For aspiring historians, there are 10 amazing high school competitions across the United States—research, essays, quiz bowl, debate, and much more. These competitions offer students the unique opportunity to study history at a deeper level of inquiry and can help develop their critical and analytical thinking, research, public speaking, and collaboration skills. If you're a high schooler interested in history, here are 10 amazing competitions you should consider.
1. National History Day (NHD)
Focus: Year-long program which involves researching a historical subject relating to an annual theme and communicating your findings through exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, or papers.
Eligibility: Grades 6–12 (senior division for high school students).
Deadline: Registration opens October 7, 2024, and closes December 20, 2024; national finals June 9–13, 2025 at the University of Maryland.
Why it stands out: NHD is a significant and well-known history contest with over half a million students participating a year. Students get experience in supporting their arguments using primary and secondary sources, develop research and writing skills, and improve analysis skills while producing products in different formats to share their learning. NHD is recognized across the nation and received the National Humanities Medal for the exceptional impact on history learning.
2. International History Olympiad
Focus: Biennial global competition in written exams, buzzer quiz, debates, and creative contests in world history.
Eligibility: Outstanding primary and secondary school students from all over the world; U.S. students qualify through the U.S. History Bee or National History Bowl.
Deadline: Registration closes June 28, 2025; next Olympiad July 2025, Paris, France.
Why it stands out: The Olympiad is a week-long immersive program with students from more than 20 other countries, involving symposium papers, history simulations, and buzzer competitions, It is very prestigious, promotes global networking, and invites students to think critically and work together on a global stage---the skills that can set a student apart on college applications.
3. United States History Bee
Focus: Individual buzzer competition against the clock of U.S. history knowledge.
Eligibility: Grade 11–12 (varsity), grade 10 or lower (junior varsity); must pass a qualifying exam online or in person.
Deadline: Register for the National Championships up to three days prior to the event in late April.
Why it stands out: This fast-moving, trivia-style contest rewards recall speed, and knowledge of U.S. history. Those who finish at the top qualify for the International History Olympiad, participating allows for the experience of a competitive academic environment, which increases confidence and prepares for college.
4. National History Bowl
Focus: Team buzzer quiz competition testing all areas and regions of history knowledge.
Eligibility: Up to six high school students on a team or fewer; junior varsity for 10th grade and younger.
Deadline: Regional qualifiers throughout the year, leading to Nationals in Arlington, VA.
Why it stands out: The Bowl focuses on team work and strategic collaborative thinking as teams must operate in a highly intense academic environment. It is noted for not only the breadth of the subject content but also for the depth. Participants typically form friendships and networks that last for years. The winners receive an invitation to the International History Olympiad, which is your high degree of credibility.
5. David McCullough Essay Prizes
Focus: A contest on essays that asks students to explore leadership, courage, and creativity in history.
Eligibility: High school students who attend Gilder Lehrman Affiliate Schools.
Deadline: June 27, 2025 - 8 PM ET.
Why it stands out: Named after a Pulitzer Prize winning historian, this contest celebrates a combination of deep research and storytelling. Winning awards come with substantial cash awards (up to $10,000) and national recognition. The contest inspires students to conduct history using empathy, imagination and analytical rigour.
6. Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest
Focus: Oration contest on Revolutionary War themes, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary principles.
Eligibility: Sophomore, junior, and senior students at public, private, parochial, and home schools (grades 10–12).
Deadline: State deadlines vary, but the national deadline is March 11 each year.
Why it stands out: Students write, memorise, deliver, and are evaluated based on writing, presentation, and historical accuracy. The speech competition promotes student public speaking and rhetorical skills with scholarship and national fame for the top students. The competition is artfully constructed to support the combination of research, creative writing, and oral presentation.
7. George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
Focus: Essay competition on the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or U.S. Constitution.
Eligibility: Grades 9–12.
Deadline: Varies by state and chapter; check local SAR chapter for specifics.
Why it stands out: This competition fosters a careful study and evaluation of the founding American historical pieces. The essays are evaluated for accuracy, clarity, and originality. One of the unique features of this contest is that the winners each receive cash prizes and will have their works published. This contest is a fantastic opportunity for students to practice deep historical writing and argue their position on an important historical topic.
8. The Great Debate
Focus: Debate competition in which students research, build, and deliver arguments for or against historical issues.
Eligibility: Students above 15 years.
Deadline: Regional and national rounds held throughout the academic year; check the official site for specific dates.
Why it stands out: Participants in research-based debate develop complicated arguments and persuasive speaking. The competition encourages students to ultimately assess and incorporate many historical perspectives into their arguments, which fosters critical thinking and communication.
9. Young Quills for Historical Fiction
Focus: Students read, assess, and assist in selecting books of historical fiction for the Young Quills Award.
Eligibility: Not stated, but presumably open to high school students.
Deadline: Varies by year; check the Historical Association for details.
Why it stands out: Students serve as evaluators, reviewing and evaluating new historical fictions that may enter into awards. They are considered formal award nominators and may sway award decisions. The program promotes critiques of literature, empathy, deeper understanding of historical narratives, and appreciation for the medium of storytelling while offering students a voice in the literary community.
10. The Great History Challenge
Focus: Multi-level competition with online quizzes, regional "Jeopardy!"-style tournaments, and national championship.
Eligibility: Primarily middle school, but high school students permitted in some locations.
Deadline: School and regional rounds held throughout the year; national finals in Chicago.
Why it stands out: This competition uses a game-show format and creates an exciting way to learn history and gain valuable skills in quick thinking and general knowledge. This competition is not only fun but also allows top students to gain national exposure and the opportunity to compete in a high-energy, supportive environment that showcases the awesomeness of history.
These competitions offer a variety of opportunities for budding historians to express their knowledge, research, writing, and presentation abilities—and without the incentives of recognition, scholarships, and socialising with students elsewhere.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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