Venue & Event Questions
What is the schedule for the weekend?
The most up-to-date schedule can be found at https://txsef.tamu.edu/schedule/.
Where is the Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF)?
TXSEF is being hosted by Texas A&M University on March 29-30, 2019. 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, which is on the second floor above the Hall of Champions, access via Entry 3 on the west side of Kyle Field.
What is Night at the ZACH?
A 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 to get your dinner ticket. There will not be tickets available after that time or if you have not registered. You will be able to pick up your dinner ticket during student check-in earlier that day.
- Event parking is available in lot 50 and lot 51, but buses will need to park along the north curb of New Main Drive. This location also 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.
Where can I get food?
Texas A&M University has many different dining options, but we have partnered with campus dining services and will have a couple special deals for TXSEF student(s). There will also be food options at the Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center.
How will traffic be and where do I need to park for the fair?
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 throughout the day 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. Other options are West Campus Parking Garage and University Center Parking Garage.
- On Friday, March 29, buses can drop off students in lot 62 (159 Wellborn Rd, College Station, TX 77840) but will need to park along Throckmorton Street.
My child has special needs or needs for special accommodations. Who do I talk to?
Any special needs or needs for special accommodations MUST have been included during the child’s registration. If it was not noted during registration, have your child’s teacher reach out to 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.
Check In and Project Set-Up Questions
Where and when can I check in?
Students, parents, teachers and anyone else can check in on Friday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the northwest 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/setup on Friday, March 29?
No. A teacher, parent, friend, etc. may bring the project, check the student in and set up the project. The student(s) must be in attendance at no later than 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, and be 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 the awards page 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 need to sit with their Region on the track, and parents will need to sit in 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 would like to receive their award(s).
Registration Questions
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.
