Here are some of the top STEM competitions for high school students, with what each involves, who’s eligible, and what’s on offer. Dates and details change year to year, so confirm the current information with each competition.
Harvard/MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT)
HMMT is one of the world’s largest math competitions, organized by students from Harvard, MIT, and other schools. It carries real weight on a college application.
- Eligibility: high school students in grades 9-12, under 21, who haven’t graduated.
- Format: individual and team rounds.
International Science Olympiad (ISO)
The ISO is a set of international science competitions spanning biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
- Eligibility: high school students, selected through national competitions, with a limited number of participants per country.
- Award: gold, silver, and bronze medals, plus international recognition.
ASHG DNA Day Essay Contest
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) runs an annual DNA Day essay contest, inviting students to write about the ethical, social, or scientific aspects of genetics. Winning essays are published.
- Eligibility: high school students worldwide.
- Awards: 1st place $1,000 (plus a $1,000 genetics materials grant), 2nd $600 (+$600 grant), 3rd $400 (+$400 grant), and ten honorable mentions of $100 each.
International Research Olympiad (IRO)
The International Research Olympiad (IRO) is a global competition for students aged 13-18, built around the research process itself. Unlike subject-specific science olympiads, it focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills useful in any research discipline.
- Eligibility: students aged 13-18 worldwide, with no location restrictions.
iGEM Competition
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition has teams design and build synthetic biology projects, from biofuels to environmental solutions, using genetic engineering. Teams present at the Grand Jamboree.
- Eligibility: high school and college students.
- Award: medals and recognition at the Grand Jamboree.
Genes in Space
Genes in Space asks high school students to design a DNA experiment that addresses a real challenge in space exploration. Winning experiments can be sent to the International Space Station, and students get mentorship and recognition from scientists.
- Eligibility: teams of high school students.
- Award: the chance to run your experiment aboard the ISS, plus mentorship and recognition.
Top International Math Competitions for High School Students
Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is one of the most prestigious science competitions in the US, where high school seniors present independent research projects. The process culminates in a finalist event in Washington, D.C.
- Eligibility: high school seniors in the US.
- Award: scholarships, cash prizes, and mentorship.
American Computer Science League (ACSL)
ACSL is a series of computer science contests for students from elementary through high school, covering programming, algorithms, and computational theory.
Eligibility: elementary through high school students.
Doodle for Google
Doodle for Google is a creative art contest where students redesign the Google logo around an annual theme, submitting their artwork with a short write-up. Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and how well they communicate the theme.
- Eligibility: US students in grades K-12 (US citizens or permanent residents, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands).
- Prizes: the national winner receives a $45,000 college scholarship, a $50,000 technology package for their school, Google hardware, and has their doodle featured on the Google homepage.
Plant the Moon Challenge (PTMC)
The Plant the Moon Challenge has teams run a science experiment growing crops in lunar or Martian regolith simulant. Each team gets a kit (a 5kg bag of soil simulant, a pH meter, KN95 masks, pots, and the PTMC guide) and follows a 10-week protocol, then submits a project report. Run by the Institute of Competition Sciences, it’s tied to research on sustainable food for space missions, and participants are invited to a virtual symposium with scientists.
- Eligibility: student teams of up to 10 (commonly middle and high school).
- Award: Best in Show awards.
More STEM resources
Rishab Jain, an ISEF winner, has done well in many research competitions. His free Student STEM Guide lists 50+ more opportunities and competitions.
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