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Competitions

Competitions may seem scary-after all, you're competiting against many other people-but they can be really fun (and a great thing to put on college applications!). This article will explain why competitions are good for college, how to do well in them, and some good competitions that you should try.
Alexandra Popusoi
  min read
·
  Nov 27, 2024

Why they are good for college:

 

Competitions look amazing on college applications for a few reasons. If you participate in a competition and place, it shows your skills and deominstrates that you are a smart applicant. People who win competitions stand out among their peers, and admissions officers can see that they have potential. 

 

Additionally, competitions are also valuable due to the connections that they can have. Presitigious competitions are hosted and judged by successful people who would be able to help you in life if you make a connection with them. It would help put your name out there, and making you have a good digital footprint. 

 

How to do well in competitions

 

To succeed in competitions, preparation is key. First, you should understand the rules and format of the competition. This means researching previous competitions, reading the guidelines carefully, and knowing what judges look for. Creating a study or practice schedule can help you stay organized and cover all the necessary topics without feeling rushed.

Regular practice is also important. You should practice under conditions similar to the competition to get used to the pressure. Working with classmates in study groups can be helpful too, as they can share ideas and give feedback. This way, everyone can improve and learn from each other, making the preparation process more effective.

Finally, having a positive mindset can make a big difference. Instead of focusing solely on winning, you should concentrate on doing their best and enjoying the experience. Techniques like visualization—imagining a successful performance—can boost confidence. Practicing relaxation techniques can help manage stress, especially on the day of the competition. Remember, competitions are great opportunities to learn and grow, regardless of the outcome!

Competitions that you should try:

 

  1. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): A major science fair for high school students showcasing scientific research.

  2. National Science Bowl: A team-based competition that tests knowledge in various science subjects.

  3. American Mathematics Competitions (AMC): A series of math contests that challenge students' problem-solving skills.

  4. National History Day Contest: Students research and present historical topics through projects and papers.

  5. Science Olympiad: A team competition covering various scientific disciplines through hands-on events.

Arts and Humanities Competitions

  1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Recognizes creative achievements in writing and visual arts.

  2. National Poetry Out Loud Competition: A poetry recitation contest that encourages students to engage with poetry.

  3. National YoungArts Foundation: Offers awards and mentorship for emerging artists in various disciplines.

Leadership and Service Competitions

  1. The Presidential Volunteer Service Award: Recognizes students for their community service and leadership.

  2. DECA Competitions: Focuses on business and marketing skills, encouraging students to develop their entrepreneurial abilities.

STEM Competitions

  1. FIRST Robotics Competition: A robotics competition that promotes teamwork and engineering skills.

  2. CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition: A cybersecurity competition aimed at teaching students about cybersecurity.

Global Competitions

  1. Global Challenge: An international competition where students propose solutions to global issues.

  2. World Scholar's Cup: An academic competition that includes debate, writing, and knowledge challenges on a variety of topics.

Miscellaneous

  1. National Geographic Bee: Tests students' knowledge of geography through challenging questions and quizzes.

  2. Mock Trial Competitions: Provides students with a taste of the legal system while developing public speaking and analytical skills.