<p>Another NHD experience to share…</p>
<p>Topic/Medium selection is very, very important. You need to choose a topic that has plenty of primary resources and bring it to light in a way that is CLEARLY in line with the theme. There’s not as much leeway as you might think. </p>
<p>If you have problems cleanly gluing stuff or don’t have advanced video editing software, don’t do an exhibit or documentary. The one thing I underestimated my first time was the extent to which presentation counts, which is just as much as, (if not more than) substance. All the best research in the world won’t win even locally at NHD if you don’t present it well. Thus I would highly, highly recommend choosing the medium you can express yourself best.</p>
<p>Be prepared too to spend money on travel and large entry fees if you get to the higher levels of competition. If you want to find good primary sources (crucial to the best projects) you might have to travel some distance to find them or pay to have them shipped in. It’s not cheap.</p>