Odyssey of the Mind
Catalog organization: Creative Competitions, Inc.
Compiled by: ExtracurricularHub Editorial Team — editorial policy
Last updated
What Is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind is an international, school-year creative problem-solving competition—not a free U.S.-only high-school program. A school, homeschool, community group, or other eligible organization buys a current membership, appoints an adult coach, and forms teams of up to seven. Divisions extend from primary school through college; U.S. grades 9-12 compete in Division III.
Each team selects one of five annual long-term problems spanning vehicles, technical performance, classics, balsa structures, and performance. Over several months, students—not coaches or outside helpers—brainstorm, design, build, script, test, and rehearse an eight-minute solution. At tournaments they present that solution and solve a confidential Spontaneous problem. Teams typically advance from regional competition to association/state/province/country finals and then, if qualified, World Finals. Exact tournament dates, deadlines, fees, advancement rules, and travel costs come from the local association.
Odyssey of the Mind Key Facts: Cost, Deadline, and Eligibility
| Cost | $290 |
|---|---|
| Format | In person |
| Eligibility | Grades 1–12 and first-year college |
| Application deadline | Dates not announced |
| Listing last updated | August 30, 2026 |
Program details shown here reflect the current catalog record.
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