Level Up Your College Application with Contests and Competitions
- Marci Pearson, Head College Admissions Counselor
- 7h
- 3 min read
What goals have you been setting in high school and what steps have you been taking to achieve them?
Colleges don’t just want strong students—they want applicants who put their skills to the test. One of the most effective ways to do this is by competing in contests or competitions. Achieving success at the local, regional, state, national, or even international level shows admissions officers that you not only took the initiative to pursue your interests, but that you’re ready to thrive in a challenging college environment.
When admissions officers review applications holistically, they’re looking for evidence that students can set and achieve ambitious goals. That’s why application portals include dedicated spaces for awards, honors, and distinctions:
Application Portal | Awards & Honors |
5 academic awards/honors | |
5 honors | |
5 scholastic awards and 5 non-scholastic awards | |
20 entries (any of which can be categorized as an award/honor) |
Although contests and competitions are a great way to stand out, it’s not always easy to find meaningful, major-related opportunities. Below are practical steps you can take to identify contests and competitions that will genuinely strengthen your profile.
Start early to explore your interests and show growth over time
From the beginning of freshman year, students should be focused on securing at least 5 academic awards or honors. By starting early, students can explore various events that might interest them and figure out how to be successful in these competitions by competing for multiple years.
9th Grade: Explore at least 2 scholastic and 1 non-scholastic competition (athletics, volunteering, hobby-related)
10th Grade: Aim to place at the State or Regional Level
11th Grade: Show progress from previous years and start taking on leadership roles related to chosen event(s)
12th Grade: Advance to the highest level of competition and mentor younger students
Get involved in contests and competitions
A great first step is to join school clubs geared toward competitions or that offer structured opportunities to compete in various contests in your areas of interest. This can include HOSA–Future Health Professionals, DECA, speech & debate, Mu Alpha Theta, robotics clubs, and more! After you build a strong foundation and discover your passions, look for other contests and competitions beyond your school like science fairs, the Conrad Challenge, iGEM, and the American Rocketry Challenge.
Next, set specific goals and make sure to put in the time and effort to succeed. This can mean studying for 5+ hours a week for an upcoming event in addition to schoolwork. Don’t be afraid to seek external support and guidance. Schools, clubs, and competitions themselves will often offer free resources, mentors, or practice materials.
Here are some ideas for competitions based on interest:
Major/Area of Interest | Competition |
Computer Science | |
STEM/Engineering | |
Math | |
Writing | |
Arts | |
Business | |
Community Service |
Ultimately, contests and competitions aren’t just about earning awards and honors—they’re about discovering what drives you. Even if you never advance to the highest level, by participating, you can prove your dedication and show colleges the depth of your potential. Set clear goals, seek out meaningful opportunities, and challenge yourself year after year—and if you need support, B2A is here to help!
Interested in adding awards and honors to your admissions profile? Sign up for our Steps Program. You’ll be matched with one of our experienced college admissions counselors and meet twice monthly to set goals and work toward achieving them. Based on your interests, your Steps Counselor may suggest contests and other opportunities to pursue, helping you monitor your progress to stay on track!
