Q: What is the Upper Valley Brain Bee?

A: The Upper Valley Brain Bee is a fun and educational neuroscience competition for high school students (ages 13-19) living in the Upper Valley. In fact, the Brain Bee is already a nationally and internationally recognized competition. More information on these competitions can be found by visiting www.internationalbrainbee.com. 
 

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Upper Valley Brain Bee?

A: We follow the same eligibility requirements as the International Brain Bee. Participants must be age 13-19 to compete in the competition. Students may compete in one regional Brain Bee per year. Students may compete in the National Brain Bee and the International Brain Bee only once in a lifetime. Family members, friends, and members of the community of all ages are welcome to attend and participate in the morning neuroscience activities fair and spectate the afternoon competition!
 

Q: How do I sign up?

A: Students should register online via the registration form on our website.​
 

Q: I did not qualify for nationals at this year's Upper Valley Brain Bee. Can I compete in another local Brain Bee?

A: Unfortunately, the rules and regulations of the International Brain Bee organization dictate that students can only compete in one regional Brain Bee competition per year. However, you are more than welcome to attend other regional Brain Bees to learn more about the brain, or you could compete in the Upper Valley Brain Bee again next year! Please contact our Coordinators if you have a question regarding these rules.
 

Q: Why should I participate in the Upper Valley Brain Bee?

A: Above all, the Brain Bee will be a fun and educational event. By participating, you will have the opportunity to be exposed to the exciting and important field of neuroscience, and learn about how the brain works! However, there are other benefits as well.

(1) All participants in the competition will receive a certificate of participation recognized by the International Brain Bee. 

(2) Awards will be given to the top three winners of the competition. 

(3) You will have the opportunity to talk to representatives of Dartmouth College Undergraduate Admissions about how you could study neuroscience here in the Upper Valley or how you could pursue various career opportunities in the field.

(4) There will be numerous networking opportunities with top neuroscientists at Dartmouth College at this event.

(5) Pending certain eligibility requirements that need to be met, the winner may have the opportunity to represent the Upper Valley by competing in the USA National Brain Bee competition. All expenses for this will be covered by the fundraising efforts of the Upper Valley Brain Bee. Depending on performance in this national competition, you may advance to the International Brain Bee competition to represent the USA, where monetary prizes are awarded. 
 

Q: How do I study for the Brain Bee?

A: Most questions will be derived from the Brain Facts publication available in the "Prepare" section of our website. Any disease mentioned in the Brain Facts book might be asked about on the test, even if specific facts about that disease state aren't mentioned in Brain Facts. In addition, all participants will be contacted to schedule a Brain Boot Camp after they register, which is a short training session run by Dartmouth College graduate students at their school. 
 

Q: What is the format of the competition?

A: The Upper Valley Brain Bee will include two rounds. In the first round, there will be three sections: short-answer questions, a neuroanatomy practical, and case-based diagnoses. The top 5 participants from the first round will move into the second round, where finalists will participate in a trivia-style competition. There will be one winner that will advance to the National Brain Bee of the following year. For more detailed information on the exam, please see the "Exam Format & Rules" section of our website. 
 

Q: Can I still come to the event if I don't want to participate in the competition?

A: Yes! The Upper Valley Brain Bee is open to the public. In addition to the competition, there will be a featured keynote lecture by a Dartmouth College neuroscientist, as well as other fun brain-related activities. Representatives from Dartmouth College undergraduate admissions will also have a booth to answer your questions and discuss how you could study neuroscience right here in the Upper Valley!​
 

Q: Who should I contact with further questions?

A: Contact the Brain Bee Coordinators via email with questions!

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