I'm a junior looking for contests to participate in next year (2023). Any suggestions on contests that I could enter to boost my college application?
There are numerous contests out there for high school students that can help boost your college application. Here are a few suggestions from different fields to consider:
1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM):
- Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS): A prestigious research competition for high school seniors.
- Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology: Another research-based competition for individuals or teams.
- FIRST Robotics: Design, build, and program robots to compete in various challenges.
2. Writing and Literature:
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Submissions in various categories such as poetry, essays, and flash fiction.
- National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Achievement Awards in Writing: Annual writing competition recognizing exemplary high school juniors.
3. Social Sciences:
- National History Day (NHD): Themed research and competition, either as an individual or in a group, in categories like documentaries, exhibits, papers, or performances.
- Model United Nations (MUN): Simulated UN conferences, where students represent assigned countries and work to solve real-world issues.
4. Art and Design:
- Congressional Art Competition: Annual visual art competition for high school students in the U.S., with the winning artwork displayed in the Capitol Building.
- Vans Custom Culture Contest: Design custom shoes, with the chance for your school to win money for its art program.
5. Business and Entrepreneurship:
- DECA: Business-related competitive events, including entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance.
- Junior Achievement (JA) Company Program: Create and manage a student-run enterprise, competing at local, national, and international levels.
6. Foreign Language:
- National Foreign Language Week: Various contests with an emphasis on language proficiency and cultural understanding, such as poster designs, essays, or videos.
These are just a few examples; there are many other contests and competitions available across various disciplines and interests. Start by exploring these options and see which ones align with your passions and goals. Remember that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to extracurriculars, so focus on contests that you're genuinely excited about and where you believe you can excel.
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