Every team is scored out of 100 points across six categories. Here is exactly what the judges are looking for at each level.
Category
ExcellentClear, Strategic & Justified
GoodEffective & Complete
FairVague or Incomplete
Needs ImprovementFlawed or Missing
Define the Competitive Problem15 pts
Identifies a clear growth barrier among U.S. users ages 18–24 and explains the competitor advantage behind it.
Identifies a clear competitive challenge and explains its impact on Apple Music.
Problem is broad or lacks explanation of competitor advantages.
Fails to define a clear competitive problem.
Proposed Strategy25 pts
Proposes a specific, original strategy that directly addresses the identified growth barrier.
Strategy is practical, clear, and addresses the identified problem.
Strategy is general, underdeveloped, or too similar to competitors.
Strategy is unclear, unrealistic, or unrelated to the problem.
Marketing & Target Audience15 pts
Defines clear messaging, channels, and acquisition tactics tailored to U.S. users ages 18–24.
Provides a clear marketing plan appropriate for the target audience.
Marketing is generic or weakly connected to the target market.
Marketing plan is missing or inappropriate for the audience.
Competitive Advantage15 pts
Explains why the strategy would work and how Apple's ecosystem, brand, or technology makes it hard to copy.
Explains why the strategy could improve Apple Music's position and identifies an advantage.
Advantage is weak, unclear, or easily copied by competitors.
Provides little or no competitive justification.
Feasibility, Implementation & Metrics20 pts
Provides a realistic rollout plan that considers cost, resources, partnerships, risks, and measurable outcomes.
Provides a reasonable implementation plan and relevant success metrics.
Implementation lacks detail or metrics are generic and weakly connected.
Strategy is impractical or implementation and metrics are missing.
Pitch & Presentation10 pts
Presents a clear, persuasive argument supported by evidence and responds directly to judge questions.
Organized and delivered professionally. Main points are easy to follow.
Disorganized, difficult to follow, or lacks preparation.
Unprofessional, poorly structured, or lacks effort.