Ivy League institutions are known for their academic standards and structured evaluation. If you want to test your skills in that kind of setting, Ivy League competitions for high school students should be on your radar.
Ivy League competitions for high school students focus on applying concepts under clear rules and timelines. You might solve subject-based problems, work on case challenges, or submit research or project work depending on the competition. These competitions are designed to assess how you think, how you structure your answers, and how you perform under pressure.
What do Ivy League competitions for high school students include?
Ivy League competitions for high school students are hosted or supported by universities, which means they follow a more academic format. Many include multiple rounds, starting with qualifiers and moving to advanced stages based on performance.
You may work through written tests, case studies, or project submissions, and in some cases, present your work to judges. Compared to general competitions, these tend to have stricter evaluation criteria and a more structured format. They also give you exposure to how academic assessment works at a higher level.
To make your search easier, here are 15 Ivy League competitions for high school students! If you’re also considering research as part of your profile, this blog on student research opportunities is a helpful read.
15 Ivy League Competitions for High School Students
1. Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (Harvard University & MIT); Online option available
Cost: $80 per team application; $10 per individual competitor (financial aid available covering lodging and fees; travel not typically covered)
Program Dates: November tournament and February tournament; additional Friday and Sunday programming included
Application Deadline: Typically mid-to-late September
Eligibility: High school students under 21 enrolled in full-time primary or secondary education; must apply through a school or organisation with an adult coach/chaperone; teams must meet geographic or school-based requirements
If you enjoy challenging math and working with others, the Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) is a great way to put your skills to the test. You’ll take part in individual rounds to solve problems on your own, as well as team rounds where collaboration really matters. One of the highlights is the “Guts Round,” a fast-paced event where speed and accuracy both count, making it exciting and intense. The questions range from AMC/AIME-level to olympiad-style problems, especially in the February contest, so you’ll be pushed to think deeper. Beyond the competition, there are also fun Friday activities and Sunday learning sessions led by students, alumni, and professors, giving you a chance to explore new math topics in a relaxed setting. If you perform well, you might even get the opportunity to advance to the HMMT Invitational, which focuses on more proof-based, olympiad-style problems.
2. Princeton University Mathematics Competition (PUMaC)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Approximately $100 per team ($12.50 per student) for the main competition; $40 per team for Power Round-only participation (may vary slightly by year)
Program Dates: Annual competition held in November (November 21)
Application Deadline: October 7
Eligibility: High school students; must register through a coach (who supervises and represents participants)
If you like math that mixes creativity with teamwork, PUMaC offers a really engaging experience. You’ll work through individual subject tests as well as a team round where you work with others, but what really stands out is the Power Round, a proof-based challenge released in advance that gives you time to think deeply and build full solutions. Depending on your experience, you’ll compete in different divisions, and strong performers can move on to individual finals. The problems can get quite challenging, ranging from advanced high school concepts to olympiad-style thinking, so it’s a good way to stretch your problem-solving skills. Beyond the main contest, there are fun mini-events like puzzle hunts and math bowls, which make the overall experience more interactive and social. The day wraps up with an awards ceremony recognising top individuals and teams.
3. Cornell High School Programming Contest & Workshop
Location: Cornell University and Cornell Tech
Cost: Not specified (typically free or low-cost educational event; workshops included)
Program Dates: Annual event (e.g., March 29; varies each year)
Application Deadline: Not explicitly stated; registration opens before the event (interest form available for future cycles)
Eligibility: High school students residing in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania
Cornell High School Programming Contest & Workshop allows you to build your coding skills through hands-on sessions before moving into a competition where you solve algorithm-based problems. You’ll work through programming challenges alongside other students, applying concepts in real time rather than just learning them in theory. The structure combines learning and competition, helping you improve how you approach logic and efficiency. You’ll practice coding, problem-solving, and teamwork throughout the experience.
4. Science Olympiad at the University of Pennsylvania (SOUP) Invitational
Location: University of Pennsylvania
Cost: $200 per team (fee waived for Philadelphia public school teams)
Program Dates: Annual competition held in February
Application Deadline: Early October (registration opens late September)
Eligibility: Middle school and high school Science Olympiad teams; registration typically limited to 2 teams per school
Science Olympiad at the University of Pennsylvania (SOUP) Invitational allows you to take part in a full-day competition across multiple areas of science, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. You’ll move between written tests, lab work, and build-based challenges where you apply what you’ve learned in practical settings. The format also involves working closely with your team and managing time across different events. You’ll develop teamwork, scientific reasoning, and hands-on problem-solving skills.
5. Brown Science Olympiad (BSO) Invitational
Location: Brown University, RI
Cost: $45 per team (Division B); $90 per team (Division C); fee waivers available (automatic for Title I schools)
Program Dates: Division B: December 7; Division C: February 14
Application Deadline: Registration opens mid-September (e.g., September 15 & 27); payment deadline November 14
Eligibility: Middle school (Division B) and high school (Division C) Science Olympiad teams; schools can send multiple teams depending on selection rounds
If you’re looking for a Science Olympiad experience that mixes competition with a supportive environment, BSO is a great option to consider. You’ll compete in a wide range of events across subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and engineering, including exams, labs, and build-based challenges. The tournament is designed to welcome both experienced teams and newer ones, making it a space where students from different backgrounds can learn and compete together. The selection process balances returning and new teams, so there’s a mix of participants each year. Along the way, you also get a chance to explore Brown’s campus and connect with other students who share an interest in STEM.
6. Cornell Model United Nations Conference (CMUNC)
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $75 – $95 per delegate (depending on registration phase) + $100 delegation fee + optional $45 transportation fee + $35 meal fee
Program Dates: April 16 – 19
Application Deadline: Early: Sept 26 – Nov 29; Regular: Nov 30; Jan 31; Late: Feb until full)
Eligibility: High school students participating individually or as part of school delegations
If you’re interested in global issues and enjoy debating ideas, CMUNC offers a chance to step into the role of a diplomat. You’ll participate in different committees where you represent a country and discuss real-world international topics, working with others to come up with solutions and draft resolutions. The experience helps you build skills like public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking by putting you in realistic, discussion-based scenarios. Whether you’re new to Model UN or have done it before, there are committees suited to different experience levels. Along the way, you also get to collaborate with students from different places, which makes the discussions more engaging and diverse.
7. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Location: Primarily virtual; Global Finale at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Cost: Free (participants must cover travel if attending the finale in person)
Program Dates: September–December (competition period); Global Finale April 24–25
Application Deadline: Advisor registration closes September 12
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) in teams of 4–6, with a teacher advisor from the same school
Wharton Global High School Investment Competition allows you to work in a team to manage a simulated investment portfolio using real market data and an online trading platform. You’ll make decisions about stocks, ETFs, and overall strategy while tracking performance over time, but the focus stays on how you explain and justify those decisions through reports and presentations. You’ll research companies, analyse industries, and think about risk and long-term planning while working closely with your team. Along the way, you’ll practice financial analysis, decision-making, and clear communication in a structured setting.
8. High School Essay Contest (Columbia Undergraduate Law Review)
Location: Columbia University (online submission)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Submission due June 26
Application Deadline: June 26
Eligibility: Current high school students (international; recent graduates not eligible)
If you’re interested in law, this competition asks you to think like a legal scholar rather than just write a standard essay. You’ll respond to a complex prompt, such as balancing government power and individual rights, by constructing a well-supported legal argument using case law or legal documents. The process focuses on analytical reasoning, not just opinion, so you’ll need to engage with real legal frameworks and precedent. Unlike many writing competitions, there’s a strong expectation of proper citation (Chicago style) and structured argumentation, mirroring undergraduate-level legal writing. Top submissions are recognized through publication and invitations to academic events, offering exposure to a broader legal community.
9. Yale Invitational (Yale Debate Association)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Varies by event (registration fees depend on category)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (15-20 students a year)
Dates: Typically held annually (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: Varies by tournament registration window
Eligibility: High school students (various debate and speech formats)
Unlike classroom-style programs, this is a large-scale competition where you apply your speaking and argumentation skills in real time. The Yale Invitational brings together students from across the country to compete in multiple debate formats, including Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, and Parliamentary debate, along with speech events like Original Oratory and Interpretation. Each round requires you to construct arguments, respond to opponents, and adapt quickly under time pressure, making it as much about strategy as content knowledge. Because there are many event options, you can compete in formats that match your experience level or try something new. The environment is fast-paced and competitive, with judging, rankings, and elimination rounds similar to national debate circuits.
10. Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest
Location: Princeton University (online submission)
Cost: Free (cash prizes: $500 / $250 / $100)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (250-entry cap)
Dates: Submission window closes March 31
Application Deadline: March 31 (or earlier if capacity is reached)
Eligibility: 11th-grade high school students (U.S. or international equivalent)
The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest allows you to write an original play within a strict ten-minute format, which means you need to focus on concise storytelling, dialogue, and structure from the start. You’ll build characters, conflict, and resolution within a limited space, making each scene and line more intentional and connected. The format pushes you to think carefully about pacing and clarity rather than length. The work is evaluated by experienced playwrights, so the focus stays on how effectively your writing works as a complete piece. You’ll develop creative writing, storytelling, and structural skills through the process.
11. High School Essay Contest (Princeton Legal Journal)
Location: Princeton University (online submission)
Cost: $15 submission fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Submission due May 15
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students graduating in or after May (international eligible)
High School Essay Contest (Princeton Legal Journal) allows you to engage deeply with a specific legal theme and develop a sustained, research-backed argument using real cases and legal frameworks. You’ll explore topics such as constitutional interpretation, Supreme Court decisions, or conflicts between rights and public policy, while organising your ideas in a clear and structured way. The longer format requires you to move beyond surface-level points and build a more detailed and nuanced analysis supported by proper legal citations. Submissions are reviewed anonymously, with emphasis on the strength of your reasoning and writing. You’ll develop legal research, analytical thinking, and formal writing skills through the process.
12. Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest (HIR AWC)
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (online submission; Defense Day held virtually)
Cost: Registration fee required (exact amount not publicly listed; check official website before submitting)
Program Dates: Three annual cycles — Spring (deadline May 31), Summer (deadline August 31), Fall/Winter (deadline January 2)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions with limited capacity; Spring deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; U.S. students across all 50 states, D.C., and territories; international students also eligible; submissions must be in English with American spelling conventions
Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest (HIR AWC) allows you to write a short-form analytical article on international affairs in the style of the Harvard International Review. You’ll choose from a set of global themes and build a well-researched argument within a defined word limit, using evidence and structured reasoning rather than general opinion. A key part of the process is the Defense Day, where selected finalists present and defend their work in front of judges, requiring you to explain and justify your analysis clearly. Submissions are evaluated through a tiered system, giving you a clear sense of where your writing stands. You’ll develop analytical writing, research skills, and the ability to present and defend your ideas.
13. Wharton High School Data Science Competition
Location: Virtual (global)
Cost: Free (sponsored in part by Goldman Sachs Gives)
Program Dates: Annual competition; registration typically opens in the fall and closes in late January
Application Deadline: Typically late January
Eligibility: Current high school students ages 14–18; teams of 3–5 students from the same school; open globally to all countries
Wharton High School Data Science Competition allows you to work in a team to analyse a large real-world dataset and present your findings in a clear and structured way. You’ll build models, clean data, and identify patterns while working through a problem that reflects real data science use cases. The competition focuses not just on technical work but also on how well you explain your approach and conclusions. As you progress through different rounds, you refine both your analysis and communication. You’ll develop data analysis, statistical reasoning, and teamwork skills through the process.
14. YRIS High School Essay Contest (Yale Review of International Studies)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT (online submission)
Cost: Free (cash prizes: $250 / $150 / $100)
Program Dates: Annual
Application Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: Current high school students (grades 9–12); open to students internationally; essays must be original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere
YRIS High School Essay Contest (Yale Review of International Studies) allows you to respond to an open-ended prompt on international affairs by building a focused analytical argument within a set word limit. You’ll choose your own angle, use evidence to support your claims, and organise your ideas in a clear and structured way. The format gives you flexibility while still requiring depth and reasoning. Selected essays are published, giving your work a public platform connected to a Yale publication. You’ll develop analytical writing, research skills, and critical thinking through the process.
15. Dartmouth Undergraduate Science Olympiad (DUSO) Invitational
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Cost: Not publicly listed on the official website; check dartmouthscioly.com for updated registration details
Program Dates: Typically held in February
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school Science Olympiad teams (Division C); teams must meet standard Science Olympiad participation requirements
Dartmouth Undergraduate Science Olympiad (DUSO) Invitational allows you to compete as part of a Science Olympiad team across a full range of events in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and engineering. You’ll take part in written tests, lab work, and build-based challenges where you apply concepts in practical settings. The structure requires coordination within your team as you prepare for and manage multiple events. As a newer invitational, the environment stays collaborative while still maintaining academic rigour. You’ll develop scientific reasoning, event-specific knowledge, and teamwork throughout the competition.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source: Dartmouth College