Where the points actually are

The theme connection and the primary sources are what separate entries at every level. Judges consistently reward a narrow topic argued with strong primary evidence over a broad topic assembled from secondary summaries. The process paper, which explains how you researched, is short and disproportionately influential.

Topic breakdown

01Topic and theme: The topic must genuinely connect to the annual theme, not merely mention it. Narrow beats broad: one local event argued well outscores a survey of a war.
02Primary sources: Newspapers, letters, photographs, government records, oral history interviews. Judges read the annotated bibliography carefully and can tell secondary summaries from real archival work.
03The annotated bibliography: Each entry explains how you used that source. This is scored and it is where thin research becomes visible.
04Category craft: Each category has strict rules: word counts for papers and exhibits, time limits for documentaries and performances. Entries are penalised for exceeding them every year.
05The process paper: Five hundred words explaining topic choice, research and conclusions. Short, required and frequently rushed.

A study plan that works backwards from the date

Autumn Read the theme and brainstorm widely, then narrow hard. Check that primary sources actually exist and are accessible before you commit.
Early winter Research. Use your local library's databases, state historical society and the Library of Congress digital collections, all free. Keep the annotated bibliography as you go.
Late winter Build the entry. Leave real time for revision; first drafts of exhibits and documentaries are always over length.
Before the contest Check every rule: word count, time limit, required elements. Then practise the judge interview, which happens in every category and is where entries separate.

Tips that come from the format itself

Choose a local topic if you can. Local archives are accessible, under-researched and judges notice genuine primary work.
The rule book is precise about limits and entries are penalised for exceeding them. Read it before you build, not after.
Every category includes a judge interview. Practise explaining your argument and your sources aloud.
The Library of Congress, the National Archives and Chronicling America all publish enormous free primary source collections online.

Practice resources

National History Day official site Official · free
The annual theme, contest rule book, affiliate directory and category guidance.
Library of Congress digital collections Research · free
Vast free primary source collections including photographs, newspapers and manuscripts.
Chronicling America Research · free
Free searchable archive of historic American newspapers, an outstanding primary source for local topics.
National Archives Research · free
Free access to digitised federal records.

Past papers and official materials

Past themes and sample entries
NHD publishes past themes, rule books and examples of successful entries.

Skills this builds

Read what other students said about preparing