How to Stand Out in National Science & History Competitions

Attention, class! If you’re dreaming of a future at Princeton, MIT, or Stanford — and want to boost your odds with a serious academic edge — national science and history competitions might just be your backstage pass. These events don’t just challenge your knowledge; they showcase your commitment, passion, and college-level potential.

So, how do top students actually stand out?

In this article, we’ll explore:

• The most prestigious national science and history competitions you should know about,
• Pro tips on how to rise above the competition, and
• A real student story from an Empowerly founder who used competitions to launch his Ivy League path.

Let’s get learning!

• Top National Competitions to Know (Science and History)
• How to Stand Out (Strategy and Mindset)
• Real Student Spotlight: Changxiao’s Path to Princeton
• Final Thoughts and Next Steps

While there’s no shortage of science and history-based extracurricular activities and competitions in which students can participate, some are more prestigious than others. You don’t have to enter every competition to get noticed — just the right ones. 

Here are some of the most prestigious and widely respected national science and history competitions for high school students in 2025.

Known as the “Nobel Prize for high school students,” STS is one of the oldest and most prestigious science competitions in the U.S. The STS finalists receive national recognition — and a shot at $250,000.

Important date(s): The 2026 application will open on June 1, 2025.

The world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition, ISEF attracts nearly 2,000 finalists from over 80 countries. Students submit original research in fields ranging from environmental science to robotics.

Important date(s): The last day to qualify with an officially affiliated fair is April 14, 2025.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, NSB tests fast-paced STEM knowledge in a team setting. It’s especially known for fostering collaboration and academic rigor.

Important date(s): Check your local team’s deadlines, as they vary by state. The finals are held in late April each year.

The rigorous USABO competition challenges students to apply biology concepts at an advanced level. Top scorers can represent the U.S. in the International Biology Olympiad.

Important dates: The 2026 registration opens on August 1, 2025.

SO is a team-based competition featuring 23 events in topics like forensics, engineering, and astronomy. It's highly respected by STEM-focused colleges.

Important date(s): Check your local team’s deadlines, as they vary by state.

Over half a million students participate annually in this project-based competition. Students research and present historical topics through exhibits, papers, documentaries, and performances.

Important date(s): Registration begins at a school level, so check your local chapter’s website for the most accurate information.

An academic journal that publishes history research papers by high school students. Getting published here is a major accolade for aspiring humanities scholars.

Important date(s): February 1st for the Summer Issue; May 1st for the Fall Issue; August 1st for the Winter Issue; November 1st for the Spring Issue.

While rooted in philosophy, economics, and history, this international competition challenges students to write deeply analytical essays judged by Oxford and Princeton scholars.

Important date(s): Registration opens April 1, 2025.

A targeted competition that invites students to explore original perspectives on the American Civil War. It offers cash prizes and national recognition.

Important date(s): The 2025 contest deadline is June 27, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

There is a distinction between quality and quantity. So, which types of competitions really move the needle when it comes to admissions? Choose programs that demonstrate the full scope of your potential. While this is easier said than done, you can always discuss your options with a college counselor.

Here is one student’s personal experience with ISEF and competing:

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer, but it’s important to prioritize wisely so you don’t end up chasing every possible event.

So you’ve picked your target competition. Now, how do you actually rise to the top?

Humanities competitors take note: While scientific research leans heavily on experimentation and data, standing out in history or philosophy competitions often comes down to rigorous sourcing, original arguments, and clarity of written voice. Judges want to see how you handle complex, even controversial ideas — so don’t be afraid to stake a thoughtful claim and defend it with nuance.

Whether you’re aiming for the Regeneron STS or National History Day, one thing’s for sure: winning takes more than just showing up with the right answers. Top competitors bring strategy, purpose, and passion to the table. Here’s how to stand out from the crowd.

The students who win national science and history competitions don’t stumble into success — they train for it.

Firstly, do whatever you need to succeed in your core subjects. Review your lessons at home if you struggle with them. Attend academic support groups or tutoring sessions. All of these foundational activities will help you tackle progressively difficult subjects later on.

As you improve, continue to challenge yourself. That means:

• Taking advanced coursework in your subject area (AP, IB, or dual enrollment)
• Joining academic clubs like Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, or Quiz Bowl
• Pursuing your own learning outside the classroom — watch lectures, read journals, and explore topics that genuinely interest you

The goal? Build a solid academic foundation early. Once you think of yourself as someone who belongs in advanced circles, you'll start to perform that way, too.

Here’s the truth: passion beats pressure every time. The students who go furthest aren’t driven by resume padding — they’re genuinely invested in their subject.

If you dread studying for a competition, it might not be the right fit. If you find yourself hating the experience, the work will seem much more difficult and meaningless than if you are curious and compelled by the material. And that’s okay. Your best performance comes from topics you want to learn more about, anyway. 

Parents, take note: giving students the freedom to explore what excites them is often what unlocks their full potential. Just like with Olympic athletes, only the students who genuinely love the subject matter end up performing on a national level. A good coach will also (gently) remind students that their future is in their hands, and it’s up to them to find the motivation.

Even the most talented students don’t get there alone. A strong academic mentor — whether that’s a science fair coach, a history teacher, or a PhD candidate — can help shape your ideas, guide your research, and refine your presentation.

Programs like Empowerly’s Research Scholar Program pair students with real-world researchers, helping them build competitive projects with confidence. Having a knowledgeable, supportive guide can make all the difference between “good effort” and “award-winning.”

Burnout is real, especially among high-achieving students. We hardly need to tell you this! What we will encourage you to remember is to prioritize rest, nutrition, and time away from your screens. When you take care of your mind and body, you’ll find it’s easier to focus, retain information, and perform under pressure. 

Empowerly also offers a student wellness e-book with strategies to help students avoid burnout and build sustainable habits. 

Finding ways to connect your different fields of study will help you bridge ideas and understand more nuanced material. When you do, you’ll remember things better and set yourself apart in terms of academic sophistication. After all, the most compelling student work usually connects the dots between disciplines! A project that blends biology with ethics, or economics with history, shows colleges — and judges — that you can think in complex, meaningful ways.

Not to mention, chances are higher that you’ll find out what you want to study or work on after college.

Want to know what this looks like in practice? Let’s meet a student who turned a love of science into an Ivy League admission — and national recognition.

Ever wonder what it takes to win at national science competitions? Or how top students manage to turn extracurriculars into Ivy League offers?

Meet Changxiao, Empowerly’s co-founder and CTO, who paved his path to Princeton through academic competitions — and now helps other students do the same.

“I was the district champion for Science UIL four years in a row. I also won the Science Fair Regional Grand Award for my region, State 3rd place for Chemistry, and earned a place as an Intel ISEF finalist, and was ONR award recipient — competing against 1700+ students. Plus, I won Science Bowl as regional first place, competing against 200 students, and was a finalist in Washington, DC as well.”

Empowerly Tip: Use numbers to give scale to your accomplishments. Judges and admissions officers notice when you quantify your impact.

“I started research in 10th grade with a professor. After getting some results, I made a poster and practiced presenting it. For Science Bowl, I read and annotated entire college chemistry textbooks — general and organic. General Chemistry took me two weeks. Organic took about double.”

Empowerly Tip: Passion plus prep is a winning combo. When you’re excited about a subject, going deep doesn’t feel like a chore — it becomes second nature.

“I mostly won junior and senior year — Science Fair as a junior, Science Bowl as a senior.”

Empowerly Tip: Spend freshman and sophomore years building skills and exploring interests. Use your upperclassman years to go all-in and compete at a high level.

“It was my first time doing a science fair. I had more background in Science UIL and AP classes, which helped me jump into Science Bowl quickly.”

Empowerly Tip: Don’t wait to be experienced before you try something. Competitions are one of the best ways to gain experience fast.

“You need a great mentor, and you need to put in real work. I also read lots of journals to learn how others presented their research. Science Bowl is fast — thinking quickly under pressure is what matters.”

Empowerly Tip: Want to compete like a pro? Study how the pros present their work. And train your brain to recall key info at speed.

“My research opportunity came from my dad introducing me to a professor friend. Honestly, most professors love students who are motivated and willing to learn — especially if it’s free labor! My biggest advice? Start early, don’t skim, and aim for deep understanding.”

Empowerly Tip: Don’t be shy about asking for help. Initiative and persistence are often more important than a perfect resume.

“Science Fair felt more prestigious and relaxed — it’s just you and your project. Science Bowl is fast and intense, but the students there are incredibly sharp. I did chemistry mainly, but had to cover physics and math, too. You can’t just specialize — you need range.”

Empowerly Tip: Try different formats to find your fit. Team-based, presentation-based, essay-based — there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Looking for more tips or advice from students who have been there?

• You can read Empowerly alumni Prayrak’s story here - Empowering Activities: Reflections from a Science Bowl Champion
• You can also read Empowerly counselor Ishan’s story here - Interview: How to Become an International Science Fair Finalist

Standing out in national science and history competitions isn’t about being a genius — it’s about being intentional.

The students who shine on a national stage are the ones who start early, work smart, and seek the right guidance. Whether you're aiming to present groundbreaking research at Intel ISEF or publish a powerful essay for National History Day, the roadmap is clearer than you might think. And you're not on your own.

At Empowerly, we’ve helped students like Changxiao transform curiosity into college acceptance letters. From custom research opportunities to expert mentorship, our programs are designed to set ambitious students on the path to top-tier admissions.

Ready to build your success story?

Our team spends on average 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor, and 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. We are here to help walk you through every step of the way.

Book a free consultation today and match with a counselor who can help you map your competition strategy — and beyond. Spots fill fast, and the sooner you start, the stronger your application will be.