The purpose of the UIL computer science competition is to

• Challenge high school students to study a broad range in the areas of computer science.

• Gain an understanding of the significance of computers as well as the details of programming.

• Be alert to new technology and information in the areas of computer science.

• Gain an understanding of the basic principles as well as knowledge of the history and philosophy of computer science.

• Foster a sense of enthusiasm about computer science.

The Computer Science Contest is offered for students in grades 9-12 in all conferences.          Although the contest materials are the same for all conferences, contestants complete only with others in the same conference.

A school may enter as many as four students. Larger UIL district meets may limit this to three. The top three scores from a school on the district written exam are counted toward the school     team's score. All four members of a four-person team may advance, but only three members may participate in the hands-on component at region and state. The coach may decide which three. One substitution is allowed on an advancing team. However, a team of less than three contestants will not be eligible to advance.