This form helps us collect a few student details so we can better support your National History Day (NHD) journey. The information you share helps us advocate for your project to count toward high school credit, connect you with in-person support in your area, and plan regional competitions where you can showcase your work. Our goal is to make sure every student has the resources, recognition and opportunities you need to succeed and shine through in your NHD experience.
This form also includes a short pre-test to help you see how much you grow throughout your NHD journey. It’s a simple way to measure your progress and reflect on what you already know about historical research and project-building.
You don’t need any prior experience, just do your best! This isn’t about grades or getting everything right. It’s about discovering how much you’ll learn along the way. This is simply your starting point, a snapshot of where you’re beginning.
By the end of the year, many go from writing short summaries to creating full research papers, documentaries, performances, websites, or exhibits supported by strong evidence and reliable sources. One teacher even shared that her students ended up writing 25-page annotated bibliographies (when only three pages are required!) and felt incredibly proud of their progress.
So think of this pre-test as the first step in a journey you’ll be able to look back on and say,“Wow, look how much I’ve grown!”