- Girls Under 18 Minimum Rating 2000
- Girls Under 16 Minimum Rating 1900
- Girls Under 14 Minimum Rating 1800
- Girls Under 12 Minimum Rating 1700
- Girls Under 10 Minimum Rating 1500
- Girls Under 8 Minimum Rating 1200
- Boys Under 18 Minimum Rating 2400
- Boys Under 16 Minimum Rating 2300
- Boys Under 14 Minimum Rating 2200
- Boys Under 12 Minimum Rating 2050
- Boys Under 10 Minimum Rating 1900
- Boys Under 8 Minimum Rating 1600
These are not easy to reach, but requirements are already less demanding than 5 years ago (which was limited to top 3 in each age group). In fact, this year US Delegation allowed anyone to join, as long as you signed up and paid all the entry fee, FIDE fee, USCF fee, and etc. The total cost for one player and one parent will be above $5000. If your child can't meet the minimum rating, which means s/he is too weak, do you want to spend that much money, and skip two-week school, and two weeks from your work? My personal opinion, it's better for your child to work hard and try to qualify next year. The goal can be his/her extra motivation!