1. A project is eligible for con­si­der­a­tion if it demonstrates sound ap­pli­ca­tion of the scientific method.
2. A project that tackles an unusual problem or question or that makes successful use of unusual methods or resources, shall be awarded a higher rank.
3. A project shall not be penalized be­cause it is likely to receive one or more other awards.
4. A student shall not be penalized for utilizing resources or persons (fa­cul­ty, staff, students) in a pro­fes­sion­al laboratory or for other­wise bene­fit­ing from professional experience.
5. A student's ranking shall depend on the student's ability to provide a clear and accurate description of the project and demonstrate an ex­cep­tion­al under­stand­ing of the subject matter, methods used, find­ings, and possible impli­ca­tions, all relative to the student’s age.
6. Final selection will favour a stu­dent showing promise as a future scien­tist, with due con­si­der­a­tion being given for the student's age.