Reflections category guidelines

Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. The entrant must be the choreographer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form. The video must be no longer than 5 minutes and no larger than 1,000 MB, in MP4 or AVI format.

Accepted styles include animation, narrative, documentary, experimental, and media presentation. PowerPoint is not allowed. The entrant must be the screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, and producer. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form. The video must be no longer than 5 minutes and no larger than 1,000 MB, in MP4 or AVI format.

Fiction and nonfiction are accepted, including prose, poetry, reflective essays, screenplays and play scripts, narratives, and short stories. Students may write in their primary language as long as an English translation is attached. Copyrighted material is not allowed. Writing must be 2,000 words or fewer and may be handwritten or typed, printed single-sided on 8½ × 11″ paper or sent as a PDF.

All music styles and combinations of instruments are accepted. The entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Copyrighted material is not allowed. The recording must be no longer than 5 minutes and no larger than 1,000 MB, in MP3 or WAV format. (Sheet music is only required for middle and high school.)

Enter a single print or digital image; collages and collections are not accepted. The entrant must be the photographer and may use digital editing techniques such as multiple exposure, negative sandwich, and photogram. Copyrighted material is not allowed. Prints must be between 3 × 5 and 8 × 10 inches, mounted on mat or poster board no larger than 11 × 14 inches, and not framed. Digital images must be at least 640 × 960 pixels at 300 dpi, in JPEG or PNG format.

Fine and design arts are accepted, including architectural drawings and models, ceramics, collage, computer-generated images, crafts, drawing, fashion and jewelry, fiber work, mixed media, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Copyrighted material is not allowed. 2D work must be mounted on sturdy material, no larger than 24 × 30 inches with matting, and not framed; include one photo of it. 3D work needs three photos from different angles. Photos must be JPEG or PNG.

Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or Section 504 may enter the Special Artist Division or the grade division most closely aligned with their abilities. The division offers non-artistic accommodations (like adaptive technology, transcribing, or holding a camera) so every student can take part. See the official rules for details.