You’ve probably wondered whether competitions are really worth your time when you’re already juggling classes, extracurriculars, and college prep. Participating in competitions can push you beyond the classroom by challenging how you think, solve problems, and apply what you’ve learned in practical scenarios. Many of these competitions are hosted by well-known universities and organizations, which means you’re gaining exposure to high-quality academic environments early on. Whether you’re competing in science, writing, business, or coding, these experiences can become strong additions to your CV and give you concrete examples to write about in your college essays or Statement of Purpose.
Why should you participate in competitions in high school?
Competitions are one of the most accessible ways to explore your interests while building practical, college-ready skills. You can choose from a wide range of options like STEM Olympiads, debate tournaments, business case challenges, hackathons, or creative writing contests, depending on what excites you. Many competitions also offer opportunities to collaborate or network with like-minded peers, helping you build connections beyond your school.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a list of 16 competitions for high school students.
If you’re looking for AI competitions, check out our blog here.
1. Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter. 6 winners (1 Gold, 2 Silvers, 3 Bronzes) share more than $11,000 in cash prizes and scholarships. Top essayists are invited to the Lumiere Research Symposium and Gala Dinner at Oxford University on July 9, 2027.
Dates: Submissions open September 14; Virtual Award Ceremony January 10
Submission Deadline: December 20
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in secondary school from any country (as of December 31, 2026)
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a free international academic writing competition open to all current high school students worldwide. You will choose one prompt from several options contributed by professors at Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, Brown, and Dartmouth, then write a formal argumentative essay of up to 2,000 words. It specifically targets well-reasoned, research-informed argumentative essays rather than original research papers, so primary data collection is not expected. All essays go through a double-blind review by Lumiere's Academic Advisory Committee, an international panel of professors and researchers from leading institutions. Judging criteria include depth of analysis, strength of evidence, logical organization, and precision of academic writing. Six winners share more than $11,000 in cash prizes and scholarships, and top essayists are invited to the Lumiere Research Symposium and Gala Dinner at Oxford University on July 9, 2027. Learn more at https://www.lumiere-education.com/lumiere-scholars-essay-award
2. Horizon Academic Essay Prize
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter. Cash prizes up to $1,000 and full scholarships to the Horizon Academic Research Program; select essays published on Horizon’s website.
Dates: Winners announced on February 14
Submission Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Current high school students worldwide (as of May 31)
The Horizon Academic Essay Prize is a free annual writing competition for current high school students worldwide. Submissions must take the form of a formal academic essay, written in English, with a clear thesis, structured argumentation, engagement with relevant sources, and critical analysis of competing viewpoints. Essays are evaluated by Horizon's Academic Advisory Board, composed of faculty from institutions including Yale, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge, in a double-blind process. You will be assessed on originality, depth of analysis, use of evidence, structure and coherence, and clarity of language. More details: https://horizoninspires.com/essay-prize/
3. Congressional App Challenge
Location: Internet Education Foundation, virtual, district-based competition
Cost and Prizes: Free to participate; winning apps may be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on House.gov, and winners are invited to the #HouseOfCode event
Dates: May 1 – October 26
Submission Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Middle and high school students residing in the U.S.; individuals or teams of up to four
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide coding competition where you design and build an original app using any programming language, platform, or topic of your choice. You can create anything from mobile apps to games or tools, then submit your project along with a demonstration video to your congressional district for judging. With no restrictions on coding language or theme, you have complete creative freedom to explore new ideas or develop an existing project. Along the way, you can build valuable skills in programming, problem-solving, and presenting technical work, and you can choose to participate individually or in a small team. If you win, you’ll gain recognition from your Member of Congress, and your app may be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on official platforms for broader visibility.
4. Genes in Space
Location: U.S.-based, virtual submission with final events in the U.S.
Cost and Prizes: Free to participate; top entries receive awards, and the winning experiment is launched to the International Space Station; finalist schools receive biotechnology equipment
Dates: January 5 – April 10
Submission Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 enrolled in U.S. schools; individuals or teams of up to two with an adult sponsor required
The Genes in Space competition is a STEM research challenge where you design a biotechnology experiment that could be conducted in space. You’ll develop a proposal focused on space biology, identifying a research question and explaining your hypothesis, experimental design, and why it must be tested in microgravity, no prior lab experience required. What makes this competition especially distinctive is that the winning experiment is actually conducted aboard the International Space Station. As you refine your idea, you’ll build skills in scientific thinking, research design, and clear communication of complex concepts, with the opportunity to present to scientists if selected as a finalist.
5. National Science Bowl
Location: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, regional competitions across the U.S.; national finals in Washington, DC
Cost and Prizes: Free to participate; winning teams advance to national finals and receive recognition and awards
Dates: January – May (regionals: January – March; national finals: April 30 – May 4)
Submission Deadline: Registration begins October 6; regional deadlines vary by location
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in teams of 4–5 with a teacher coach
If you enjoy testing your STEM knowledge under pressure, the National Science Bowl is a fast-paced quiz-style competition where you answer questions across biology, chemistry, physics, math, and earth science. You’ll compete as part of a team in buzzer-based rounds, relying on quick thinking, strong recall, and problem-solving skills to outperform other teams at regional events and potentially advance to the national finals. What sets this competition apart is its combination of deep subject knowledge and speed, blending academic rigor with a game-like format. As you prepare, you’ll review advanced STEM concepts, collaborate with teammates by dividing subject strengths, and develop strategies for different question types.
6. Immerse Education Essay Competition
Location: Online
Cost and prizes: Free to enter; scholarships (10–100%) awarded toward Immerse programs
Dates: July & August
Submission Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 worldwide
The Immerse Education Essay Competition invites you to submit a 500-word academic essay on a subject of your choice, with over twenty prompts spanning fields like medicine, law, business, and creative writing. This competition stands out because it offers full and partial scholarships to Immerse’s in-person and online academic programs, making it both a writing challenge and a pathway to further study. You’ll research, structure, and present a well-argued response, developing key academic skills such as critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and clear communication. Essays are evaluated by expert judges based on analysis, structure, and writing quality, with age taken into account. If you perform well, you may receive a scholarship, a participation award, or even have your work considered for publication. This is a strong option if you enjoy writing and want to demonstrate intellectual curiosity in a way that can support future academic applications.
7. CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition
Location: Online rounds, held by the Air Force Association; national finals in Bethesda, MD)Cost and Prizes: ~$225 per high school team; fee waivers available for eligible teamsDates: October – January (competition rounds); finals in springSubmission Deadline: Team registration deadline is October 1; competitor roster deadline is October 22Eligibility: Middle and high school students in teams of 2–6 with an adult coach
The CyberPatriot competition puts you in the role of a cybersecurity analyst, where you and your team work to detect and fix vulnerabilities in virtual computer systems. During timed rounds, you’ll navigate Windows and Linux environments, secure systems from threats, and complete networking tasks within a four-hour window. Unlike theory-heavy contests, this challenge focuses on real-world application, requiring you to actively defend systems under pressure. As you advance, you’ll gain hands-on experience in system security, troubleshooting, and teamwork while collaborating with mentors and dividing responsibilities. With multiple rounds leading up to national finals, it’s a strong choice if you want practical exposure to cybersecurity and IT careers.
8. Conrad Challenge
Location: Virtual competition with finals at Space Center Houston, USA
Cost and Prizes: Paid competition (exact fee varies by phase); prizes include scholarships, sponsored trips, and patent support
Dates: August 28 – April 25 (Activation Stage: August 28 – October 30; Innovation Stage: October 31– January 8; Innovation Summit: April 22 – 25)
Submission Deadline: October 30
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 working in teams; open internationally
Focused on innovation and real-world impact, the Conrad Challenge is a global competition where you work in a team to design solutions across areas like energy, health, aerospace, and cybersecurity. You’ll move through multiple stages, from developing an idea to building a full entrepreneurial concept, creating not just a solution, but also a business plan and pitch. What sets this challenge apart is its emphasis on implementation, pushing you to think beyond ideas and consider real-world feasibility and impact. As you progress, you’ll strengthen skills in problem-solving, product design, and communication, especially while pitching to industry professionals and refining your work through feedback.
9. High School Fed Challenge
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of New York (U.S.-based, virtual submission)
Cost and Prizes: Free to participate; selected submissions are published in the Journal of Future Economists, and all teams receive recognitionDates: September – May (registration opens September 9; submission deadline March 16; results announced May 15)Submission Deadline: February 17 (registration); March 16 (final submission)Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) in teams with a faculty advisor; one team per school
The High School Fed Challenge is a team-based competition where you explore an economic theme and produce a detailed written submission. You’ll investigate topics like market trends, consumer behavior, or industry shifts, applying economic concepts to build a well-supported argument within a broader annual theme. What makes this competition stand out is its emphasis on long-form research and writing rather than timed tests or quizzes. Throughout the process, you can strengthen skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and academic writing while learning to interpret economic data effectively. With top submissions published in the Journal of Future Economists, it’s a strong option if you enjoy economics, policy, and in-depth research.
10. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Location: Global; virtual competition with finals in Philadelphia, USA
Cost and Prizes: Free to participate; finalists present at the Global Finale and receive recognition
Dates: September 29 – December 12
Submission Deadline: September 12 (advisor registration); September 18 (team setup deadline)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) in teams of 4–6 from the same school with a teacher advisor
If you’re interested in finance and investing, the Wharton Investment Competition is a team-based challenge where you manage a simulated portfolio while building a long-term strategy for a real-world client scenario. You’ll use a stock market simulator to invest virtual funds, analyze companies and industries, and make decisions based on risk, diversification, and financial goals. Over several weeks, you’ll refine your approach, document your decisions through reports, and collaborate closely with your team.
11. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)
Location: Online competition, training camp, and finals in the United States
Cost and Prizes: Free to participate; top students are invited to a funded training camp and may qualify for international competitions like the IOI and EGOI.
Dates: January –March (online contests: January 9 – February 23; US Open: March 28; training camp and international events follow)
Submission Deadline: There is no fixed deadline; contests are open during scheduled windows
Eligibility: Pre-college students (primarily high school) with programming experience; open globally, but U.S. students are eligible for official rankings and selection
Designed for students who enjoy tackling complex coding problems, the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) is a competitive programming contest where you write efficient algorithms under time constraints. You’ll compete in a series of online contests across divisions like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, progressing to higher levels as your performance improves. Each round challenges you with problems involving data structures, graph algorithms, and dynamic programming, pushing you to think beyond basic coding. What sets USACO apart is its emphasis on algorithmic thinking and its structured progression system that steadily increases in difficulty as you advance.
12. American Computer Science League (ACSL)
Location: Online contests administered through schools
Cost and Prizes: ~$175 per team (first team); additional teams cost extra; certificates and invitations to Finals for top performers
Dates: Fall – Spring
Submission Deadline: December 31 (team registration deadline)
Eligibility: K–12 students worldwide; participation through a school or advisor-led team
The ACSL competition is a computer science contest where you solve both theoretical and programming problems. You’ll work through topics like number systems, Boolean algebra, digital logic, and algorithms, with advanced divisions also including coding in languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Each season includes four contests, and your cumulative performance determines rankings and advancement. With individual participation contributing to team scores and top students advancing to Finals, it’s a flexible option for learners at different experience levels.
13. USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS)
Location: Art of Problem Solving Initiative, U.S.-based, fully virtual
Cost and Prizes: Free to participate; top ~45% receive prizes such as math books, certificates, and software subscriptions
Dates: November – April (three rounds; each round lasts about a month)
Submission Deadline: There is no fixed deadline; students can register and join during the year
Eligibility: Middle and high school students who are U.S. citizens or residents and have not graduated from high school
The USAMTS competition emphasizes depth and reasoning, allowing ample time for solving complex proof-based problems and submitting comprehensive solutions. Each round features a puzzle and four problems, with participants usually having over a month to develop their approach, improve their work, and provide clear explanations. Unlike other contests, USAMTS prioritizes proofreading and detailed feedback over speed or multiple-choice responses. Through participation, you’ll enhance your mathematical reasoning, communication skills, and ability to structure logical arguments, with personalized feedback aiding your progress each round.
14. Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest
Location: Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; prizes include $500 (first), $250 (second), and $100 (third)
Dates: Submission window varies annually; winners announced in June
Submission Deadline: Until 250 entries are received (closes early once limit is reached)
Eligibility: Students in 11th grade (or international equivalent); one submission per student
If you enjoy storytelling and theater, the Ten-Minute Play Contest is a creative writing competition where you submit an original short play of up to ten pages. You’ll focus on dialogue, character development, and dramatic structure, crafting a script that can be performed within a limited time frame. What sets this contest apart is its emphasis on concise storytelling, which challenges you to craft a complete narrative within strict length constraints. As you develop your piece, you’ll strengthen skills in scriptwriting and formatting, and you can choose to submit individually or with a co-writer.
15. Doodle for Google
Location: Google, U.S.-based, online submission
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; finalists receive a $10,000 scholarship, and the national winner receives a $45,000 scholarship plus a $50,000 school tech package.
Dates: Submission period typically opens in the fall and closes in December; finalists announced in early May, winner announced in late May
Submission Deadline: December 17
Eligibility: K–12 students enrolled in U.S. schools (including homeschool); individual submissions only
Blending art with storytelling, the Doodle for Google contest is an annual competition where you redesign the Google logo based on a given theme. You’ll create a visual piece and write a short explanation connecting your idea to the theme, with judging based on creativity, artistic skill, and clarity of expression. As you work on your submission, you’ll explore different media, both traditional and digital, while developing visual storytelling skills. With entries judged by grade level and finalists advancing to public voting, it’s a great option if you want to showcase your creativity on a widely recognized platform.
16. FIRST Robotics Competition
Location: Global, in-person regional/district events
Cost and Prizes: ~$6,300 per team/season; includes kit of parts, event participation, and eligibility for awards; additional costs may include travel and extra materials.
Dates: January–April (competition season; kickoff in January)
Submission Deadline: The season team registration fee is due in mid-November, and additional event fees are normally due at the end of January.
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12, ages 14–18); teams typically include 10–20 students with at least two adult mentors
In the FIRST Robotics Competition team-based engineering challenge, you design, build, and program an industrial-sized robot to compete in a new game released each January. You’ll work with your team to tackle a complex problem like combining mechanical design, coding, and strategy, within a limited build season that begins with a kickoff and a standard kit of parts. What sets this competition apart is that you’re not just building a robot, but managing a full team operation that mirrors real-world engineering projects. Beyond technical work, you’ll also handle fundraising, team branding, and community outreach, while competing in alliances at regional or district events.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we have had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI.