Pentathlon > Pentathlon What You'll Do

Pentathlon What You'll Do


Academic Pentathlon tests students in five different subject areas. Prior to the regional and state competitions, an essay will be written and will become 40% of the student's Literature grade. Participants do not master a single subject but several subject areas. All events follow the same format, whether it is an online competition or an on-site competition.



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Pentathlon isn’t about mastering a single topic, but it is about learning five different skills and disciplines.

The Essay will demonstrate not just what you’ve learned but how powerfully you can present an idea. The essay is written online about three weeks prior to a competition.

You’ll take challenging exams in the following areas:

  • Fine Arts (Music and Art)
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Science

Following the state meet, trophies will be awarded to the top teams, plus medals to individual event winners.

All state competition champions will be invited to the U.S. Academic Pentathlon® National Competition. All test questions will be derived from the USAP curriculum.