26 Best Competitions for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 5 days ago
- 16 min read
Competitions are a solid way for high school students to challenge themselves and develop critical skills. that can enhance their academic profiles. Whether they focus on STEM, the arts, writing, or business, these competitions offer hands-on problem-solving experiences and opportunities to showcase talent on a larger platform.
If you’re a high schooler aiming to strengthen your college applications, competitions can demonstrate commitment, creativity, and leadership, all while providing valuable feedback from experts. Many top universities value competitive achievements, as they reflect a student's ability to excel beyond the classroom.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the 26 best competitions for high school students across various fields.
Location: Entries need to be submitted to one of the 12 Federal Reserve Districts 2 serving the United States, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or located outside of the United States and operating as a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school. Check more information here.
Cost: No cost
Dates: All submissions are due by March 17
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
The Federal Reserve High School Fed Challenge invites students to think and act like economists by researching and analyzing economic topics. Every year, the Federal Reserve chooses a theme, prompting teams to write a 1,500-2,500 word paper on a relevant topic. The best submissions are published in the Journal of Future Economists by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The challenge develops skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and teamwork, while providing valuable experience in economic research. Open to high school students nationwide, it aims to spark interest in economics as a field of study and a future career path.
Location: Various locations across the state, depending on the competition level
Cost: No cost
Dates: Local competition: March 1 – March 23 | National competition: April 5 – April 13 | Study camp: June 1 – June 14 | International chemistry olympiad: July 5 – July 14
Application Deadline: January 17
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
The American Chemical Society (ACS) High School Chemistry Olympiad is a prestigious national competition that tests high school students’ knowledge of chemistry concepts, theory, and practical applications. Starting at the local level, the competition advances to a national exam for top performers. The 20 highest-scoring students from the national exam participate in a two-week Study Camp, where they undergo intensive training. Four finalists are then selected to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). This competition not only challenges students academically but also fosters connections with peers and professionals in the chemistry community.
Location: Regional rounds are held in different cities or virtually; Science Bowl Finals are held in Washington, D.C
Cost: No cost
Dates: Regional competitions run between January and March. The national event takes place from April 24 – April 28
Application Deadline: You must register at least 3 weeks prior to the event.
Eligibility: All high school students can participate
The National Science Bowl (NSB), organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a fast-paced academic competition in which high school and middle school teams solve complex technical problems and answer questions across all branches of science and math. Teams consist of four students, one alternate, and a coach. Regional winners advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C., where they participate in science activities, seminars, and hands-on challenges. The national event also provides opportunities for networking and exploring STEM fields. Participants gain problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
Location: Various states across the country; national final will be held in Atlanta, GA
Cost/Prize: No cost; 1st: $1,000 | 2nd: $500 | 3rd: $250 | 4th: $200
Dates: Local states' competition dates may vary. Semi-final: April 21 – April 24 | Finals: May 28 – 30
The National Economics Challenge is a prestigious competition that tests high school students’ knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and current economic events. Students compete in two divisions: Adam Smith (for advanced students) and David Ricardo (for beginners). Teams advance from state-level contests to national semi-finals, with the top four teams earning a trip to the finals in Atlanta. Participants develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills while gaining recognition for their economic proficiency. Winning teams receive cash prizes and the opportunity to showcase their economic expertise on a national stage.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Prizes: Top entries will receive cash prizes up to $1000 and full scholarships to the Horizon Academic Research Program. Select essays will be published and featured on Horizon’s website.
Contest dates: Submissions open May 1 2025, winners announced on August 26 2025.
Application deadline: July 13 2025. Apply here!
Eligibility: Students from any country enrolled in high school (as on July 13) can apply. More details on eligibility here!
The Horizon Academic Essay Prize is a selective essay contest for high school students from around the world. Each essay will be evaluated by Horizon’s Academic Advisory Board—composed of faculty from top institutions like Yale, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. The theme for the 2025 edition is “Horizons of Knowledge”, and requires participants to submit a well-researched essay.
As a contestant, you will choose one of three guiding questions below, and submit a critical essay on the chosen question.
In an increasingly AI-driven world, how is our ability to think for ourselves changing?
In today's digital age, is privacy still a relevant concern?
Should governments regulate what is shared on social media to prevent the spread of fake news?
Submissions must take the form of a formal academic essay, written in English, and should include a clear thesis, structured argumentation, engagement with relevant sources, and critical analysis of competing viewpoints. The competition encourages depth over breadth, and will reward essays that pursue a well-defined line of inquiry with originality and nuance. Entries are judged on five criteria: originality, depth of analysis, use of evidence, structure and coherence, and clarity of language.
Cost: No cost.
Dates: July 10 – July 20
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate.
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is a premier competition for high school students with strong mathematical abilities. Participants tackle six complex problems covering algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Top performers receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, while honorable mentions recognize notable efforts. As the largest and most prestigious international math competition, the IMO brings together students from over 100 countries, highlighting mathematical excellence on a global scale. Achieving distinction at the IMO is highly regarded in academic and professional circles.
Location: Different locations each year. Check details here
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 20 – July 27
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate
The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a prestigious competition for high school students passionate about biology. Participants take on rigorous exams covering molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology. Excelling in the IBO showcases a student's in-depth understanding of biology, advanced laboratory skills, and commitment to scientific inquiry. Success in the IBO is highly regarded by universities, reflecting academic excellence and problem-solving capabilities on an international stage. Participating in the IBO not only tests students intellectually but also links them with like-minded peers.
Location: Different locations each year. Check details here
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 18 – July 24
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to participate
The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is a prestigious global competition for high school students passionate about physics. Participants tackle challenging theoretical and experimental problems in areas like mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum physics. Top performers earn gold, silver, or bronze medals, with additional recognition for outstanding achievements. Participating in the IPhO demonstrates solid understanding of physics principles and effective problem-solving abilities. Excelling in this event can boost a student’s academic reputation, particularly for STEM-oriented programs.
Location: Online
Cost/Prize: No cost; up to three winners will receive a $300 scholarship award.
Dates: All entries need to be submitted by March 20
Eligibility: High school students
The TOPSS Competition for High School Students invites participants to produce a three-minute video showcasing their grasp of a psychological concept and how it can be practically applied to enhance lives. Submissions must align with one of four categories: social psychology, personality, multiculturalism and gender, or motivation and emotion. Videos should reference at least one reputable source and relate to content from the National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula. The competition is judged by psychology educators, and winners receive a $300 scholarship.
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Dates: All submissions are due by October 30
Eligibility: Middle or high school students who are residents of a participating congressional district. Teams may not have more than 4 members.
The Congressional App Challenge, organized by the U.S. House of Representatives, encourages middle and high school students to learn coding by designing and developing original apps. Participants can work individually or in teams to create apps on any theme, using any programming language. Winners receive recognition from their local congressional district, with top apps displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the House website. They are also invited to the #HouseOfCode event in Washington, D.C., to showcase their work.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost; the $50,000 technology award will go to the winning student’s school.
Dates: All submissions are due by March 31
Eligibility: Open to all high school students worldwide
Doodle for Google is an annual art competition that invites students in grades K-12 to design a Google logo based on a given theme. Participants can use any art medium and must include a short write-up explaining their creation. Entries are judged on creativity and how well they communicate the theme. State and national levels determine the top designs, with public voting and a final selection by Google employees. Winners receive scholarships and tech packages, and the national winner’s artwork is featured on Google.com.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost; Finalists who place in the top ten receive awards ranging from $40,000 for tenth place to $250,000 for first place. Check more details here.
Dates: Regeneron STS Finals Week: March 6 – March 12
Application Deadline: June 1 – November 7
Eligibility: High school seniors
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is the oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students in the United States. It recognizes and supports young scientists working on innovative projects that address pressing societal challenges. High school seniors submit independent research projects and compete for awards of up to $250,000. The competition emphasizes originality, scientific rigor, and the potential impact of the research. Being a finalist or winner is highly regarded, as it showcases academic excellence and dedication to scientific exploration.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
First team in a Division is $150 ($100 for the Elementary Division).
Additional teams in a Division are $75 each ($50 each for the Elementary Division).
There is a registration fee of $35 per student to participate in the Finals.
Dates:
Contest 1: November 4 – January 12
Contest 2: January 6 – March 12
Contest 3: February 3 – April 13
Contest 4: March 3 – May 18
Finals: May 24
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
The American Computer Science League (ACSL) hosts computer programming and science competitions for K-12 students worldwide. Each season includes four online contests that test basic computer science topics like Number Systems, Boolean Algebra, and Digital Electronics. In higher divisions, students also tackle programming challenges using languages such as Python, C++, or Java. ACSL provides multiple divisions to accommodate students of various skill levels. Teams are guided by coaches who assist students in preparing and submitting their entries online. The top performers are recognized for their problem-solving and coding abilities, providing valuable experience for future computer scientists.
Location: The US Open round will be held across the country
Cost/Prize: No cost
Dates:
First Contest: December 13 – December 16
Second Contest: January 24 – January 27
Third Contest: February 21 – February 2
US Open: March 21 – March 24
Eligibility: All high school students can participate
The United States of America Computing Olympiad (USACO) is a leading competition for high school students passionate about computer science and programming. Participants solve algorithmic challenges across divisions from bronze to platinum, testing creativity, problem-solving, and coding abilities. Top performers earn national recognition and may be invited to specialized training camps, with some going on to represent the U.S. at the International Olympiad in Informatics. Excelling in USACO demonstrates technical prowess and innovation, making it a valuable addition to a student’s academic profile, especially for those pursuing computer science.
15. Genius Olympiad
Location: RIT University, Rochester, NY
Cost/Prize: No cost
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: All high school students
The Genius Olympiad is an international competition for high school students focused on environmental issues, scientific innovation, and creative projects. Participants submit work in categories like science, art, writing, and design, often highlighting sustainable solutions and environmental awareness. The competition emphasizes creativity, scientific rigor, and real-world impact, with judging criteria that evaluate both innovation and practical application. Winners receive bronze, silver, or gold medals, recognizing their contributions to environmental awareness and sustainable development. The event aims to foster global collaboration and encourages students to tackle pressing ecological challenges.
16. ExploraVision
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost
Dates: All entries are due by January 31
Eligibility: Entrants must be United States or Canadian citizens and living within the United States, U.S. Territories, or Canada.
ExploraVision, organized by Toshiba and the National Science Teaching Association, challenges high school students to explore real-world problem-solving through STEM. In teams of 2-4, students choose an existing technology, research it, and envision how it could evolve over the next decade. They share their idea along with development steps, potential challenges, and advantages and disadvantages. Led by a teacher, participants simulate research and development, encouraging innovative thinking. The best projects, often featuring advanced concepts in physics, AI, and technology, earn national recognition.
Location: Online/various states across the nation; finals will be held in Atlanta, GA
Cost/Prize: No cost; 1st: $2,000 | 2nd: $1,000 | 3rd: $500 | 4th: $250
Dates: State Competitions take place during the school calendar year; finals will take place on June 1 – 2
Eligibility: High school or home-based students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 in the state they represent
The National Personal Finance Challenge (NPFC) is a team-based competition organized by the Council for Economic Education, aimed at helping high school students build practical financial literacy skills. As a participant, you will gain knowledge in areas like earning income, saving, investing, managing credit, and assessing financial risk. The competition starts with an online 30-question challenge, followed by state finals for top teams. State champions advance to the National Finals, where they develop a financial plan for a hypothetical family and compete in a Quiz Bowl for the championship title. The top 16 teams in the National Finals receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete for the national title, making this competition both educational and rewarding.
Location: Columbus, OH
Cost/Prize: No cost; prizes will be distributed. Check details here
Dates: May 10 – May 16
Application Deadline: Varies by local competition
Eligibility: High school students
The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is a global competition where high school students present original research across various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science. Participants engage in rigorous scientific inquiry and have the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers, educators, and professionals. The fair’s prestigious awards recognize academic excellence, innovation, and creativity, often leading to scholarships and internships. Competing at ISEF highlights a student’s commitment to STEM and provides visibility among leading scientists and industry professionals.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost; 1st: $1,000 | 2nd: $750 | 3rd: $500
Dates: All entries are due by February 1
Eligibility: Students in elementary, middle school, and high school are eligible
The EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest challenges students to write about the impact of engineering on everyday objects. Participants submit essays of up to 1,200 words, exploring the lifecycle of a chosen object and highlighting at least three engineering disciplines involved. Essays can be written from a first or third-person perspective. Each year, the contest features a new theme, and winners are announced in the summer. Judging criteria include the presentation of engineering concepts, the diversity of perspectives considered, and the overall quality of writing.
Location: The Regional Championship for High School Teams will be conducted in various regions. Check the regions' details here.
Cost: $200; however, the fee to attend a local competition may vary by state and region.
Dates: April – June
Application Deadline: December 12
Eligibility: Students aged 10-18 years old
The Aerial Drone Competition, organized by the REC Foundation, offers high school students a hands-on experience in drone piloting, programming, and communication. Teams explore flight principles through competitive missions like Teamwork, Piloting, Autonomous Flight, and Communications. Students navigate drones through obstacle courses, program autonomous flights, and demonstrate teamwork to maximize scores. Additionally, teams present their drone programming and documentation to judges.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost. A prize will be given to the winners:
First place: $4,000 plus complimentary registration for one person to attend Neuroscience 2025 in San Diego, CA
Second place: $500
Third place: $250
People’s Choice: $500
Dates: Entries for the BAVC are open from March 14 – June 20
Eligibility: The Brain Awareness Video Contest is open to all Society for Neuroscience members. Non-members are eligible if entries are sponsored and submitted by an SfN member. Find an SfN member near you using the Find a Neuroscientist database.
The Brain Awareness Video Contest, hosted by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), invites students to create a short video (no longer than 4 minutes) that explains a neuroscience concept. This competition encourages creativity and clear communication of scientific ideas, making it well-suited for students with a background in STEM or prior experience in science competitions. Videos are judged on scientific accuracy, educational value, and creativity, with winners gaining recognition within the neuroscience community. To submit, students must either be SfN members or find a sponsoring member, which can involve networking through SfN’s Find a Neuroscientist database.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Entry fees are $10 per individual entry and $30 per portfolio entry
Eligibility: Student in grades 7–12, age 13 years or older as of the date of entry, and residing in the United States, U.S. territories or military bases, or Canada.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a prestigious competition for students in grades 7-12, celebrating creativity across various genres like visual art, poetry, creative writing, journalism, and more. Entries advance from regional to national levels, with local organizations hosting regional competitions. Submissions are judged on skill, originality, and the development of a personal voice. Winning an award highlights artistic talent and dedication, making it a notable accomplishment for college applications. With 29 categories ranging from painting to poetry, it offers diverse opportunities to showcase creative work.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Registration cost is $229 (+ shipping) per team
Dates: Opening Symposium: September 17 | Final Report Due: December 14 | Award Closing Ceremony: January 14
Application Deadline: May 7 – September 14
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 years or older
The Plant the Moon Challenge (PTMC) engages high school students in a global science experiment to study crop growth in lunar or Martian soil conditions. Teams receive a soil simulant kit and conduct a 10-week experiment, documenting their findings in a final project report. The challenge is designed to promote practical learning in sustainability and space agriculture, with students participating in research on future space mission food sources. Participants can present their results at a virtual symposium alongside NASA scientists, connecting with the broader scientific community.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost; The first 10 students in each category (high school and community college) to submit a design will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The top design winners in each category will receive a $4,000 scholarship and travel funds to attend the fashion show.
Dates: All entries are due by February 15
Eligibility: High school students
The Illinois State University (ISU) Fashion Design Competition challenges high school students to showcase their creativity by designing a three-look fashion collection or creating a visual window display based on an annual theme. You will submit a design sketch or a photo of your display, along with a brief description of your creative process. The first 10 submissions receive a $1,000 scholarship for ISU’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program. Top design winners are awarded a $4,000 scholarship and travel funds to attend the ISU Fashion Show, where their winning designs will be featured. This contest provides an excellent chance for emerging fashion designers to receive recognition and backing for their creative skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost; prizes will be distributed:
1st Place Winner: $1,000 for the student and a $1,000 genetics materials grant
2nd Place Winner: $600 for the student and a $600 genetics materials grant
3rd Place Winner: $400 for the student and a $400 genetics materials grant
Honorable Mentions: 10 student prizes of $100 each
Dates: All entries to be submitted between January 6 – March 5
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest is an annual competition that challenges high school students to craft well-reasoned argumentative essays on a genetics-related prompt. The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 globally. It promotes critical thinking and scientific literacy by challenging participants to examine how genetics and environmental factors affect human health and related topics. Essays are evaluated through three rounds of scoring by ASHG members, focusing on scientific accuracy, clarity, and quality of argument. Top entries receive awards, and the contest serves as a platform to enhance both scientific understanding and writing skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost. The challenge offers multiple awards, including a $250,000 college scholarship, a $100,000 grant for the winner’s school to develop a science lab, and a $50,000 award for a teacher selected by the winner
Dates: All entries are due by September 15
Eligibility: Anyone between the ages of 13 and 18
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an innovative competition that challenges high school students to explain complex scientific concepts through creative and engaging videos. Participants must produce a short video (no more than two minutes) that clearly and effectively communicates a concept in physics, life sciences, or mathematics. The competition promotes creative storytelling by utilizing visuals, simulations, and demonstrations to help make abstract ideas more understandable. Winners receive significant rewards, including a $250,000 college scholarship, a $100,000 science lab grant for their school, and a $50,000 teacher prize. Success in this challenge highlights a student’s ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a captivating way, showcasing both creativity and scientific understanding.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we received over 4,000 student applications for 500 program spots. You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Horizon Academic Research Program logo