FAQ

Can I just show up?

Yes, but we HIGHLY recommend that you pre-register beforehand. Please know that we have limited spaces and they are filling up fast! You must officially register yourself on a team before the final team registration deadline listed in the schedule to be able to participate.

You can find the registration link on the [LINKS] page.

What if I’m new?

According to our survey, about 70% of Grinnell students have never participated in a hackathon before. We encourage all majors to come because hackathons provide an opportunity to gain experience. As a new “hacker” at hackGC, you will learn a lot in a short amount of time, be challenged, and build something awesome.

What if I don’t have an idea?

None needed! You can join teams of people who have ideas. You might just get inspired when you arrive as well.

How many people on a team?

Teams must consist of 3-5 members.

Do I need to have a team?

No! We will have a team-building session on Friday.

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How does judging work?

On Sunday, teams will demo their application to a panel of judges who will deliberate on their favorite submissions to choose the winners. Remember, this is a hackathon for social good!

Can I start working before hackGC starts?

No, participants are not allowed to work on their projects before the event. We WILL check this and will disqualify any teams/individuals who violate this. The event theme will be revealed after the keynote talk to discourage working in advance. We also recommend focusing on gaining experience with and knowledge of the tools you hope to use to build your project.

Should I pull all-nighters?

Definitely not! The main purpose of the event is to learn a lot, collaborate with other Grinnellians and have fun. You will not get the most out of the experience if you are not fully awake and are exhausted throughout the event. Self-care is important!

What should I bring?

We highly recommend that you bring…