Competition guide

Explore different competitions

You do not need to join every competition. Pick one or two that match what you enjoy, learn how they work, and give yourself time to improve.

Math competitions

Good for students who enjoy puzzles, patterns, problem solving, and creative thinking.

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AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12

Individual math contests with challenging multiple-choice problems. Many students use past tests to prepare.

What it is: A well-known series of math contests focused on creative problem solving, patterns, and reasoning under time pressure.

Who it is for: Students who enjoy solving harder math problems on their own. AMC 8 is usually the best first step for middle school students, while AMC 10 and AMC 12 are for older or more advanced students.

Official site: Mathematical Association of America AMC

Important to know: These contests are timed, mostly individual, and preparation often comes from reviewing old tests and learning problem-solving strategies.

See AMC resources →

IndividualMiddle & high schoolProblem solving
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MATHCOUNTS

A middle school competition with individual and team rounds. It is often organized through schools.

What it is: A national middle school math competition with sprint, target, team, and countdown-style rounds.

Who it is for: Students in grades 6-8 who like math challenge problems and may enjoy both individual and team competition.

Official site: MATHCOUNTS Competition Series

Important to know: Many schools run MATHCOUNTS teams, and the format is different from AMC because teamwork and speed rounds matter more.

See MATHCOUNTS resources →

Team and individualMiddle school
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Local and online math contests

Universities, math circles, and student groups often run smaller contests that are good practice for beginners.

What it is: Smaller contests run by schools, math circles, universities, or community groups.

Who it is for: Beginners who want a lower-pressure first experience before trying larger competitions.

Official site: These vary by organizer, so there is not one single official website.

Important to know: These are often easier to enter and can be a smart starting point if AMC or MATHCOUNTS feels too big at first.

See starter math resources →

Beginner-friendlyVaries by location

Science competitions

Good for students who enjoy learning science facts, building things, experimenting, or working on a team.

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National Science Bowl

A fast team quiz competition covering biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, energy, and math.

What it is: A team buzzer competition where students answer rapid science and math questions.

Who it is for: Students who like broad science knowledge, quick recall, and working on a school team.

Official site: U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl

Important to know: Teams usually prepare by studying across multiple science subjects rather than going deep into only one topic.

See Science Bowl resources →

School teamFast-pacedBroad science
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Science Olympiad

A team competition with many different events, including tests, labs, engineering builds, and inquiry tasks.

What it is: A large team competition with many event types, so students can specialize in tests, builds, labs, or hybrid events.

Who it is for: Students who like science but may prefer different styles of competition instead of only quiz questions.

Official site: Science Olympiad

Important to know: This is a very strong option for students who want teamwork and variety because different teammates can focus on different events.

See Science Olympiad resources →

School teamMany event choices
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Science fairs

Students create a project, test an idea, study results, and present their work to judges.

What it is: A research-based competition where students investigate a question, carry out a project, and present results.

Who it is for: Students who like asking questions, experimenting, designing a project, and explaining their thinking.

Official site: Regeneron ISEF / Society for Science

Important to know: Science fairs usually begin locally, and strong projects can advance through regional and state levels before bigger fairs.

See science fair resources →

ResearchPresentationIndividual or team

Debate, quiz, and other competitions

There are many ways to compete that do not involve only math or science.

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Debate

Students research topics, build arguments, respond to opponents, and improve public speaking.

What it is: A speaking competition where students prepare arguments, respond to other speakers, and defend ideas clearly.

Who it is for: Students who enjoy current events, public speaking, critical thinking, and fast response under pressure.

Official site: National Speech & Debate Association

Important to know: Debate has many formats, so beginners should start by learning which event types are offered by their school or local league.

See debate resources →

Team or partnerSpeakingResearch
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Quiz Bowl

A team buzzer competition covering history, literature, science, fine arts, geography, and more.

What it is: A fast academic team competition where players buzz in to answer questions across many subjects.

Who it is for: Students who know a little about many subjects, enjoy recall, and like playing as part of a team.

Official site: National Academic Quiz Tournaments

Important to know: Quiz Bowl is broad, so students often improve by building subject strengths over time instead of trying to know everything immediately.

See Quiz Bowl resources →

School or club teamBroad knowledge
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History and geography competitions

Students can test their knowledge through bees, bowls, written exams, and team events.

What it is: Knowledge competitions that may use buzzer rounds, bees, quizzes, or written tests.

Who it is for: Students who enjoy facts, reading widely, and learning about the world, past events, and cultures.

Official site: Many are run by different groups, but one common organizer is International Academic Competitions.

Important to know: Formats vary a lot, so students should first check whether their school offers a bee, bowl, or regional event nearby.

See history and geography resources →

Individual and teamKnowledge-based