The USA Today Academic Team Competition is open to juniors and seniors (who do not have a bachelor's degree prior to December 2009.) Students must be taking at least 12 credit hours when they apply. Students in a combined bachelor's and master's degree program may apply if they have not yet received the bachelor's degree. The competition is open to US citizens only.

Nomination criteria: academic achievement, leadership, activities, and the quality of the 500-word essay the student writes describing his or her most outstanding intellectual endeavor while in college. Students must be nominated by the university to be considered. Applications require a completed form, two recommendation letters, a letter of nomination, and official transcript(s).

The Georgia Tech campus deadline for application is December 4. Applications should be submitted by students to Dr. Karen Adams (Karen.adams@provost.gatech.edu), who is the campus nominator. Faculty and advisors should encourage qualified students to apply.

Nominations for four-year colleges are due nationally January 29. College winners will be announced in May.

Announcement and link: USA TODAY is now accepting nominations for the 2010 All-USA College Academic Team. These annual awards honor students who not only excel academically but also extend their intellectual abilities beyond the classroom to benefit society. The top 20 students selected to the college and community college teams will be featured in USA TODAY and awarded $2,500. http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/all-usa-academic-stars.htm