Competitions
Academic competitions in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Writing
AMC 12 A Competition
The AMC 12 is a 75-minute, multiple-choice math competition for students in grades 12 and below, covering advanced algebra, geometry (including trigonometry), number theory, and problem-solving skills. It offers two versions (A and B) on different dates and helps students qualify for higher-level contests like the AIME.
AMC 10A competition
The AMC 10 is a 75-minute, multiple-choice math competition for students in grades 9–10, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and counting without the use of calculators or trigonometry. It focuses on problem-solving and logical thinking rather than routine computation and serves as a qualifier for the AIME.
AMC 12B competition
The AMC 12 is a 75-minute, multiple-choice math competition for students in grades 12 and below, covering advanced algebra, geometry (including trigonometry), number theory, and problem-solving skills. It offers two versions (A and B) on different dates and helps students qualify for higher-level contests like the AIME.
AMC 10B competition
The AMC 10 is a 75-minute, multiple-choice math competition for students in grades 9–10, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and counting without the use of calculators or trigonometry. It focuses on problem-solving and logical thinking rather than routine computation and serves as a qualifier for the AIME.
USACO
The USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) is an online competitive programming contest for high‑school (and advanced middle‑school) students that challenges participants with algorithmic problems in multiple divisions (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and helps identify top programmers for training camps and international competitions like the IOI.
AMC 8 competition
The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute multiple-choice math competition for students in grade 8 and below, designed to build problem-solving skills using middle-school math topics like counting, probability, geometry, estimation, and reasoning. It’s a friendly introduction to competitive math and encourages analytical thinking.
MathCounts
MATHCOUNTS is a national math competition for grades 6–8 that promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students compete through a series of rounds—Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown—progressing from school to chapter, state, and national levels, developing both individual skills and collaborative strategies.
USABO
The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is a prestigious national biology competition for U.S. high school students (grades 9–12) that challenges students with rigorous biology exams and problem‑solving tasks. It promotes deep understanding of biological concepts and laboratory reasoning, with top performers advancing through multiple rounds toward the National Finals and potential selection for the International Biology Olympiad.
F=ma Exam
The F=ma Exam is a nationwide high-school physics competition organized by the AAPT. It serves as a qualifying exam for USAPhO, consisting of multiple-choice questions that test conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills in mechanics.
USNCO
The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) is a prestigious, multi‑tiered high‑school chemistry competition sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS) that challenges students with advanced chemistry problems. Participants first take a local exam, and top performers advance to the national exam, with the best students invited to a two‑week study camp and potentially selected to represent the United States at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO).
Physics Bowl
The PhysicsBowl is an annual high school physics competition organized by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) in which students answer 40 multiple‑choice questions in 45 minutes on topics from the high‑school physics curriculum. It challenges understanding and problem‑solving skills and includes two divisions based on physics experience.
Math Olympiad (USAMO / USAJMO)
MATHCOUNTS is a national math competition for grades 6–8 that promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students compete through a series of rounds—Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown—progressing from school to chapter, state, and national levels, developing both individual skills and collaborative strategies.
USAPhO
The USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) is an advanced invitational physics competition for high‑school students in the United States who perform exceptionally on the F=ma exam; it consists of challenging free‑response problems covering core physics topics and serves as a key step in selecting the U.S. Physics Team for international competition.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the longest‑running and most prestigious arts and writing recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12. It celebrates original art and writing across numerous categories, offering opportunities for regional and national recognition, scholarships, publication, and exhibition to talented young artists and writers from the U.S., territories, and Canada.