FAQs

Registration Questions

• Why is registration required?
  Registration is required to access all information for every type of participant for the fair. Each participant has a unique PIN allowing for the easy retrieval of information.
• What is an ISEF Finalist?
  An ISEF finalist is a student who has already received an invitation to participate at the International Science and Engineering Fair. This only applies to Senior Division contestants.
• What are the Project Categories for the Fair?
  You can find more information on the project categories at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) page.
• What costs are associated with registration?
  Contestants fee: $40 per student on or before the March 16 registration deadline. A late fee of $10 will be added after the deadline. Cancellations and refund requests must be received in writing by Saturday, March 16 or a refund will not be issued. Any payments made after March 16 or on the day of the fair will be assessed a $10 late fee per contestant. Requested and approved refunds will be processed after the Texas Science and Engineering Fair.
• Can I pay the day of the fair ?
  Yes, you can pay the day of the fair; a $10 late fee per contestant will be assessed on payments made the day of the fair. Only checks and credit cards payments will be accepted. Absolutely NO CASH can be received.
• If a school pays the entry fee for its students, can they do so with one check?
  Yes, you can mail one check covering the cost of all student registration fees. Please make the check payable to “Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station” and include an invoice or copy of the registration with the check, if possible. If an invoice or registration confirmation is not available, include the names of those students covered by the check. Mail the check to: Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, c/o Texas Science and Engineering Fair Fiscal Office, 7607 Eastmark Dr., College Station, TX, 77840

Venue & Event Questions

• Where is the Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF)? 
  TXSEF is hosted by Texas A&M Engineering on the Texas A&M campus. The Senior Division will take place at the Hall of Champions (161 Wellborn Rd, College Station, TX 77840) located inside entry 3 on the west side of Kyle Field. The Junior Division will take place at the All-American Club on the second floor above the Hall of Champions, access via entry 3 on the west side of Kyle Field.
• What is the schedule for the weekend?
  The most up-to-date schedule can be found on our website.
• What is Night at the ZACH?
  Night at the ZACH is a Friday night (March 29) extravaganza for anyone attending TXSEF. The College of Engineering will open the doors to the Zachry Engineering Education Complex from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., and guests will experience fun-filled activities, building tours and more.  A free dinner will be served, but you must register by March 12. Tickets for dinner will not be available after the March 12 deadline; however, even those who do not have a dinner ticket can attend Night at the ZACH. Dinner tickets must be picked up during student check-in at Kyle Field from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Night at the ZACH parking is available in lot 51. However, buses will need to park along the north curb of New Main Drive. This location allows a large number of buses to line up along the curb for parking, and if they space themselves correctly, easy in-and-out access. Bus pick-up and drop-off is available in front of Wisenbaker on Bizzell Street.
• What are the anticipated traffic conditions and where do I park for TXSEF?
  On Friday, March 29, traffic should be normal, but all day on Saturday, March 30 expect delays and heavy traffic. There are multiple events happening on campus on Saturday, so plan to arrive early. Fair participants can park at the new Cain Garage, which is connected to the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center just north of Kyle Field. Click here for directions. Other options are West Campus Parking Garage and University Center Parking Garage.  Buses can drop off students in lot 62 (159 Wellborn Rd, College Station, TX 77840) but will need to park along Throckmorton Street.
• My student needs special accommodations. Who should I contact?
  Any special needs or needs for special accommodations MUST have been included during the student’s registration. If it was not noted during registration, teachers must contact the fair director as soon as possible. If a need arises during the fair, please visit the hospitality/information booth in the Hall of Champions or All-American Club. We will make every effort to ensure students have access to fair activities.
• Are there places to eat on campus near TXSEF on Saturday? Absolutely! Texas A&M has many different options available. Rev’s American Grill, Panda Express, Bee Creek Pizza and Cabo Mexican Grill are located in the Memorial Student Center and will be expanding their weekend hours for TXSEF. Additionally, Bee Creek Pizza and Cabo Mexican Grill will be offering special deals for those attending TXSEF.
  Bee Creek Pizza
  Friday hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Saturday hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  Get two slices of pizza, fruit and a fountain drink for $6.99.
  Cabo Mexican Grill
  Friday hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Saturday hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  Get any bowl and a fountain drink for $7.99
  Rev’s American Grill
  Friday hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  Saturday hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  Panda Express
  Friday hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  Saturday hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  All hours subject to change.

Project Set-Up Questions

• Where and when can I check in?
  Students, parents, teachers and all others can check in on Friday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the North West Tower at Kyle Field. This is the only time for check-in and where you will receive your meal ticket for Night at the ZACH, if registered by March 12.
• Must the student(s) be present during check-in/set-up on Friday, March 29?
  No. A teacher, parent, friend, etc. may bring the project, check the student in and set it up the project. The student(s) must be in attendance on no later than 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 30 and ready to present to judges.
• If I bring a computer for my project do I have to leave it overnight?
  No.

Judging Questions

• When should students arrive on the day of judging (Saturday, March 30) ?
  Students need to be by their projects 15 minutes before their judging period begins. Judging starts at 9 a.m., meaning the MUST be at their project no later than 8:45 a.m. Expect heavy traffic that morning and plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes in advance.
• How long will judging take?
  Actual time of judging will depend on the complexity of the projects and the number of judges available. Please be patient and flexible.
• Are the judges scores confidential?
  Yes! TXSEF scoring is confidential and only accessible to TXSEF designated officials. If the judges provided comments, they will be available upon request only beginning April 15.
• Where will final results be posted?
  Final results will be posted on txsef.tamu.edu before April 15.

Awards Ceremony Questions

• Where and when does the Awards Ceremony Start?
  The Awards Ceremony will take place at Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium (171 Wellborn Rd, College Station, TX 77843) and doors will open at 6:30 p.m., but the ceremony will not start until 7:00 p.m. Students are need to sit with their Region on the track and parents will need to sit on the track stands. Parents are not allowed on the track floor.
• Must the student(s) be present at the awards ceremony?
  No, but it is highly recommended if the student(s) would like to receive their award(s).