the essays?
The essays will be graded for their originality, clarity and the use of thoughtful and concrete proposals/ examples. The essays should be aimed between a New Scientist and Scientific America article.

11. Can teams work on the same essay?
Yes, teams of up to 4 are allowed, but if you split the work, you must also split the prizes!

12. Do I need to address all the topics?
No! One will do just fine.

13. What is that weird red thing in the left picture??
Its the RCSU's very own mascot... Our thanks go to the Motor Club for keeping her going all these years and also for the very stylish transport to the Ritz last year - read all her history.