How to Win Humbly and Lose Gracefully

Keep your cool at the competition, no matter what the results are.

An important factor to consider when deciding whether to do a math or science fair project is that chances are, you aren't going to win the first time. Or the second. Or maybe ever. Going into a project with this in mind is important because then your motivation for doing a project isn't winning, it's about the project itself. Even knowing that, putting forth your hardest work and not getting any recognition for it still stings. Try to stay professional while at the competition, congratulate the winners, and you can mope in the car afterward. Professionalism rules still apply if you win, too. Don't gloat, it's not attractive. Congratulate the other winners, and maintain an air of graciousness at the event. We have both been on the winning and losing sides many times, and how you accept the judges' results is an important part of competition etiquette.