<![CDATA[Academic competitions are a strategic tool for developing students' potential, achievements, and competitive spirit in the school environment. However, the selection process for competition participants in schools often faces obstacles such as subjectivity in assessments, time constraints, and a lack of transparency in decision-making. To address these issues, this study aims to apply the TOPSIS method to a Decision Support System (DSS) to improve objectivity, efficiency, and accuracy in selecting academic competition participants at SMPN 3 Bukittinggi. This study uses a quantitative approach with applied research and an evaluative model. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and questionnaires distributed to a number of respondents to determine the weight of each assessment criterion. The calculation process was carried out using Microsoft Excel and the results were verified through the web-based system OnlineOutput to ensure the suitability of rankings and preference scores. Selection criteria include aspects of academic grades, discipline, and activeness. The results of the study indicate that the application of the TOPSIS method to a decision support system can produce a more objective, transparent, and systematic selection process. The results of student rankings obtained from manual calculations show a level of accuracy that is consistent with the results from the web-based system. Thus, the use of the TOPSIS method has proven effective in helping schools determine academic competition participants fairly and accountably, and can be used as a basis for developing an information technology-based SPK system in the future.]]>
