20 Academic Competitions to Boost Your High School Profile
If you’re a high school student looking to gain experience in a subject outside the classroom, consider academic competitions! Engaging in competitions such as Bees, Olympiads, and subject-specific quizzes can push you to deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and challenge yourself in ways that traditional coursework may not provide.
These experiences will also allow you to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are highly valued by admissions officers.
In this blog, we’ll explore 20 academic competitions for high school students spanning various fields, including science, mathematics, history, arts, and more!
1. National Science Bowl (NSB)
Location: Regional rounds are held in different cities every year. Science Bowl Finals are held in Washington, DC.
Eligibility: All high school students can participate.
Deadlines: The dates for the regional rounds vary, and you must register no later than 3 weeks before the event. The participant registration typically starts in October and ends in December.
Dates: The Regional Competition typically takes place between January and March. The 2025 National Event will be held from April 24 to 28.
Cost & Prizes: There is no cost to participate. Cash prizes and scholarships are offered.
Since 1991, the National Science Bowl (NSB) has been a prestigious and highly competitive event that aims to motivate students to excel in math and science. Each year, the competition attracts over 1,000 students, challenging them to their knowledge across various subjects, including physics, energy, Earth science, chemistry, biology, and math.
To participate, students must first compete in regional rounds, which you can find here. Teams of 4-5 students compete locally, and only the regional winners are invited to the Science Bowl Finals held in Washington, D.C. This final stage brings together the brightest young minds to test their scientific prowess on a national platform. NSB provides a comprehensive resource pool to aid preparation, including the competition rules, tips for success, and various study materials to help teams excel.
Here’s a deeper dive into the NSB if you’re interested! You can also check out the Physics Bowl if you’d rather participate in a more physics-focused challenge.
2. National Economics Challenge (NEC)
Location: The national finals will be held in New York.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate (in teams of 3-4 members):
The David Ricardo Division is for first-time competitors who have taken no more than one economics course.
The Adam Smith Division is for AP, international baccalaureate, and honors students (as well as returning competitors).
Teams must be accompanied by a coach who is an associate of the team's school, organization, or program.
Deadlines: The registration for the state-level events closes in March and the registration for the national finals closes in May.
Dates: In 2024, the national semi-finals were held between April 22-26 and the national finals were held between June 1-3. You can expect similar dates for the 2025 challenge. Dates for state-level events vary.
Cost & Prizes: No cost to participate; Prizes are 1st place $1,000 | 2nd place $500 | 3rd place $250 | 4th place $125.
The National Economics Challenge (NEC) is a prestigious competition that rigorously tests high school students' understanding of economics. Teams of students compete in a series of exams that cover key areas such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and current economic events. This comprehensive examination evaluates students' grasp of economic principles and their ability to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios.
Participants compete for cash prizes, recognition, and bragging rights in one of two divisions: The Adam Smith division is for advanced placement, baccalaureate, honors students, and returning competitors, and the David Ricardo Division is for students participating in the NEC for the first time and who have taken no more than one economics course. The top four teams in the semi-finals advance and receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to compete and earn cash prizes.
For a deeper dive into the NEC, check out this article. Here are a few more economics competitions for you to consider!
3. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
Location: University of Bath, United Kingdom
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate!
Deadlines: The online registration of contestants typically closes in May. You can access detailed information on deadlines here.
Dates: July 11 to 22, 2024
Costs & Prizes: There is no cost to participate. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded, along with a few honorable mentions.
Note: Olympiads are typically regional-level exams, and once you score well on those, you qualify for the national Olympiad (United States of America Mathematical Olympiad - USAMO). Based on your performance at the national level, you can qualify for the International Olympiad.
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the most prestigious competition for high school students with exceptional mathematical skills. During this competition, participants deal with six intricate problems, each designed to test their problem-solving abilities across algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. The competition's rigor is evident in the diversity and complexity of the challenges presented.
Distinctions are marked with prestigious medals – gold, silver, and bronze – awarded to the top performers. Additionally, honorable mentions are given to recognize students’ efforts. Beyond the accolades, achievements in the IMO can be a significant highlight on a student's college application. Top-performing students are often recognized by the IMO as having demonstrated excellence in a highly competitive field.
4. International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)
Location: Isfahan, Iran
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate!
Deadlines: The pre-registration forms typically close in March and the final registration ends in May.
Dates: The IPhO 2024 will be held from July 21 to 29.
Costs & Prizes: Participation fees for regular delegation (5 students, 2 leaders) is EUR 3500. You can check out the various fees and expenses here. Medals and honorable mentions are awarded.
Note: Olympiads are typically regional-level exams, and once you score well on those, you qualify for the national Olympiad (USA Physics Olympiad - USAPhO). Based on your performance at the national level, you can qualify for the International Olympiad.
The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is a prestigious global competition for high school students who excel in physics. Participants are immersed in a rigorous blend of experimental and theoretical challenges that cover classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. This competition assesses students' deep understanding of physics principles and their ability to apply both practical and theoretical problem-solving skills.
Top performers in the IPhO are awarded medals – gold, silver, and bronze – while additional recognitions are given for other outstanding achievements. Participating in this competition demonstrates a profound appreciation for the intricacies of physics and the ability to tackle complex problems with a scientific approach.
5. International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate!
Deadlines: The registrations typically end in May.
Dates: July 7 to 14, 2024
Costs & Prizes: Information about the participation fees is not mentioned on the official website. Medals and honorable mentions are awarded.
Note: Olympiads are typically regional-level exams, and once you score well on those, you qualify for the national Olympiad (USA Biolympiad - USABO). Based on your performance at the national level, you can qualify for the International Olympiad.
The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a prestigious competition designed for high school students who excel in biology. Participants face a series of challenging exams that cover a wide range of topics, including molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology. This competition ensures that students demonstrate not only a broad understanding of biological concepts but also their ability to navigate specialized areas within the field.
During IBO, students have to take the Theoretical and Practical Exams. The Theoretical Exams encompass 100 tasks in largely closed-ended format (e.g., multiple true-false). These tasks cover all domains of biology and require students to apply their scientific knowledge in analyzing advanced biological phenomena. The Practicals typically fall into 3-4 laboratories. The content domains for each Practical are announced 6-12 months before an IBO. In the lab, students showcase biological skills by conducting investigations and analyzing data.
6. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)
Location: The US Open round will be held across the country.
Eligibility: All high school students can participate.
Deadlines: Applications typically close in September.
Dates: The first contest is typically held in December, the second contest in January, the third contest in February, and finally, the US Open takes place in March. The 2024 US Open was held from March 15-18.
Costs & Prizes: There is no cost to participate. Students receive recognition medals, and those who qualify at the national level will represent the U.S. at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), to be held in Egypt in September 2024.
The United States of America Computing Olympiad (USACO) is a premier competition designed to challenge and inspire high school students interested in the dynamic field of computer science and programming. Participants tackle a series of algorithmic problems in successive rounds, progressing through the divisions of bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. These divisions represent escalating levels of difficulty, where students must demonstrate their growing proficiency and creativity in solving complex computational problems.
Throughout the competition, participants' programming skills are rigorously evaluated, highlighting their ability to devise efficient and innovative solutions. The top performers in USACO gain national recognition for their achievements and are invited to specialized training camps. These camps provide intensive training and preparation for some of the best students to represent the United States at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) – a prestigious global competition.
Check this blog out for resources to study for the USACO!
7. Congressional App Challenge
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Middle or high school students who are residents of a participating congressional district can participate. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four students, in which at least two students must reside or attend school in the district.
Deadlines: Applications open on May 1, 2024, and the deadline to submit apps is October 24, 2024.
Dates: October 25 - November 2024 is the judging period and the results will be announced in December.
Cost & Prizes: No cost to participate. Winning apps can be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives website. Winners are also invited to attend a reception on Capitol Hill and may be awarded additional sponsor prizes.
The Congressional App Challenge is a district-wide competition organized by U.S. House of Representatives members. It’s a great opportunity for students eager to elevate their coding skills and apply their technical expertise to create impactful applications. Participants are challenged to design and develop their own innovative mobile or web app, navigating the complexities of computer science and problem-solving. The competition encourages addressing real-world problems through technological solutions.
Winners of the challenge gain recognition for their coding abilities and have the opportunity to present their creations to members of Congress and the broader tech community. Prizes often include scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and invitations to various tech events. The honor of winning the Congressional App Challenge is significant, as it demonstrates a student's capability to use technology for positive change. You’ll also get to present your apps to lawmakers and industry experts which will enhance your profile within the tech and innovation sectors.
You can check out this guide on how to win the Congressional App Challenge!
Location: Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate.
Deadlines: Applications typically close in March. The participant registration deadline is usually in May.
Dates: The finals will be held June 10 to 14, 2024.
Costs & Prizes: There is a $50 application fee plus a $425 participation fee per participant. Different prizes are awarded across the available competition categories.
The Genius Olympiad is an esteemed international high school competition emphasizing environmental issues, scientific innovation, and creative projects. Participants from around the world submit projects in various categories, including science, art, writing, and design, showcasing innovative solutions and creative expressions related to environmental awareness and sustainable development.
The competition's judging criteria are comprehensive, evaluating the creativity, scientific rigor, environmental impact, and practical applicability of the projects. Winners are honored for their exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability and awareness, receiving bronze, silver, and gold medals.
Check out our blog for tips for winning the Genius Olympiad!
9. International History Olympiad (IHO)
Location: London, UK (for IHO 2025)
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate!
Deadlines: All registration and payment deadlines are typically in June.
Dates: The next IHO will typically take place in July 2025.
Costs & Prizes: The registration costs range from $1,995 to $3,195. Medals and honorable mentions are awarded.
The International History Olympiad is a biennial celebration of history where participants tackle written exams that cover a broad spectrum of historical topics, requiring them to demonstrate detailed knowledge of specific events, periods, and notable historical figures. You can qualify for the IHO through the National History Bee and Bowl tournaments, the US History Bee, or the International History Olympiad Qualifying Exam.
The buzzer rounds test participants' quick thinking and reflexes as they compete head-to-head to answer questions in real time. Additionally, the competition often includes simulation games, historical reenactments, and research-based projects, allowing participants to apply their historical knowledge in engaging and practical ways.
If you’re keen on pursuing history competitions further, you can check out National History Day (NHD)! Students interested in the field of linguistics can consider the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL).
10. U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)
Location: Varies for every local and national exam.
Eligibility: Open to all US-based high school students.
Deadlines: Applications typically close in January.
Dates: For the 2024 competition, the dates were as follows:
Local Exam: March 1-24
National Exam: April 13-21
Study Camp: June 2-14
International Chemistry Olympiad: July 22-31
Costs & Prizes: There is no cost of participation; Cash prizes of up to $300, recognition, and awards are given to winners and runners-up.
USNCO is considered one of the most prestigious chemistry competitions in the US. It invites 1000+ students every year and assesses students on their knowledge of broad chemistry topics, chemical theories, and models, as well as students' problem-solving skills in the lab.
The competition is spread across 4 tiers, with students first appearing for local/regional-level rounds, and moving up to the National Level, as well as the International Level. Before the latter, the top 20 finalists from the National Round are invited to Study Camp, where finalists are prepared and tested, and based on their performance, four students are chosen to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO).
The four international competitors are accompanied by mentors who translate the test, inspect laboratories, and arbitrate the scoring of the exams.
Tip: Here are a few excellent resources to help you prep for your Olympiad, school exams, or even entrance tests for college!
11. National Speech and Debate Tournament
Location: Varies year on year. In 2024, it will be held in Des Moines Area, Iowa.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Deadlines: May 15, 2024
Dates: June 16 - 21, 2024
Costs & Prizes: There is no cost to participate. Awards include national-level recognition in a points-based system across different categories.
The National Speech and Debate Tournament serves as a premier platform for students to exhibit their oratory and communication skills. Participants undergo an intensive preparation and competition process, honing their abilities across various events such as debate, interpretation, and public speaking. Whether advocating for policy changes, delivering compelling speeches, or presenting dramatic interpretations, students display their mastery in rhetoric and expression.
The tournament encompasses a wide array of events, including policy debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, and individual events like extemporaneous speaking and original oratory. Competing students are acknowledged for their excellence with prestigious awards, such as trophies and accolades, which validate their skills and dedication.
12. American Computer Science League (ACSL)
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Elementary, middle, or high school students can apply. Please ensure your school has registered for the competition.
Deadline: December 31, 2023
Dates:
Contest 1: November 1, 2023 to January 14, 2024
Contest 2: January 2, 2024 to March 3, 2024
Contest 3: February 5, 2024 to April 7, 2024
Contest 4: March 11, 2024 to May 12, 2024
Cost & Prizes: Registration cost for the first team in a Division is $150 ($100 for the Elementary Division), while additional teams in a Division are $75 each ($50 each for the Elementary Division). Each team is allowed a maximum of 12 students. Prizes for this competition have not been disclosed.
The American Computer Science League (ACSL) has been a prominent organizer of computer programming and science contests for K-12 schools worldwide for 46 years. In the last season, approximately 8,000 students from various regions participated in these competitions, including those from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
The ACSL season consists of four online contests that test fundamental computer science concepts, with topics ranging from Number Systems to Digital Electronics. Higher divisions also involve programming challenges in languages such as Python, C++, or Java. Check out our detailed guide here for a comprehensive overview of this competition.
Check out our complete guide to ACSL!
13. International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Location: Hosted in different cities every year. ISEF 2024 will be in Los Angeles, CA.
Eligibility: All high-school students with a strong passion for research in science, math, and engineering are eligible to apply.
Deadlines: Varies from state to state.
Dates: Local and regional events take place throughout the year but usually conclude by April. The ISEF Fair typically takes place in May.
Cost & Prizes: On-site registration of $25 for each participant. Special Awards such as tuition scholarships, summer internships, and scientific trips, as well as cash prizes of up to $75,000 are awarded to winners.
The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) offers an outstanding opportunity for high school students to showcase their abilities and distinguish themselves if they aim to pursue STEM research in the future. Participants from around the world engage in a rigorous scientific inquiry process, often addressing complex and cutting-edge research projects across diverse scientific fields.
Projects cover a broad spectrum of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science. The awards at ISEF are highly sought after, representing not only academic excellence but also innovation and creativity. Winners gain recognition for their research, frequently leading to scholarships, internships, and opportunities for further scientific exploration.
Tip: We’ve covered everything you need to know about ISEF in this guide!
14. ExploraVision
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: All high school students studying in the US and Canada can participate.
Deadlines: February 7, 2024
Dates: Applications are typically due in January. Regional winners are typically announced by April and national winners by May. The ExploraVision Awards Weekend is typically held in June.
Cost & Prizes: There is no cost to participate. Winners will receive:
Up to $240,000 in savings bonds ($10,000 savings bond for each first-place team member and $5,000 savings bond for each second-place team member)
An expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, in June for the ExploraVision Awards Weekend (for the the student and one parent/guardian)
A technology/science-related gift for each regional winning student
The ExploraVision challenge, organized by Toshiba and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), is a renowned competition that motivates high school students to engage in real-world problem-solving through STEM. Since its launch in 1992, this highly competitive challenge has drawn entries from over 450,000 students across the United States. Thousands of teams participate each year, but only four teams per grade category secure first place.
Teams of 2-4 students are tasked with selecting a current technology, researching its potential advancements, and envisioning its future applications and impact over the next decade. Participants are encouraged to draw on various STEM fields, such as physics, technology, and artificial intelligence, to present their innovative ideas. Projects must detail the development steps, benefits, potential drawbacks, and anticipated challenges of the proposed technology.
For inspiration, past projects have showcased a wide range of creative and forward-thinking solutions. This competition not only highlights students' research and presentation skills but also promotes teamwork and critical thinking.
To learn more about the ExploraVision challenge and explore past entries, check out this detailed dive into the competition.
Location: Held at multiple locations across the country, and virtually as well.
Eligibility: All high school students can participate.
Deadlines: Varies
Dates: Varies
Costs & Prizes: Varies
DECA, formerly known as Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a not-for-profit student organization dedicated to preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. With a robust membership exceeding 200,000 students and official recognition from the Department of Education, DECA enjoys endorsement from all 50 states, underscoring its prestige and significant impact on student development.
DECA conducts competitive events across four primary career clusters: business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing. Participants engage in diverse activities, including business simulations, role plays, case studies, and presentations. Competitions are held at district, state, and national levels, offering multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills.
Success in DECA competitions reflects more than theoretical knowledge; it showcases a student's practical application of business concepts, strategic thinking, and effective communication abilities. These achievements signal a student's readiness for real-world business scenarios, providing insights into their potential in fields such as marketing and entrepreneurship. College admissions officers often regard DECA accomplishments favorably, seeing them as evidence of leadership and business acumen.
For a comprehensive guide on DECA and how to prepare for its competitions, check out this detailed article!
16. Davidson Fellows
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: All high school students under the age of 18, who reside in the US can apply.
Deadlines: Submit your applications by February 14, 2024.
Dates: Results will be announced by July 2024.
Cost & Prizes: There is no cost to participate. Cash prizes of up to $50,000 and the title of a 'Davidson Fellow'.
The Davidson Institute's prestigious Fellows Program is an annual initiative designed to recognize and support high-achieving students in STEM. This program targets the brightest young minds, offering substantial awards of up to $50,000 to winning teams. These funds can be utilized to further research or assist in academic endeavors. To apply, students must submit original work that meets one or more of the following criteria:
An exceptionally creative application of existing knowledge
A new idea with significant impact
An innovative solution with broad implications
An important advancement that can be replicated and built upon
An interdisciplinary discovery
A prodigious performance
Another demonstration of extraordinary accomplishment
Applicants must form teams of no more than two students, and their submissions should demonstrate a depth of understanding and quality of presentation akin to college graduate-level work. The program welcomes applications across various subjects, with specific guidelines provided for science submissions.
Being named a Davidson Fellow is a distinguished honor, setting students apart from their peers by showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. This recognition carries significant prestige and can greatly enhance a student's academic and professional trajectory.
For more information on why you should consider applying for this competition, check out this detailed article.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students living in the US are eligible to apply.
Deadlines: Registrations typically close in January.
Dates: Semifinalists are announced by January-end, and finalists by the beginning of February. Finalists are expected to complete their projects by June.
Cost & Prizes: There is no cost to participate. Finalists are awarded $1,000 to execute their projects. Additionally, when possible, finalists will be invited to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to MIT's campus, where they tour labs, present their research to MIT students and faculty, and interact with members of the THINK team.
Conducted by a group of MIT undergraduates, the THINK Scholars Program is tailored to support high school students who have conducted extensive background research on a potential STEM project and seek guidance for further development. Unlike many research competitions, THINK does not require the completion of projects before applying. Instead, it emphasizes providing early-stage support for project development.
The application process includes a semifinal round with interviews. Finalists are announced and awarded $1,000 in funding, along with mentorship from MIT students. Additionally, finalists are invited for an all-expenses-paid trip to MIT's campus, where they meet professors in their field of research, tour advanced labs, and attend MIT's xFair.
This program is an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers to gain valuable insights, expert guidance, and connections within the MIT community, significantly enhancing their projects and future academic pursuits.
For more details on the program, check out our comprehensive guide.
18. World Historian Student Essay Competition
Location: Virtual. Submissions can be via email or post.
Eligibility: Students from kindergarten to grade 12 can participate.
Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadlines).
Cost & Prizes: There is no cost; $500 prize to winners in addition to a one-year membership in the WHA.
The World Historian Student Essay Competition is open to students globally, from kindergarten to grade 12, whether they attend public, private, or parochial schools or are homeschooled. Participants must submit a 1000-word essay on one of the given topics, reflecting on its personal significance and connection to world history.
Essays will be evaluated based on a clear thesis supported by specific examples, critical thinking, effective organization, and the student's ability to convey a personal connection and transformative experience with world history studies.
19. The Plant the Moon Challenge (PTMC)
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students from all over the world can participate.
Deadlines: Applications typically close in September.
Dates: No specified final competition date; however, program materials are available from August 1, 2024.
Cost & Prizes: Team registration fee of $405 covering up to 10 students and one kit. The cost of any supplemental materials used by teams is not covered. Best in Show Awards are given at the end of the competition.
In this innovative competition, teams engage in a global science experiment to investigate crop cultivation in simulated lunar or Martian soil conditions. Each team receives a 5kg bag of soil simulant, a pH meter, ten KN95 masks, ten pots, and access to the PTMC guide.
Teams, which can include up to 10 students, focus on applying the scientific method and design process over a 10-week period. They then submit their project reports, contributing valuable insights into sustainable food sources for space missions. All participants have the opportunity to attend a virtual symposium featuring NASA scientists.
20. Engineer Girl Annual Essay Contest
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Elementary, middle school, and high school students can register.
Deadline: February 1, 2025 (tentatively, based on the previous year’s deadlines.)
Cost & Prizes: There is no cost. For each age group, first-place winners will be awarded $1,000, second-place entries will be awarded $750, and third-place entries will be awarded $500
EngineerGirl’s annual contest invites students to reflect on the role of engineering in everyday life. The 2024 Writing Contest challenges participants to delve into the lifecycle of a commonly used object. Submissions, which can be up to 1,200 words, may be written from either a first-person or third-person perspective and must highlight at least three engineering disciplines.
The contest will announce winners in the summer, and entries will be judged based on how well they present engineering concepts, the diversity of perspectives, and the overall quality of writing. You can find more details about the competition in this PDF.
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