Your first step

Start here if you want help choosing your first competition

Many students think competitions are only for kids who are already experts. That is not true. This page combines the simplest first steps with a better guide to choosing competitions by grade, interests, and experience level.

Which sentence sounds most like you?

Pick one. You can always explore other choices later.

🧩

I like solving puzzles

Math contests may be a good place to start, especially short contests with sample questions.

See math options →
🔬

I keep asking “why?”

Science fairs, Science Olympiad, and Science Bowl may fit you.

See science options →
🛠️

I like making things

Try robotics, engineering challenges, invention contests, or build events.

See matching options →
🎤

I like speaking or debating

Debate, public speaking, Model United Nations, and mock trial can be good choices.

See speaking options →
🤷

I am still not sure

That is completely fine. Use the grade-level guide and begin with a beginner-friendly option.

Use the full guide →

Start with your grade level

Elementary school

Good first choices are competitions that feel fun, short, and easy to understand.

  • Math Kangaroo or similar local math contests
  • MOEMS or school math clubs
  • Spelling bees and geography bees
  • Science fairs with a small project
  • Chess or puzzle competitions

Middle school

Students can begin trying more structured individual and team competitions.

  • AMC 8 and MATHCOUNTS
  • Science Bowl and Science Olympiad
  • Quiz Bowl
  • Debate
  • History, geography, and science bees
  • Local science fairs

Choose based on your current level

Just starting

Pick something with sample questions, a clear format, and no expectation that you already know advanced material.

Try: local contests, Math Kangaroo, MOEMS, school science fair, beginner debate, or quiz club.

Some experience

Choose a competition that lets you practice regularly and learn from mistakes.

Try: AMC 8, MATHCOUNTS, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, or a regional bee.

Ready for a challenge

Look for contests with harder questions, timed rounds, or stronger regional competition.

Try: AMC 10 when age-eligible, advanced Science Bowl study, national-level bees, or higher-level debate.

Choose based on what you enjoy

I like puzzles and numbers Try math contests such as Math Kangaroo, MOEMS, AMC 8, or MATHCOUNTS.
I like science facts Try Science Bowl, a science bee, or a science quiz team.
I like building things Try Science Olympiad build events, robotics, engineering challenges, or invention contests.
I like researching questions Try a science fair, history competition, geography challenge, or research project.
I like speaking and arguing Try debate, Model United Nations, public speaking, or mock trial when available.
I know a little about everything Try Quiz Bowl, academic bowls, or knowledge bees.

Individual or team?

Individual competitions may fit you if...

  • you like working at your own pace
  • you want to measure your own improvement
  • your school does not have many competition teams

Examples: AMC 8, Math Kangaroo, spelling bees, geography bees, and science fairs.

Team competitions may fit you if...

  • you enjoy practicing with friends
  • you like having different roles
  • you learn better by discussing answers

Examples: Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, robotics, and debate.

Your first-week plan

Day 1Choose one competition that sounds interesting.
Day 2Visit the official website and read the basic rules.
Day 3Try five questions or one short activity.
Day 4Write down what felt easy, hard, or fun.
Day 5Decide whether you want to try again next week.