Elevate Your College Apps Through Competition

If you’re a high school student aiming to enter a top college like UT, Georgetown, Stanford, UC, or one of the East Coast Ivys, you will need to think competitively. Stanford only lets in 4 out of every 100 applicants! Think about that. They have a 3.91% admissions rate and things are getting worse each year. But hey, Stanford is a top program, most people don't even plan to apply, they will just go to NYU or University of Texas --- good, cheap, state schools. But NYU only admitted 1 in 10 applicants last year and UT admits about the same (unless you're in the official Top 5% at your high school or an out of state applicant).

Why have things gotten so competitive? Three factors but mainly you can thank the CommonApp, ApplyTexas, UCAS, etc. These are digital application tools that let a student apply to up to 20 colleges at a time with fairly minimal effort (this is a highly relative statement -- college apps are actually harder today thanks to these tools but no one realizes it until they are in too deep then they just hit the 'Submit' button and keep going). Whereas 10 years ago, the average student was applying to 5 colleges, now they are all applying to 20 plus. That means that the competition has more than quadrupled beyond what it was before the pandemic.

And of course there is the 'Test Optional' factor making everyone think they can get into Harvard. But we will save that for another blog.

Bottom line, you will need some type of Honors, Awards, or Resume to impress admissions these days. This blog is about COMPETITION with a capital everything -- none of these are a walk in the park but earn just one and you are set!

1. Division 1 NCAA Athlete

Becoming a Division 1 NCAA Athlete is often considered the peak of collegiate athletic achievement in the United States. Division 1, or D1, is the highest level of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Schools in this division like the Florida State University, Oakland University, and University of California San Diego often have larger budgets, more advanced facilities, and more athletic scholarships available than those in the other NCAA divisions.

To be considered for D1 selection, you must maintain a balance of excellent academic record and athletic performance.

You must also comply with the NCAA’s Eligibility Center regulations, which include academic achievements like a minimum GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and a certain number of core courses completed during high school.

2. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)

The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is a prestigious annual competition tailored for high school students worldwide. It challenges your problem-solving abilities across various mathematical domains like algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.

During the IMO, you tackle two days of exams, each featuring three complex problems. You’ll have four and a half hours per exam for these challenges.

The IMO aims to ignite your mathematical creativity and promote international friendships among future mathematicians. Achieving an IMO award stands as one of the highest national awards for high school students.

3. The International Physics Olympiad (IPHO)

The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is an annual competition designed to test your physics knowledge and skills. It challenges you in both theoretical and experimental physics.

The theoretical part covers a wide range of topics, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, modern physics, and quantum mechanics. 

In the experimental part, you’ll be tested on your ability to design, conduct, and interpret physics experiments. This involves a hands-on approach, working with setups, analyzing data, and assessing errors. It gauges your practical skills and how well you can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

4. International Chemistry Olympiad (ICHO)

The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is an annual global competition that engages you in a rigorous examination of your chemistry knowledge and skills. The competition encompasses a wide array of chemistry disciplines, divided into theoretical and practical segments.

In the theoretical part, you will tackle complex problems in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, requiring an in-depth understanding of chemical bonding, reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics, kinetics, and molecular structures.

The practical component tests your laboratory skills, including your ability to conduct experiments, analyze data, and utilize various laboratory techniques for tasks such as synthesis, titration, and the use of analytical instruments like spectroscopes and chromatographs. 

Earning a medal at the ICHO is one of the top national awards for high school students, opening doors to premier educational institutions. You may also secure scholarships, which offer a competitive edge in both your academic and professional careers.

5. International Biology Olympiad (IBO)

The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a global competition that tests your knowledge and skills in biology. The IBO covers a wide range of biological topics, typically including cell biology, plant anatomy and physiology, animal anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, ethology (animal behavior), and biosystematics. The competition consists of both theoretical and practical examinations.

In the theoretical part, you are assessed on your understanding of biological concepts, principles, and data analysis through complex problem-solving and critical-thinking questions. The practical exams, on the other hand, evaluate your laboratory skills and your ability to conduct experiments, make observations, and interpret results in fields like microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, and physiology.

The aim of the IBO is to inspire young people to pursue careers in biology and to promote scientific excellence among high school students worldwide. It provides an opportunity for the best young biologists from different countries to challenge themselves, exchange ideas, and build international friendships.

6. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) Top 10

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) has, for decades, been one of the most prestigious pre-collegiate science competitions in the United States, offering you a platform to showcase your groundbreaking research projects.

Landing a Top 10 spot in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, previously known as the Intel STS, is a major national award for high school students. This competition is a big deal—it spots and celebrates the most promising young scientists who show incredible innovation, research skills, and academic strength.

7. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Awards

Organized annually, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is a competition for some of the brightest young minds showcasing innovations that often foreshadow the future of science and technology. Winning these prestigious accolades translates to significant monetary rewards and, perhaps more importantly, global recognition that opens doors to premier academic institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.

Beyond the grand winners, the Best in Category/Finalist is an honor if your project stands out in specific disciplines. A Top 10 finish signifies that you’re among the elite young scientists in the country. Historically, finalists and top winners have gone on to receive prestigious honors, including Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, and National Medals of Science.

8. Math Olympiad Summer Program (MOP)

The Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) is a highly prestigious program designed for high school students passionate about mathematics. It serves as the training ground for the US team competing in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), the most esteemed math competition in the world.

To be selected for MOP, you need to perform exceptionally well in the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) or the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO). Only the top high school mathematicians in the country are chosen, making participation a significant honor and recognition that you’re among the best young mathematicians in the US.

9. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Held annually at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Research Science Institute (RSI) is an intensive, six-week summer program that offers a select cohort of roughly 50-70 students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in cutting-edge scientific research.

You will collaborate with scientists, engage in rigorous coursework, and start original research projects, culminating in a grand symposium where you present your findings. But the value of RSI goes beyond the walls of MIT.

Being an RSI alumnus is one of the top national awards for high school students, like having a gold seal on your academic profile. Colleges and universities, especially Ivy League and top-tier institutions, see RSI as proof of your exceptional talent, dedication, and potential for future innovation in STEM.

10. National Speech and Debate

The National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) is the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization serving middle school, high school, and collegiate students in the United States.

The NSDA helps you develop communication skills through speech and debate activities. It organizes national tournaments that are the final stage of local and regional competitions. You’ll have the chance to compete in formats like policy debate, public forum debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, congressional debate, and individual speech events like dramatic interpretation, original oratory, and informative speaking.

The NSDA’s goal is to empower you by improving your public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills, all of which will support your personal growth and future success.

11. US Physics Olympiad (USPhO)

The USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) is an annual competition that challenges you with a comprehensive examination of your physics knowledge and skills.

In the USAPhO, you’ll be tested on mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, waves and optics, as well as modern physics, including quantum mechanics and relativity. The exam evaluates both your theoretical understanding and ability to apply physics principles to different scenarios. It aims to inspire excellence in physics and identify talented students to represent the U.S. at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).

To qualify for the USAPhO, you first take the F=ma exam, a multiple-choice test focused on mechanics. Performing well on this is essential, as only the top scorers move on to the USAPhO. The USAPhO is more comprehensive, covering a wider range of physics topics. Success in the F=ma is your first step toward advancing in these competitions and potentially representing the U.S. at the IPhO.

12. US Chemistry Olympiad (USChO)

The US Chemistry Olympiad (USChO) is a competition that recognizes high school students’ chemistry skills across the U.S. It covers a wide range of topics, challenging you to deepen your understanding. You’ll explore general chemistry concepts like atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and states of matter, along with solutions chemistry.

The competition also includes organic chemistry, focusing on functional groups, basic reactions, and synthesis techniques. In inorganic chemistry, you’ll study non-organic compounds, periodic trends, and reaction mechanisms.

Physical chemistry is another key area, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Analytical chemistry dives into techniques like spectroscopy and chromatography for chemical analysis. You’ll also learn about biochemistry and environmental chemistry, studying biological molecules and the chemical processes affecting the environment.

The competition moves from local to national levels, increasing in difficulty with each stage. Top performers at the national level may even represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), promoting excellence and connecting young chemists worldwide.

13. US Biology Olympiad (USABO)

The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is a prestigious national competition organized by the Center for Excellence in Education. It covers a wide range of topics in biology, including cellular and molecular biology, plant anatomy and physiology, animal anatomy and physiology, genetics and evolution, ecology, ethology, and biosystematics. 

The competition is designed to challenge and stimulate you to expand your knowledge of biology beyond the classroom and encourage you to pursue careers in the biological sciences.

You are tested through a series of exams and practical lab work, culminating in the selection of the top four students who represent the United States at the International Biology Olympiad. Winning the USABO is one of the most notable national awards for high school students.

14. US Computing Olympiad (USACO)

The USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) is a programming competition for high school students in the US testing your skills in algorithmic problem-solving and coding. It offers different levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—so whether you’re a beginner or an advanced programmer, there’s a challenge for you.

In the competition, you’ll have 4 to 5 hours to solve a set of problems using languages like C++, Java, or Python. These problems cover topics such as data structures, graph theory, string manipulation, combinatorics, and dynamic programming. USACO not only identifies talented programmers but also helps you sharpen your skills through practice and competition. Doing well in the USACO can open up opportunities in both academia and the tech industry.

15. Scholastic Art & Writing Silver or Gold Medal

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, organized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, have celebrated young talent in art and writing for nearly a century. Earning a Silver Key is a special honor, recognizing works that show exceptional promise and ability, marking you as an emerging talent.

These national awards for high school students offer multiple levels of recognition. At the regional level, you can earn Gold Keys, Silver Keys, or Honorable Mentions, with Gold Key winners advancing to the national competition. The best works in each region receive the American Visions & Voices Medals.

At the national level, you can earn Gold or Silver Medals, along with special awards like scholarships or recognitions for specific themes, such as the New York Life Award or the Herblock Award for Editorial Cartooning. High school seniors can compete for Portfolio Awards, including the prestigious Gold Medal Portfolios, which come with significant scholarship opportunities.

16. Columbia Scholastic Press Medalist

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), established in 1925, connects student journalists and their advisers from schools and colleges around the world. One of its top honors is the Columbia Scholastic Press Medalist Award, given to school publications that show outstanding journalistic excellence.

In today’s world, with information overload, fake news, and changing media consumption, recognizing quality journalism is more important than ever. By awarding the Medalist honor, the CSPA celebrates the dedication and hard work of student publications while reinforcing the core values of journalism.