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Engaging in a science research competition during high school is a fantastic way to delve deeper into your academic interests while enhancing your college application profile. From prestigious national events to creative team challenges, these contests offer a platform for students to shine academically and explore STEM fields. Here, we highlight 25 science competitions tailored for high schoolers and explain how participating can impact your admissions chances.

Why Should You Join a Science Research Competition?

Competing in science research contests showcases your initiative and enthusiasm for academics beyond classroom learning—qualities that admissions officers highly value. Beyond adding depth to your extracurricular profile, succeeding in these competitions can open doors to scholarships and unique opportunities, such as mentorship or research collaborations.

If competitions don’t appeal to you, conducting independent research projects is another avenue to demonstrate your skills and dedication. Structured programs like the Lumiere Research Scholar Program pair students with professional mentors, offering guidance for independent studies that often feed into competitions like the Regeneron ISEF. Whether through competitions or individual projects, engaging in research deepens your expertise while strengthening your college applications.

25 Science Research Competitions for High Schoolers

1. American Academy of Neurology Neuroscience Research Prize

Grades: 9-12
Type: National
Explore neuroscience by addressing challenges in brain or nervous system research. Winners receive monetary awards and present their findings at the AAN Annual Meeting.

2. NCF-Envirothon

Grades: 9-12
Type: State, National, International
Compete in teams to tackle environmental challenges through local, state, and international levels. Winners earn scholarships and global recognition.

3. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Grades: 9-12
Type: Local, Regional, International
The world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, ISEF provides a platform to showcase research and vie for prizes up to $75,000.

4. National Science Bowl

Grades: 9-12
Type: National
This fast-paced contest challenges teams in science and mathematics, culminating in a prestigious national event hosted by the Department of Energy.

5. National Science Olympiad

Grades: 9-12
Type: State, National
One of the premier STEM competitions, students compete in team-based events covering topics like engineering and physics, with chances to win scholarships.

6. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Grades: 12
Type: National
As the most prestigious U.S. science research competition, STS awards top prizes of up to $250,000 for groundbreaking high school research.

7. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Grades: 9-12
Type: Regional, National, International
Focused on water sustainability, students compete at various levels, with international winners earning scholarships and presenting in Stockholm.

8. TOPSS Psychology Competition

Grades: 9-12
Type: National
Submit a three-minute video showcasing a psychology-related concept and its application to community challenges for a chance to win scholarships.

9. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

Grades: 9-12
Type: Regional, National
Present your scientific research in categories like Environmental Science or Medicine for scholarships and national recognition.

10. MIT THINK Scholars Program

Grades: 9-12
Type: National
Submit a research proposal for funding and mentorship, with finalists attending a four-day event at MIT.

11. Conrad Challenge

Grades: 9-12
Type: National
Propose innovative solutions to global challenges and compete for scholarships and professional opportunities at the Innovation Summit.

12. USA Biolympiad Competition

Grades: 9-12
Type: National, International
Top biology students compete through rigorous exams for the chance to represent the U.S. internationally.

13. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Grades: 9-12
Type: National
Submit impactful STEM work to earn scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

14. Destination Imagination

Grades: 9-12
Type: Regional, State, International
Teams tackle STEM challenges and compete globally in categories like engineering and technical design.

15. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Grades: 9-12
Type: National, International
Create a two-minute video explaining a scientific concept creatively to win a $250,000 scholarship and additional prizes.

16. BioGENEius Challenge

Grades: 9-12
Type: State, National
Conduct extensive biotechnology research in fields like healthcare or sustainability to compete for top honors.

17. Genes in Space

Grades: 7-12
Type: National
Design DNA experiments addressing challenges in space exploration, with winning projects conducted aboard the ISS.

18. Odyssey of the Mind

Grades: 9-12
Type: Regional, State, International
Teams solve STEM-based challenges creatively and compete globally for awards at the World Finals.

19. U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

Grades: 9-12
Type: Regional, National, International
Prove your chemistry expertise through exams and earn a spot on the U.S. team for international competition.

20. ArcGIS Online Competition

Grades: 9-12
Type: Regional, State, National
Analyze local data and create a compelling ArcGIS StoryMap to compete at various levels.

21. AAPT Physics Photo Contest

Grades: 9-12
Type: International
Submit creative photos illustrating physical phenomena, accompanied by scientific explanations.

22. DNA Day Essay Contest

Grades: 9-12
Type: International
Write a 750-word essay reflecting on genetics topics for cash prizes.

23. Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge

Grades: 9-12
Type: International
Explore biomimicry by designing bio-inspired solutions to environmental challenges.

24. TEAMS Competition

Grades: 9-12
Type: State, National
Work collaboratively to solve real-world engineering problems in a themed competition.

25. Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest

Grades: 9-12
Type: National
Create a short video on science-related themes for the chance to win prizes and visit the NIH in Maryland.

How Competitions Influence College Admissions

Participation in research competitions highlights your dedication and intellectual curiosity, making your college application stand out. Achievements in these contests can lead to scholarships and mentorship opportunities, bolstering your academic journey.

Final Thoughts

Whether through competitions or independent research, embracing these opportunities allows you to dive deep into your interests while enhancing your profile for college admissions. Explore these options and start your journey today!

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