FAQ

I’m interested in participating, how do I get started?

1. Assemble a Team

Form a team of four students from your university. Teams must be interdisciplinary: not all four members can come from the same major or academic school/college (e.g., a BYU team cannot consist of four business school students). Diversity in background, program, and area of study is required.

2. Select a Coach

Choose a coach who is either a university professor or an industry professional. Your coach should be prepared to have multiple discussions with your team (virtual or in person) to help plan, identify weaknesses, and suggest revisions. Ensure they understand this commitment, as they must also accompany your team in person to the competition.

3. Complete the Online Registration Form

All teams (both BYU and visiting universities) must apply by filling out the registration tab on this website.
○ Note for BYU Teams: There will be additional evaluation questions on the form. Submitting this registration does not guarantee teams a spot in the competition until final selections are officially confirmed on Monday, September 14th.

4. Send a Notification Email (Non-BYU Teams Only)

If you are representing a non-BYU institution, we would appreciate an additional courtesy email from your coach or team notifying us of your registration and interest in competing. Please email Dr. Thiesset and her team at:

In this email, please state the university being represented along with the names and respective majors of all team members.

5. Research the Utah Health Market

In preparation for receiving the case study, research the Utah healthcare market to understand its dynamics, key players, and emerging challenges.

6. Prepare and Await Selection Decisions

The Wasatch Cup Executive Committee will review all submissions and announce team selections via email on Monday, September 14th. Selected teams will receive detailed instructions on next steps.

Why should I compete?

Students who compete in case study competitions gain experiences that help them take their learning beyond the classroom and apply the principles that they have been studying. Case study competitions prepare students to generate real-world solutions and present them effectively and persuasively to industry stakeholders. The competition allows students to receive feedback on both their presentation skills and the validity of their solutions. In addition, a case study competition is an excellent item to show experiential learning and applicable skills on a resume as students begin applying to jobs and/or graduate programs.

Students will also be able to network throughout the case study competition with judges, coaches, and other students. These connections will be invaluable as students round out their education and prepare for either higher levels of education or for the workforce. Students in previous years have obtained internships from connections made during the Wasatch Cup. Because of the unique ability for students to interact with upper-level executives that are acting as judges and coaches, the possibilities are limitless for students to build their network and advance their career.

What should I wear to the case competition?

Because presentations will be given to executives in a formal event, we ask that students dress in business professional attire. The judges and coaches are encouraged to match the level of attire.

What should I do when I’m not presenting?

There are several options of things to do when your team is not presenting. If you have not presented yet, you may spend that time practicing and rehearsing your presentation with your team and coach. After your presentation, you may also talk as a team and evaluate areas of success and areas of improvement.

There is also an exciting event occurring on campus at the same time. The BYU Healthcare Leadership Association will be hosting the Healthcare Leadership Career Fair where you can meet recruiters and industry professionals who want to talk to students like you! More details can be provided upon request. You may also walk around and explore the beautiful BYU campus! Just make sure to be back to the Harman Building in time for your presentation and for lunch!

How will the presentations be scored?

Because the case is rather ambiguous, we have informed the judges to recognize that there will be a wide variety of solutions. They will be evaluating in each of the following 5 categories, each weighted equally:

  • Opportunity Identification
  • Clarity of Proposed Strategy/Tactics 
  • Viability of Proposed Strategy/Tactics
  • Use of Analytics and Quantitative Research & Responsiveness to Changing Healthcare Dynamics 
  • Presentation/Teamwork/Q & A

The judges will fill out a scorecard following your presentation and include feedback. These scorecards will be given to your coaches to deliver the feedback.

How much does it cost to participate?

Participation in the competition is free! The BYU Healthcare Leadership Association will cover all participation fees for teams and coaches. Teams are responsible for travel and lodging costs. Please see the “Discounted Hotel Rates” tab for more information on lodging.

If I’m part of the Wasatch Cup Case Competition, can I attend the BYU Healthcare Leadership Conference?

Yes! You are encouraged to continue your networking and education opportunities at the conference, which takes place the following day. Please contact Emily Vela Nelson at emilyvelanelson@byu.edu for discount codes to attend and for more information.