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Upcoming Programming Team Tryouts October 3

· 3 min read
Godmar Back
Godmar Back
ICPC Coach

Do you like solving programming problems?

Do you want to represent Virginia Tech at the ICPC regionals on Nov 7, 2026 in Blacksburg?

We will be sending a number (between 6 and 10) of 3-student teams to the regional competition, which is held here in Blacksburg November 7. To be considered for a slot on one of those teams, take part in our tryout. We will select the best students from the tryout.

You may also participate online, just for fun and in this contest, even if you're unsure about competing in the regionals. We are encouraging this as well: every student participating increases North America's quota when it comes to total participation, which determines advancement slots to the World Finals.

info

Onsite: join us this Saturday, Oct 3 from 1:30pm to 7pm EDT in Torgersen Hall 1210. Bring a laptop.

Online: the contest will be held on Kattis.

The regionals (though not the NAQ) involve 2 divisions: Division I and Division II. While only Division I teams are eligible to advance to the North American Championships, Division II provides easier problems for less experienced students.

tip

To participate in the NAQ, you must register before the contest.

Registration with the ICPC system is required because this is an ICPC contest. The number of registered students also directly influences our region's quota when it comes to determining the number of teams that will be sent to the North American Championship.

  • If you don't yet have an ICPC account, go to https://icpc.global/ and create one. You need to use your @vt.edu email since this contest is a collegiate contest that's open to only college students. (You don't have to be a CS major, but you must be enrolled at VT.)

  • Then, go to https://na.icpc.global/naq/ and click Register. Choose "MidAtlantic" as the site. Check the box that says "Participate as both contestant and coach". Do not add any team members; in particular, do not add yourself as a team member.

    registration

    Here's a direct link to the 2026 MA registration which works only if you're already logged in.

    Frequent mistakes include:

    • forgetting to check the "both contestant and coach" box
    • trying to add yourself as team member
    • trying to register for the Midatlantic Regionals on Nov 7 instead of the NAQ (North American Qualifier) - you can't do that (yet).

Email Dr. Back (gback@vt.edu) for any questions!