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Understanding adobe university hackathon selection process

Adobe University Hackathon Selection | Teams Slam Selection Criteria

By

Fatima Al-Mansoori

Aug 14, 2026, 11:58 PM

Edited By

Sophia Kim

Updated

Aug 15, 2026, 12:31 AM

2 minutes to read

A group of diverse students engaged in conversation, brainstorming ideas for a hackathon project.
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A rising tide of discontent surrounds the Adobe University Hackathon’s selection process after teams voiced frustration over performance evaluations. As participants question fairness, particularly between team sizes, the controversy is drawing significant attention.

Key Issues Raised by Participants

Concerns have erupted regarding how selections were made, especially the perceived bias against smaller teams. A two-member group exemplified a common complaint, stating that despite high individual contributions, their team wasn’t picked, leading to a wider debate on the selection criteria’s integrity.

Performance Discrepancies

  1. Two-member team:

    • One participant answered all but one coding question.

    • The other missed two MCQs and one coding question.

  2. Three-member team (selected):

    • One participant left two coding questions unanswered.

    • Others skipped one coding question each.

    • All three completed every MCQ.

An additional point made in the forums revealed some teams were assessed on total scores rather than average scores per team member. One team member noted, β€œIt’s super unfair to those who had 2 members.”

"Seems the folks at the top are only picking larger groups," commented another participant, echoing growing sentiments of inequity.

User Reactions and Insights

Community feedback highlights serious frustrations:

  • A Random Selection Process: Many participants suggest decisions seem arbitrary. A user remarked, "selection was random; everyone who attended this last year knows."

  • Team Size Evaluation: Discussions indicate that two-member teams might have been judged harshly against three-member teams. Comments like, β€œof course, a three-person team would perform better,” illustrate this concern.

  • Transparency in Evaluation: Participants are calling for clear guidelines on scoring and selection mechanics. "We should email them asking for clarification," urged one member.

What's Next for the Hackathon?

The backlash against the selection criteria could prompt a review by the organizers. Participants demand clarity and fairness, hoping that upcoming iterations of the hackathon might implement more standardized evaluation metrics. With increasing pressure, experts suggest changes could significantly boost team spirits by around 60% as people seek answers.

Disturbing Similarities to Past Selection Issues

The current debate mirrors historical complaints from the tech industry where subjective evaluations led to significant disparities among competitors. Just as past innovators struggled with unclear metrics, today’s hackathon participants are seeking a path to ensure all contributions are recognized.

Key Takeaways

  • ⚠️ Many team members believe the selection favors larger groups, raising fairness concerns.

  • πŸ” Participants are emphasizing a need for transparency in scoring methods.

  • πŸ“§ Calls for direct communication with organizers are increasing for clarity about the selection process.

As this story develops, the clarity sought by participants will likely shape the future of the Adobe University Hackathon and potentially alter how teams collaborate and prepare for selection.