For students aiming to build a standout college application, participating in competitive extracurricular activities is a fantastic way to demonstrate ambition, skill, and dedication. Whether your interests lie in STEM, the arts, writing, or leadership, there are competitions in the U.S. that can help you showcase your talents while also offering valuable learning experiences. Here’s a list of some of the best competitions across various disciplines that students can participate in to strengthen their college applications.
STEM Competitions
- Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
- Grade Level: High school seniors
- Focus: Independent scientific research
- Details: This prestigious competition invites students to submit original research in the sciences, engineering, or math. Finalists present their work to professional scientists and compete for scholarships.
- Website: https://www.societyforscience.org
- FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
- Grade Level: High school
- Focus: Robotics and engineering
- Details: Students work in teams to design and build robots to complete specific challenges. This competition fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Website: https://www.firstinspires.org
- USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)
- Grade Level: Middle and high school
- Focus: Competitive programming and computer science
- Details: Students solve algorithmic problems online and progress through different levels to compete nationally and internationally.
- Website: http://www.usaco.org
- MathCounts Competition Series
- Grade Level: Middle school
- Focus: Mathematics
- Details: A nationwide program designed to promote math excellence through engaging, team-based competitions.
- Website: https://www.mathcounts.org
- Science Olympiad
- Grade Level: Elementary through high school
- Focus: Various STEM disciplines
- Details: Teams compete in events ranging from biology and physics to engineering challenges.
- Website: https://www.soinc.org
Writing and Humanities Competitions
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- Grade Level: Middle and high school
- Focus: Writing and visual arts
- Details: Students submit work in categories such as poetry, essays, short stories, and personal narratives to compete for national recognition and scholarships.
- Website: https://www.artandwriting.org
- National History Day Contest
- Grade Level: Middle and high school
- Focus: History research and presentation
- Details: Students conduct research based on an annual theme and present their findings through exhibits, papers, websites, or performances.
- Website: https://www.nhd.org
- American Foreign Service High School Essay Contest
- Grade Level: High school
- Focus: Essay writing
- Details: Students write essays on U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy for a chance to win scholarships and publication opportunities.
- Website: https://afsascholarships.communityforce.com
- Letters About Literature
- Grade Level: Grades 4–12
- Focus: Essay writing
- Details: Students write letters to authors (living or dead) describing how a book, poem, or speech impacted their lives.
- Website: https://read.gov/letters
Leadership and Community Competitions
- Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
- Grade Level: Middle and high school
- Focus: Community service
- Details: Recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional initiative in volunteer activities. Winners receive certificates, medallions, and scholarships.
- Website: https://spirit.prudential.com
- We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
- Grade Level: Middle and high school
- Focus: Civic knowledge and public speaking
- Details: Teams of students compete by demonstrating their understanding of constitutional principles through mock congressional hearings.
- Website: https://civiced.org
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Competitions
- Grade Level: Middle and high school
- Focus: Business, leadership, and technology
- Details: Students participate in events ranging from entrepreneurship to public speaking, gaining skills for future careers.
- Website: https://www.fbla-pbl.org
Arts and Performing Arts Competitions
- National YoungArts Foundation Competition
- Grade Level: Ages 15–18
- Focus: Visual arts, music, dance, and more
- Details: Students compete in various artistic disciplines for scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and recognition.
- Website: https://youngarts.org
- All-American High School Film Festival
- Grade Level: High school
- Focus: Filmmaking
- Details: Budding filmmakers submit short films in categories such as drama, animation, and documentary.
- Website: https://www.hsfilmfest.com
- International Thespian Festival
- Grade Level: High school
- Focus: Theatre arts
- Details: Students compete in individual and group events in acting, technical theatre, and more.
- Website: https://www.schooltheatre.org
Global and Interdisciplinary Competitions
- Model United Nations (MUN)
- Grade Level: Middle and high school
- Focus: Diplomacy, debate, and international relations
- Details: Students participate in simulations of United Nations assemblies, where they represent countries and debate global issues.
- Website: Varies by region (search for local MUN organizations).
- Odyssey of the Mind
- Grade Level: Elementary through high school
- Focus: Creative problem-solving
- Details: Teams solve open-ended challenges in areas such as engineering, performance, and design.
- Website: https://www.odysseyofthemind.com
- DECA Competitive Events
- Grade Level: High school
- Focus: Business, entrepreneurship, and marketing
- Details: DECA provides opportunities for students to showcase their skills in business case studies and simulations.
- Website: https://www.deca.org
Conclusion
Participating in competitions is a fantastic way for students to explore their interests, develop critical skills, and demonstrate their commitment to excellence. These experiences not only help students build a strong college resume but also prepare them for future challenges in academia and beyond.
Find the competition that aligns with your passions, and take the first step toward standing out in your college applications!