Top 50+ Competitions for High School Students in 2025

Computer Science Competitions

1. Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is an annual competition designed to inspire students to engage in coding and computer science by creating and submitting their own original apps. 

Open to students nationwide, the challenge aims to reach underserved, diverse, and rural populations, significantly impacting how Congress views computer science and STEM education

Dates: Pre-Registration now open for 2025-2026

2. American Computer Science League (ACSL)

The American Computer Science League (ACSL) organizes competitions for all levels of computer science ability; everyone who has a passion for computer science is encouraged to sign up! That said, the “Senior Division” is quite challenging. This level requires participants to solve problems related to Boolean Algebra and Digital Electronics and to solve at least one problem by programming in Python, C++, or Java. 

Dates: Contest must be started by April 13, 2025.

3. CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition

The CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, hosted by the Air Force Association (AFA),  is uniquely specialized for a high school computer science competition. It assesses teams’ abilities to identify and repair cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 

Dates: Registration April 1-October 1, 2025

Robotics & AI Competitions

1. VEX V5 Robotics Competition

The VEX V5 Robotics Competition is absolutely one of the most interesting — and challenging — high school robotics competitions out there. Teams will use creativity and engineering skills to design and program large robots for head-to-head matches. 

Competing isn’t just about building machines—it’s about balancing strategy, innovation, and leadership in a high-pressure environment. The skills you sharpen here are what today's hiring managers are hunting for.  

Dates: April 2026

2. Best Robotics

Celebrating 30+ years, the 2025 BEST Robotics Challenge does more than test your engineering chops. Each project teaches you how to collaborate effectively, communicate technical details confidently, and present your hard work like a pro. These are exactly the skills that matter—whether you end up building rockets or starting your own company.  

Dates: 2026 dates will be released in Fall 2025

Engineering Competitions

1. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, or ISEF, sponsored by the Society for Science, is the largest science fair in the world. Last year, nearly 2,000 students competed for $9 million in total prizes!

Dates: May 10-16, 2025.

2. International Bridge Building Contest

Bridge the gap between engineering and creativity (literally!) with the 2025 contest, where you’ll compete to design and construct a functional bridge. 

Hands-on experience? Absolutely. But more importantly, in this engineering competition, you'll grow in critical thinking and design—skills transferable to almost any career.  

Dates: Saturday, April 26, 2025. 

Psychology Competitions

1. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

Submit ground-breaking research, present to experts, and compete for scholarships at the 2025 JSHS regional and national events. But it doesn’t stop there—it’s also an incredible opportunity to practice public speaking and develop networking skills.  

Dates: April 26, 2025.

2. International Psychology Olympiad

If you’re a psychology specialist, then this competition is for you! The International Psychology Olympiad tests participants’ knowledge of psychology concepts and their abilities to apply their psychological knowledge to real problems. 

Dates: Applications now open for October 2025 competition

3. Minds Underground Psychology Essay Competition

Are you doubly interested in psychology and writing? Then don’t miss the Minds Underground essay competition, which invites high school students to submit essays on one of three psychology-related prompts (the prompts change every year). 

Dates: Deadline has passed for 2025, stay tuned for 2026 dates.

Debate & Public Speaking Competitions

1. Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament

The Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament is considered one of the most sought-after debate competitions in the country. Harvard’s National Speech and Debate Tournament is held every President’s Day Weekend in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

Dates: Deadline has passed for 2025, stay tuned for 2026 dates.

2. World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC)

Think you’re ready to take on the world? The WSDC is the ultimate showcase of global talent, with over 70 international teams battling it out on topics ranging from sports ethics to international policy. Learn diplomacy, cross-cultural communication, and how to confidently say, “Point of information.”  

Dates: July 16-July 26, 2025. 

3. National Speech and Debate Tournament

Established in 1931, the National Tournament of the National Speech and Debate Association claims to be the “largest academic competition in the world.” They may be correct, since last year, 6,700 middle and high school students came together for five days of nonstop intellectual showdowns.

Dates: June 15-June 20, 2025. 

History & Social Science Competitions

1. Brain Awareness Video Contest

Like a cross between Bill Nye the Science Guy and YouTube, this contest lets you flex your creativity in neuroscience and filmmaking. Create an engaging, bite-sized video on a neuroscience concept, and you might just break the internet (in a good way). A Polygence project dream!

Dates: March 14-June 20, 2025. 

2. National Personal Finance Challenge

Because no one likes being confused by credit scores. Compete in this quiz-show-style tourney to show you’ve mastered budgeting, saving, and investing. Think Shark Tank meets your future.  

Dates: June 1-2, 2025. 

3.  Illinois State University Fashion Design Competition

Calling all budding Anna Wintours—here’s your moment. Sharpen your creative eye, demonstrate your business savvy, and win big. The top prize includes $4,000 in scholarships to study fashion design and merchandising.

Dates: April 5, 2025; dates not yet announced for 2026.

Arts Competitions

Visual Arts Competitions

1. Youth Art Contest

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, PA, hosts their annual Youth Art Contest to support the next generation of wildlife artists. There is a new theme each year, and participants can submit in any 2-D artistic medium.

Dates: Registration opens March 10, 2025. 

2. YoungArts National Competition

Prestigious? Check. Interdisciplinary? Check. From painting to photography, this competition connects young artists with a network of professionals while pushing the boundaries of creativity.  

Dates: 2026 application opens July 2025.

3. Doodle for Google

The Doodle for Google competition is exactly what it sounds like: an enormous online arts contest in which U.S. students up to grade 12 can submit one doodle per year. The national winner receives a generous scholarship and has their doodle displayed on the Google homepage for a day! Fame meets function. 

Dates: April 30, 2025.

Writing Competitions

1. John Locke Institute Competition

The John Locke Institute is a unique essay competition for high schoolers. The top prize is one of the most exciting writing awards for high schoolers in the country. Tackle topics like philosophy, politics, or psychology in a 2,000-word essay. Think deeply and write boldly.  

Dates: June 30, 2025.

2. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

High school poets and prose writers, this one’s for you. Submit your work, and you could see it published in the Adroit Journal—a launching pad for exceptional talent.  

Dates: May 1, 2025.

3. Alliance for Young Artists & Writers

The National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, hosted by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is a nationwide contest series that has been around since 1923. To be eligible for the national competition (also a poetry contest), young writers will first have to enter and win an affiliated regional event.

Dates: December 2025.

Poetry Competitions

1. The Fresh Voices Poetry Competition

The Poetry Society of America organizes the Fresh Voices Poetry Competition, which focuses on connecting high school poetry students with established poets in their communities.

Dates: July 15, 2025. 

2. The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Kenyon Review organizes the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers competition for current high school sophomores and juniors only! Winners receive cash awards and spots at the Kenyon Review’s prestigious summer workshop program.

Dates: November 30.

Music Competitions

1. National Young Composers Challenge 

The National Young Composers Challenge is a wonderful competition for instrumental composers between 13 and 18 years old in the United States. Participants are asked to submit one original composition, either for orchestra or for a small (2 - 6 instruments) ensemble. 

Dates: October 1, 2025.

2. American String Teachers Association (ASTA) 

Want to showcase your talent in front of ASTA’s elite? Compete as a soloist or with your chamber group to build your performance chops and earn recognition.  

Dates: Dates not yet announced for 2026.

3. National Youth Orchestra of the United States (NYO-USA) 

The National Youth Orchestra of the United States (NYO-USA) is often cited as the top youth orchestra in the country. It’s also known to be one of the most competitive to get into. 

Last year, the orchestra was conducted by the incomparable Marin Alsop and toured South America with world-famous French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet.

Dates: July 2025.

Fashion Design Competitions

1. Taiwan Fashion Design Award Competition 

The Taiwan Fashion Design Awards (TFDA) is an international fashion design competition. It is open to all designers, including high schoolers, and prioritizes sustainable, creative, and high-performing garments.

Dates: May 12-July 7 2025.

2. Youth Fashion Show 

The Youth Fashion Show at the East Texas State Fair welcomes entries from elementary, middle, and high school students. There are several competition categories to choose from, including some non-traditional categories that may surprise you. 

Dates: Dates not yet announced for 2025. 

3. Fashion Reimagined 

The Fashion Reimagined competition is less of a design competition and more of a fashion business pitch contest. Students create a 1-2 minute video pitching their brand and business model as they compete for scholarships to attend Long Island University.

Dates: April 15, 2025. 

Additional Competitions

Business Competitions

1. DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC)

The  DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is one of the most widely recognized business competitions in the world for high school students. In order to compete at the international event, participants must rise through their affiliated district and state tournaments. The competition includes written tests, role-plays, presentations, and more.

Dates: April 26-29, 2025. 

2. Virtual Enterprises International

The Virtual Enterprises International Business Plan Competition is designed to simulate the entrepreneurial process for high school students. Participants present an original business plan to a panel of judges, who then ask grueling follow-up questions. 

Succeeding in this contest requires a strong business acumen and the ability to think critically in a high-stakes scenario, something that will be invaluable as you launch your future career.

Dates: Dates not yet announced for 2025. 

3. National High School Ethics Bowl

While this competition is not directly related to business, the National High School Ethics Bowl prepares students for the business world by encouraging them to think critically about complex ethics questions in the modern world and to clearly communicate their arguments.

Dates: Begins in September 2025. 

Finance Competitions

1. National Personal Finance Challenge

The National Personal Finance Challenge is a multi-tiered tournament that tests high school students on their knowledge of money management. Teams start with an online quiz, which determines qualification for the state competition, national competition, and eventually the final Quiz Bowl to determine the winning group.

Dates: 2025 competition has passed; dates not yet available for 2026. 

2. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

Welcoming more than 6,000 students each year, the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is different from others in that teams are judged on their abilities to develop and clearly articulate a strong investment strategy, not on actual growth.

Dates: December 2025.

3. Trading Day 

Students who sign up for the Stevens Institute’s annual investment competition receive $1,000,000 in play money and get one month to build and grow their mock portfolios. The students with the top 25 portfolios get to participate in the in-person finals in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Explore all of the best finance competitions for high school students here!

Dates: Dates not yet announced for 2025-2026.

Innovation Competitions

1. Federal Reserve High School Challenge

The Federal Reserve High School Challenge sponsors this unique, collaborative challenge for high schoolers with an interest in economics. 

Students compete in teams of three to eight, with the goal of submitting a well-researched and clearly communicated academic paper on a topic that relates to that year’s competition theme.

Dates: Awards announced on May 15, 2025.

2. National Economics Challenge

If you are a high school student interested in economic theory, consider the National Economics Challenge, an opportunity to showcase your knowledge! Participants compete in a multi-tiered tournament organized by the Council for Economics Education.

Dates: December 2025.

3. The Stock Market Game

Similarly to Trading Day, the Stock Market Game encourages students to learn about investing using fake money in a risk-free environment. The game is run by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Explore all of the top economics competitions for high school students here!

Dates: December 2025.

Medical Competitions

1. USA Biolympiad

The USA Biolympiad is a multi-round tournament that includes an online test, an in-person semi-final, and — for the finalists — a two-week preparatory course leading up to the national exam. 

The top scorers in the national round get to represent the United States on the international stage and meet other young scientists from around the world at the International Biolympiad!

Dates: Registration opens August 2025. 

2. Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

The Annual DNA Day Essay Contest commemorates the completion of the human genome and is a unique opportunity for students with dual passions for biological research and writing to produce an argumentative essay on a prompt related to deoxyribonucleic acid. 

The prompt varies from year to year, but always challenges students to think critically about important concepts in genetics research.

Explore all of the best medical competitions for high school students here!

Dates: March 2025.

How Do Competitions Boost Your College Application and Future Career Opportunities?

Competitions for high school students offer a variety of benefits, helping to boost your resume both for your college apps and for your future career. Here’s how:

Enhancing Your Profile

When college admissions officers open your application and see your participation (and hopefully your stellar results) in academic competitions, it immediately signals a few things about you. 

For one, it highlights your intellectual aptitude and passion for your field of interest. But beyond academics, it shows perseverance, commitment, and the ability to perform under pressure—qualities that colleges and future employers love. 

For example, winning or even participating in competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search or the International Mathematical Olympiad reflects not just skill but a curiosity to deepen your understanding of the world. 

These achievements show admissions officers that you’re not content with simply staying within the bounds of a classroom—you seek challenges, and that’s exactly what future-ready leaders do. 

Beyond college, mentioning academic competitions on your résumé demonstrates to future employers or grad schools that you can apply your knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios. It’s proof of your ability to succeed in competitive, high-stakes environments—a skill just about every single employer will value in today’s fast-paced professional world. 

Skills Development

At first, it might sound cliché—but it’s true—competitions teach you essential life skills. 

Do you love untangling tricky math problems? Dreaming of launching the next big app? Wrestling with philosophical questions? Competitions push you to think critically and find novel solutions to complex issues. 

Challenging your brain this way builds resilience. Think about it—every tricky algorithm, essay revision, or team debate prepares you to tackle not only college-level challenges but also the curveballs life throws beyond it. Whether you end up coding for a Silicon Valley startup, presenting investor pitches, or collaborating with a global team, the skills you develop today will give you a leg up in your future career. 

Team-based competitions like Odyssey of the Mind or FIRST Robotics are especially valuable. They teach you how to communicate, brainstorm effectively, and even handle conflicts when working toward a shared goal with others. 

Honestly, those are the building blocks of thriving in any collaborative environment, whether it’s your college group project or your career’s biggest brainstorming meeting. 

Scholarships and Opportunities

Many competitions offer more than just bragging rights and cheap trophies. Some come with cash prizes, prestigious scholarships, or exclusive opportunities to build connections with industry experts. 

For instance, being a finalist in science-based competitions like the Intel ISEF not only helps you win financial support for college but also often opens doors to internships, mentorships, or networking opportunities with world-renowned scientists. 

Similarly, arts competitions like Scholastic Art & Writing Awards connect talent with curators, gallery owners, and editors while providing valuable exposure. 

It’s never just about winning—it’s about the long-term connections, recognition, and opportunities that can transform a passion into a career trajectory.

Beyond Academics: How Competitions Build Essential Soft Skills

While academic knowledge is the foundation, the real magic of competitions lies in the soft skills they help you develop—skills that prepare you for every facet of life beyond the classroom.

Resilience and Adaptability

Competitions challenge you with unexpected problems, tight deadlines, and high-stakes environments. These experiences teach you to bounce back from setbacks, stay calm under pressure, and adapt your strategies when things don’t go as planned. This resilience is a vital skill that colleges and employers prize.

Creativity and Problem-Solving

Many competitions, especially in robotics, engineering, and the arts, encourage you to think outside the box. You learn to innovate, brainstorm creatively with teammates, and apply knowledge in new, real-world contexts—preparing you for tomorrow’s ever-changing challenges.

Communication and Leadership

Whether you’re presenting your project, debating an opponent, or coordinating a team, competitions build your ability to express ideas clearly and inspire others. These leadership and interpersonal skills are foundational for success in college group projects and future careers.

Preparing Mentally and Emotionally for Competition Success

Success in competitions is as much about mindset as mastery. Here are some tips to keep your head in the game:

• Practice stress management through mindfulness, exercise, or breaks to avoid burnout.

• Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.

• Maintain balance by scheduling competition prep around schoolwork, family, and downtime.

• Seek support from mentors, coaches, or peers to share challenges and strategies.

Polygence mentors don’t just help you with content—they support your emotional resilience and confidence-building throughout your competition journey.

How to Choose the Right Competition for You

Now that you know the why of competitions for high school students, it’s time to unravel the how:

Identify Your Interests and Strengths

Every great competition story starts with one question—what excites you? Are you an aspiring Shakespearean storyteller, a budding software developer, or fascinated by the magic of chemistry? Reflect on classes where you shine or hobbies you geek out over. Competitions allow you to amplify those natural interests and strengths. 

But on the flip side, competitions are also a great way to step outside of your comfort zone. Maybe you’ve always wanted to improve your public speaking skills or deepen your knowledge of environmental science. Choosing a competition tied to a growth area can be a second-to-none learning experience. 

Consider the Competition Format and Requirements

Are you a lone wolf or a team player? Do you thrive in the quick-fire buzz of quiz bowls, or do you prefer the steady rhythm of writing essays and coding long-term? Every competition has its own format, and knowing what works for you can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy and excel in it. 

Don’t forget to check the time commitment. While programs like the Model United Nations might require weeks of preparation, others might only need a weekend. 

Pro tip? Balance your schedule carefully, because you definitely don’t want competition prep clashing with AP exams. 

Tips for Preparing for Competitions

Once you’ve settled on a competition, it’s time to get to work. Here’s how to prepare:

Research and Understand the Competition

Start by exploring past winners’ work. Study what made them succeed—was it innovation? Depth of analysis? Precision? Most competitions outline judging criteria, and understanding these benchmarks gives you a clearer sense of what you’re aiming for. 

Explore the preparation materials that are offered by the organizers or online forums for inside tips. For instance, they might list themes for the essay portion or typical problem-solving formats used in past challenges. Knowledge is your secret weapon. 

Effective Time Management

Procrastination’s arch-nemesis is planning. Begin your prep early, break down tasks into bite-sized chunks, and stick to a schedule. Doing a little every day prevents those last-minute panic sessions where you’re scrambling to finish an essay at 2 a.m. 

Here’s a hack for life past competitions—time management! The ability to plan, prioritize, and meet deadlines isn’t just a one-time skill. You’ll lean on it during college semesters packed with assignments and exams, and for balancing the demands of adulting later on. Think of this as hands-on practice for the real world. 

Seeking Guidance and Mentorship

You don’t have to go it alone! A talented mentor can boost your chances of success in ways that self-discipline alone can’t. Whether it’s your school teacher guiding your early brainstorming sessions or a Polygence mentor customizing strategic prep plans, a good mentor helps you hit all the right wavelengths. 

Here at Polygence, our Core Program matches you with expert mentors who specialize in your chosen field, offering curated advice to help you excel. And if you’re looking to truly dazzle in your presentations, our Premium Showcasing Support provides hands-on guidance to bring your research to life for experts and judges alike. 

The Benefits of Participating in Competitions

Participating in competitions doesn’t just help your résumé. It’s a thrilling way to stretch your brain, explore career paths, and hone life-relevant skills. Trust us, stepping onto that stage or pressing "submit" on your final entry will give you a rush like no other. 

Plus, as you look back, you’ll see how much you’ve grown—whether it’s teamwork while building a solar car, resilience in framing arguments during a debate, or mastery of time balancing assignments, essays, and competition prep. 

The truth is, the path to mastering academic competitions is incredibly rewarding. If you’re ready to elevate your skills, showcase your talents, and set yourself up for success in college and real life, Polygence is here to support you every step of the way. 

Now, it’s time to take the leap.

Check out one of our mentors today, or explore the programs we offer to help you create, compete, and grow. Start your competition prep now—after all, these kinds of opportunities don’t wait!