COMPETITIONS
You are allowed to choose one competition from each category to compete in
* denotes Early Submission Competitions
Sports and Quran competitions are gender separated
Learn about the competitions here
Category 1: Knowledge And Quran
Knowledge Test
There are 4 Knowledge Test levels. Each level has a corresponding book.
You can find all Knowledge test books and corresponding reference material to help you prepare here. Choose one book from the options of four, and take a test on it. The test is comprised of a set of questions and a short essay portion to judge reading and comprehension. The test will be closed book, and no more than 4 students from the same team can register for the same book. But, even if multiple competitors from the same team are registered, the tests are individual.
Quran Memorization
Test your memorization and recitation of the Quran in Arabic, according to tajweed (rules of recitation).
Level 1 is for beginners and Levels 2, 3, and 4 are for more advanced competitors. The judges will begin to recite a random verse from any Surah within the collection that correlates to your level, and you are prompted to continue until the judges’ motion to stop. This competition is split between males and females, and a maximum of 4 competitors from the same team can compete per gender (so in total, 8 – 4 boys, 4 girls) for LEVEL 1 ONLY. For levels 2-4, only two competitors per gender are allowed. The final ten points are given for being orally tested on basic Tajweed rules.
Category 3: Writing And Oratory
Extemporaneous Speaking
Delivering a coherent, engaging, and moving speech, is easy enough, right? Now try doing that on the spot with only 15 minutes of preparation! Out of three randomly selected topics presented at the time of the competition, students must choose one topic for their speech. The topics will be relevant to the annual theme. A limit of 4 students can participate per team.
Spoken Word
If you’re more of a performer type of poet, then spoken word is for you! Here’s your chance to convey your passion and originality, all while inspiring those around you in one of our most popular competitions. The competitor must provide 3 COPIES of his/her piece to be turned in during the competition orientation and the piece may not be longer than six minutes. A limit of 4 participants per team may participate.
Category 5: Group Projects
*Business Venture
This competition encourages you to think about the business world, become a philanthropist, and market your own products. Familiarize yourself with modern trends and market values, while developing your own fantastic product or service! Competitors must submit a proposal of their desired project four (4) weeks prior to the date of the MIST tournament for approval by your Regional Competitions Lead. Project ideas must be original and innovative. Submissions must be the entrepreneur’s original idea – proof of origination should be available if requested by the judges. The business idea may be new or already implemented. A minimum of one (1) and a maximum of six (6) people can register for this competition.
*Short Film
Showcase your editing, directing, and acting skills! Make a documentary, drama, comedy, thriller, or animation to convey a particular message to the audience while relating your film to the MIST theme. Each group will submit no more than one typed-page explanation of the film. The Film group will be allowed 3 minutes to explain: how they made the film, what the purpose behind the film is, and what inspired them. The film itself may be no longer than 7 minutes. A minimum of 1 and maximum of 6 members can register for this competition, but more than 6 members may be included in the making (as actors/actresses).
Category 2: Arts
2D Art
Are you an aspiring painter? Do you doodle more than writing notes in class? Put your inspiration on canvas with the 2D art competition! Any form of 2D art is accepted, for example, a painting, drawing, etc. No distinct facial expressions can be drawn, according to Islamic rules. Artwork must be mounted on something that leaves a 1-2” border and will be submitted on the first day of MIST weekend. The artwork must correlate with the theme and contain a 500-word(maximum) essay explaining the piece. You will also take a 5-minute interview during the competition where you will be asked about the purpose and inspiration for the work. No more than 4 competitors per team can register and it is individual submissions only.
Photography
Not only do you carry around your camera with you all the time, but you see everything as an opportunity for the perfect photo. Those other artists, yeah, they’re cool – but you prefer a lens and the darkroom for your creative pursuits. The pictures must be bound in some way to reflect a portfolio and must be at least 8×10 in size. A typed statement about the piece, no more than 500 words must be included. The explanation will include what the work is about and what inspired you to make it, as well as specific answers to the interview questions. Up to 4 students per team can participate.
Category 4: Brackets
Math Olympics
Think you have what it takes for the Olympics? Earn the title of true Math Olympian in this intense battle of numbers. An understanding of only Geometry, Algebra I & II, and Statistics & Probability are sufficient for a participating student. A limit of 3 students from each team may register in this competition.
MIST Quiz Bowl
Does the sound of a quiz bowl buzzer and recalling knowledge in seconds give you an adrenaline rush? Then MIST Quiz Bowl is the competition for you! Packets with information needed to compete can be found on getmistified.com once released. A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 members per school can form a team, with up to 4 competitors playing per round. Topics can be found here.
Improv
This competition is a fun way to display your creativity under spontaneous and timed circumstances. Each team must impress the judges in various hypothetical scenarios while under pressure to think on their feet and make the audience laugh! This competition consists of three (3) rounds with two (2) games each. Each team will perform the first game, and once all teams have performed, we will move on to the second game. Winners marked by the judge may move up to semifinals and finals. A maximum of 6 members for Brother’s Improv and 6 members for Sister’s Improv may compete from each school.
Category 6: Sports
Basketball
Bring your skills to the court and show everyone what your team is made of! All official NBA rules apply. This is NOT streetball! A maximum of ten (10) students per team may compete in either brothers or sisters basketball. If a team has too few members, schools may be allowed to combine for an equal playing field. This competition is gender separated.