Scholar's Challenge

  Let’s be honest. When most WSC participants hear “Scholar’s Challenge,” their first reaction is: yikes. 120 mind-bending questions. Multiple choice with multiple correct answers. Six vastly different subjects. One hour. It’s been nicknamed “The Alpaca Gauntlet,” “The Challenge from Hell,” and even “Neck-Brace Earning Test” (yes, from medal weight).

But guess what? It’s not impossible. With the right note sources, study strategies, and time management, you can turn fear into fun—and maybe even snag a few shiny medals.

📚 Note Sources: Study Smarter, Not Harder

The key to crushing the Scholar’s Challenge isn’t memorizing every fact—it’s knowing where to learn smart. The WSC doesn’t expect textbook regurgitation; they want critical thinking and connections.

Best note sources include:

• The official WSC curriculum (https://www.scholarscup.org/)
• PocketPwaa: A      compact student-made guide to all subjects
• AvansAlpacaResources: A fun, detailed set of community guides
• Discussion groups and Discord servers for the latest memes and themes
• YouTube explainers and quizlets for key concepts

💡 Pro Tip: Don't try to memorize everything. Aim to understand key ideas, patterns, and real-world applications across the six subjects.

🧠 Strategies: How to Play the (Mental) Game

The Challenge isn’t a basic quiz. It’s got a twist: you can choose more than one answer per question—but the fewer you mark, the more points you earn if you’re right. Here’s how to master it:

1. Play Probability

If you’re 100% sure of one answer, pick it. If you're split between two, mark both. Avoid panic-picking five answers unless you're guessing blindly.

2. Think Like a Curator

WSC loves asking quirky, cross-subject questions. You may get:

• A science question with a philosophical twist
• An art question referencing political movements
• A history question about memes (no joke)

So train your brain to see the connections.

3. Use Elimination

Sometimes it’s easier to spot what’s wrong than what’s right. Eliminate obviously incorrect choices first—it boosts your odds.

4. Don’t Spend Too Long

Some questions are purposely difficult. If you’re stuck, take your best guess and move on.

⏳ Time Management: Master the Clock

You have 60 minutes for 120 questions—that’s 30 seconds per question. Here’s how to stay in control:

• Scan all 6 subject sections quickly at the start
• Tackle your strongest subject first for a confidence      boost
• Mark uncertain questions and return to them if you      have time
• Keep a steady pace. Don’t let one tricky question      ruin your rhythm

🔔 Fun fact: Most medalists don’t answer every question perfectly. They just answer smart.

🌟 Final Tip: Study With Friends

The best Challenge prep happens day by day, with your team. Discuss ideas, quiz each other, and link subjects. You’ll be amazed at how much you remember by talking through the weird stuff together.