New Ivies
Activity Database
Activity Signal Index
T10 Congrats
T9 Almost a ticket to a prestigious school
T8 Amazing accomplishment; Large boost
T7 Really good, also a large boost
T6 Really good, will add value for good colleges
T5 Pretty good; will complement an already strong record
T4 Fairly difficult
T3 Some effort involved, but not uncommon
T2 Your average go-getter
T1 Common activities
T0 A dime in a dozen; meaningless
Category
All Competition Research Summer Program Leadership Community Service Arts & Humanities Career & Professional
Country / Region
All US UK China Canada Australia International
Subject Group
All Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology STEM Computer Science & Engineering Business & Economics Humanities & Writing Social Science & Policy Arts & Design Medicine & Health Leadership & Service Athletics General / Interdisciplinary
Tier
All Tier 10 Tier 9 Tier 8 Tier 7 Tier 6 Tier 5 Tier 4 Tier 3 Tier 2 Tier 1 Tier 0
Achievement Signal
TIER 10 Congrats
11 Activities
Competition Division I Athlete Division I Athlete US Athletics Athletics
Competition International Competitor in a Sport International Competitor in a Sport International Athletics Athletics
Competition International Biology Olympiad (IBO) International Biology Olympiad (IBO) Gold/Silver medals International Biology Biology
Competition International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) Gold/Silver medals International Chemistry Chemistry
Competition International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) Gold/Silver medals International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) Gold/Silver medals International Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition History Day National History Day National Winner US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition Putnam Fellow Putnam Fellow US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) Gold/Silver medals International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) Gold/Silver medals International Physics Physics
Competition International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) Gold/Silver medals International STEM Physics
Achievement Signal
TIER 9 Almost a ticket to a prestigious school
21 Activities
Competition Jimmy Awards (Musical Theatre) Jimmy Awards (Musical Theatre) US Arts & Design Arts
Competition + China National Biology Olympiad CHN Biology Biology
Competition International Economics Olympiad (IEO) International Economics Olympiad (IEO) Gold Medal / Overall Winner International Business & Economics Economics
Competition Chinese Chemistry Olympiad (CChO) Chinese Chemistry Olympiad (CChO) CHN Chemistry Chemistry
Competition + National Olympiad in Informatics (NOI) | in Provinces (NOIP) CHN Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO) Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO) Gold Medal Asia-Pacific Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO) International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO) Gold Medal International Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition National Student Poet National Student Poet US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) Winner US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition China Mathematical Olympiad (CMO) China Mathematical Olympiad (CMO) National gold/silver/bronze; China IMO team selection potential CHN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition National High School Mathematics League (NHML) National High School Mathematics League (NHML) CHN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition + Chinese Physics Olympiad (CPhO) CHN Physics Physics
Competition International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) World Champion / Gold Medal International Physics Physics
Competition National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Nationals Winner US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition The Tournament of Champions (TOC) The Tournament of Champions (TOC) Winner US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition NCFL Nationals NCFL Nationals Winner US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) World Champion US/International Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition IMO/IPhO/IChO/IOI/IBO/IOL/IOAA IMO/IPhO/IChO/IOI/IBO/IOL/IOAA Bronze medals International STEM Mathematics | Biology | Chemistry | Computer Science | Astronomy & Astrophysics | Physics
Competition Yau High School Science Award (YHSSA) Yau High School Science Award (YHSSA) CHN STEM Mathematics | Biology | Chemistry | Computer Science | Astronomy & Astrophysics | Physics
Competition International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) Gold Medal International STEM STEM
Achievement Signal
TIER 8 Amazing accomplishment; Large boost
21 Activities
Competition Scholastic Art Scholastic Art Gold Medal US Arts & Design Arts
Competition All-National Band or Orchestra Performer All-National Band or Orchestra Performer US Arts & Design Arts
Competition USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) National Finalist US Biology Biology
Competition USA Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) USA Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) National Finalist US Chemistry Chemistry
Competition Google Code Jam Google Code Jam Round 2/3 Qualifier US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Facebook Hacker Cup Facebook Hacker Cup Round 2/3 Qualifier US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) National Finalist US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals Champion / Gold Medalist International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC / ACM) International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC / ACM) World Finals Champion / Gold Medalist International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition National Olympiad in Informatics Winter Camp National Olympiad in Informatics Winter Camp Winter camp selection awards and training record CHN Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition FIRST World Championship FIRST World Championship Top 5 US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Robotics
Competition Presidential Scholar Presidential Scholar US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Dean's List Winner US/International General / Interdisciplinary Robotics | Leadership
Competition Writing Portfolio Writing Portfolio Gold Award US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) Honorable Mention International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) Qualification US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)12 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)12 Perfect Score US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) National Finalist US Physics Physics
Competition International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) Top 32 Team US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (USAAAO) USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (USAAAO) Gold medals US STEM Physics
Competition Tomorrow’s Little Scientists Award (TLSA) Tomorrow’s Little Scientists Award (TLSA) National award; research project review and defense CHN STEM Research | Science Fair
Achievement Signal
TIER 7 Really good, also a large boost
21 Activities
Competition Chinese Chemistry Olympiad Provincial Preliminary Contest Chinese Chemistry Olympiad Provincial Preliminary Contest Provincial awards; pathway to national final CHN Chemistry Chemistry
Competition USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Platinum Division US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition National Olympiad in Informatics in Provinces (NOIP) National Olympiad in Informatics in Provinces (NOIP) Provincial awards; pathway to NOI CHN Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad China Selection Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad China Selection Selection ranking; APIO participation qualification CHN Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Academic Decathlon Academic Decathlon Top 5 team US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition Scholastic Art & Writing Scholastic Art & Writing National Gold Medal US Humanities & Writing Arts | Writing
Competition History Day National History Day National National Level US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition Foyle Young Poet Foyle Young Poet UK/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition American Regions Mathematics League (ARML) American Regions Mathematics League (ARML) Tiebreaker Round US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) Gold Medal US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) Top 50 US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition USAJMO USAJMO Qualification US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10 Perfect Score US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Math Prize for Girls (MPFG) Math Prize for Girls (MPFG) Math Prize Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Chinese Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (CGMO) Chinese Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (CGMO) National individual and team awards CHN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Breakers US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition The Tournament of Champions (TOC) The Tournament of Champions (TOC) Breakers US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) Top 64 Team US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition International Brain Bee International Brain Bee World Champion US/International STEM Medicine & Health
Competition Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) National Finalist / First Place US STEM Research
Competition National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) Winner US STEM STEM
Achievement Signal
TIER 6 Really good, will add value for good colleges
35 Activities
Competition British Biology Olympiad (BBO) British Biology Olympiad (BBO) UK/International Biology Biology
Competition + National Biology League for High School Students Provincial awards; pathway to CBO final CHN Biology Biology
Competition UK Chemistry Olympiad UK Chemistry Olympiad UK Chemistry Chemistry
Competition Google Code Jam Google Code Jam Qualifier US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Facebook Hacker Cup Facebook Hacker Cup Qualifier US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) CAN Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Apple Worldwide Developers Conference Swift Student Challenge (WWDC / Swift Student Challenge) Apple Worldwide Developers Conference Swift Student Challenge (WWDC / Swift Student Challenge) Distinguished Winner US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Australian Informatics Olympiad (AIO) Australian Informatics Olympiad (AIO) Gold Certificate / National Winner AUS Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Certified Software Professional Junior/Senior (CSP-J/S) Certified Software Professional Junior/Senior (CSP-J/S) First-class certification or high provincial ranking CHN Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition National Youth Artificial Intelligence Innovation Challenge (AIIC) National Youth Artificial Intelligence Innovation Challenge (AIIC) Regional and national awards in AI tracks CHN Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Technology Student Association Nationals Technology Student Association Nationals US Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Top5 Super Regionals US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Robotics
Competition Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams InvenTeam Grant Recipient / Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam US General / Interdisciplinary Innovation | Engineering
Competition Academic Decathlon State Competition Academic Decathlon State Competition Honors Top 3 US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition Soong Ching Ling Children’s Invention Award Soong Ching Ling Children’s Invention Award National invention awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Invention | Engineering
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Dean’s List Finalist US/International General / Interdisciplinary Robotics | Leadership
Competition Scholastic Art & Writing Scholastic Art & Writing National Silver Medal US Humanities & Writing Arts | Writing
Competition + University-run Poetry Contests US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition John Locke Global Essay Prize John Locke Global Essay Prize UK/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)12 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)12 Top 5% US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) Round 1 UK Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Euclid Contest Euclid Contest CAN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) Outstanding Winner US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IMMC) International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IMMC) International Champion / Outstanding Winner International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Western China Mathematical Olympiad (WCMO) Western China Mathematical Olympiad (WCMO) Regional/national-level awards CHN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition China Southeast Mathematical Olympiad (CSMO) China Southeast Mathematical Olympiad (CSMO) Regional awards; team selection record CHN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition British Physics Olympiad Round 1 British Physics Olympiad Round 1 UK Physics Physics
Competition National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Nationals / Tournament of Champions Qualifier US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) Grand Prize Winner US/International STEM Biology
Competition International Geography Bee (IGB) International Geography Bee (IGB) World Champion / Gold Medal International STEM Environmental Studies
Competition British Astronomy & Astrophysics Olympiad Round 1 British Astronomy & Astrophysics Olympiad Round 1 UK STEM Physics
Competition National Science Bowl (NSB) National Science Bowl (NSB) Winner US STEM STEM
Competition Australian Science Olympiads (ASO) Australian Science Olympiads (ASO) AUS STEM STEM
Competition National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) Champion US STEM STEM
Competition Breakthrough Junior Challenge (BJC) Breakthrough Junior Challenge (BJC) Global Winner / Grand Prize US/International STEM STEM
Achievement Signal
TIER 5 Pretty good; will complement an already strong record
68 Activities
Competition YoungArts National Arts Competition YoungArts National Arts Competition Honorable Mention US Arts & Design Arts
Competition NAfME All-Eastern / All-Regional Music Ensembles NAfME All-Eastern / All-Regional Music Ensembles US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Red Dot Design Award: Young Professionals / Junior Award Red Dot Design Award: Young Professionals / Junior Award Red Dot: Best of the Best / Winner US/International Arts & Design Arts
Competition Canadian Biology Olympiad (CBO) Canadian Biology Olympiad (CBO) National Champion / Team Canada Qualifier CAN Biology Biology
Competition Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Finalist US Business & Economics Business
Competition Wharton Global High School Investment Competition (WGHS) Wharton Global High School Investment Competition (WGHS) Global Champion US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs Grand Prize Winner US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition National Economics Challenge (NEC) National Economics Challenge (NEC) National Champion / First Place US Business & Economics Economics
Competition National Economics Challenge China (NEC China) National Economics Challenge China (NEC China) Regional and national team awards; international round pathway CHN Business & Economics Economics
Competition Chemical Institute of Canada Canadian Chemistry Contest (CCC) Chemical Institute of Canada Canadian Chemistry Contest (CCC) National Gold Medal / Top Award CAN Chemistry Chemistry
Competition Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Lower Sixth Competition (C3L6) Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Lower Sixth Competition (C3L6) Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK Chemistry Chemistry
Competition BioGENEius Challenge BioGENEius Challenge International Champion / Grand Award US/International Computer Science & Engineering Biology
Competition + USAPhO | USNCO | USABO | USACO | USNAO Semifinals US Computer Science & Engineering Biology | Chemistry | Computer Science | Astronomy & Astrophysics | Physics
Competition Australian Informatics Olympiad (AIO) Australian Informatics Olympiad (AIO) AUS Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior Global Winner International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Kaggle Competitions Kaggle Competitions Competition Gold Medal / Grandmaster-level Ranking US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) World Champion US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition World Robot Olympiad (WRO) World Robot Olympiad (WRO) World Champion / Gold Award International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle Competition (MATE ROV) Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle Competition (MATE ROV) World Champion / First Place US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition World Robot Contest Youth Robot Design Contest (WRC Youth) World Robot Contest Youth Robot Design Contest (WRC Youth) Regional, national, and championship awards CHN Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition National Youth Electronic Information Intelligent Innovation Contest (NYEIIC) National Youth Electronic Information Intelligent Innovation Contest (NYEIIC) National awards in electronics, programming, and intelligent systems CHN Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Electronics
Competition Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS)) Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS)) National Finalist US Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Mathematics | Science
Competition International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) World Finals Champion / Grand Prize US/International General / Interdisciplinary Aerospace | Engineering
Competition Zero Robotics High School Tournament Zero Robotics High School Tournament Tournament Champion US/International General / Interdisciplinary Aerospace | Robotics
Competition National Youth Drone Competition (NYDC) National Youth Drone Competition (NYDC) Regional and national drone operation/design awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Aerospace | Robotics
Competition Destination Imagination Global Finals (DI) Destination Imagination Global Finals (DI) Global Finals Champion US/International General / Interdisciplinary Arts
Competition SkillsUSA SkillsUSA Nationals Winner US General / Interdisciplinary Career & Professional
Competition + Chinese Critical Thinking and Debate Tournament Debate awards, speaker awards, team awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Debate | Critical Thinking
Competition + National Youth Aerospace Model Education Competition Regional and national aerospace model awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Engineering
Competition + National Youth Navigation Model Education Competition Regional and national navigation model awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Engineering | Model Design
Competition Conrad Challenge Conrad Challenge Pete Conrad Scholar / Innovation Summit Winner US/International General / Interdisciplinary Innovation | Entrepreneurship
Competition National High School Innovation Ability Competition National High School Innovation Ability Competition Regional/national innovation awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Innovation | Interdisciplinary
Competition International Academic Competitions (IAC) International Academic Competitions (IAC) World Champion / National Champion International General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB) National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB) National Champion US General / Interdisciplinary Philosophy | Ethics
Competition China Daily “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition China Daily “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition Regional and national speaking awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Public Speaking | English
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) State Championship Top 5 US/International General / Interdisciplinary Robotics | Leadership
Competition National Primary and Secondary School Information Technology Innovation and Practice Competition (NOC) National Primary and Secondary School Information Technology Innovation and Practice Competition (NOC) National or regional awards in programming, AI, robotics, digital creativity CHN General / Interdisciplinary Technology | Computer Science
Competition North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO) North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO) Invitational Round Winner / National Champion US Humanities & Writing Computer Science
Competition FLTRP Cup National Foreign Language Literacy Contest for Middle School Students (FLTRP Cup) FLTRP Cup National Foreign Language Literacy Contest for Middle School Students (FLTRP Cup) Regional and national final awards CHN Humanities & Writing English | Foreign Language
Competition National Latin Convention (NLC) National Latin Convention (NLC) 1st Place US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition History Day State History Day State Top 3 US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition Chinese Linguistics Olympiad (CLO China) Chinese Linguistics Olympiad (CLO China) National linguistics awards; international olympiad pathway if selected CHN Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition National Middle School Students’ Innovation Composition Contest (CXZW) National Middle School Students’ Innovation Composition Contest (CXZW) Preliminary, semifinal, and national final awards CHN Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Ye Shengtao Cup National New Composition Contest for Middle School Students (YST Cup) Ye Shengtao Cup National New Composition Contest for Middle School Students (YST Cup) Provincial and national final awards CHN Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition + New Concept Writing Competition (NCWC) Preliminary and final awards CHN Humanities & Writing Writing | Literature
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10 Distinguished Honor Roll US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo UK Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest (CSMC) Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest (CSMC) CAN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM) High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM) Outstanding Winner US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Stanford University Math Organization Math Tournament (SUMO) Stanford University Math Organization Math Tournament (SUMO) Overall Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Johns Hopkins Math Tournament (JHMT) Johns Hopkins Math Tournament (JHMT) Overall Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Asia and Oceania Conference on Mathematical Modeling (AoCMM) Asia and Oceania Conference on Mathematical Modeling (AoCMM) Outstanding Winner / First Prize Asia-Pacific Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Princeton University Mathematics Competition (PUMaC) Princeton University Mathematics Competition (PUMaC) Overall Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Berkeley Math Tournament (BMT) Berkeley Math Tournament (BMT) Overall Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Hua Luogeng Golden Cup Mathematics Invitational Hua Luogeng Golden Cup Mathematics Invitational National or regional awards depending on division CHN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Junior Mathematical Olympiad China (JMO China) Junior Mathematical Olympiad China (JMO China) National junior-level awards CHN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (UKMT IMC) United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (UKMT IMC) Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Princeton University Physics Competition (PUPC) Princeton University Physics Competition (PUPC) Gold Medal / Overall Winner US/International Physics Physics
Competition AAPT PhysicsBowl AAPT PhysicsBowl Global Top Scorer / National Champion US/International Physics Physics
Competition British Parliamentary Debate British Parliamentary Debate Champion / Best Speaker International Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition China High School Model United Nations Conference (CHSMUN) China High School Model United Nations Conference (CHSMUN) Best delegate, outstanding delegate, position paper awards CHN Social Science & Policy Model United Nations | International Relations
Competition National Conservation Foundation Envirothon National Conservation Foundation Envirothon National Champion / International Champion US/International STEM Environmental Studies
Competition Genius Olympiad Genius Olympiad Grand Award / Gold Medal US/International STEM Environmental Studies
Competition National Earth Science Olympiad for Middle School Students National Earth Science Olympiad for Middle School Students National or regional awards; earth science project/knowledge recognition CHN STEM Environmental Studies
Competition National Geography Olympiad China National Geography Olympiad China Regional/national awards in geography CHN STEM Geography | Environmental Science
Competition National Astronomy Olympiad China (NAOC) National Astronomy Olympiad China (NAOC) National astronomy awards; pathway to astronomy olympiad training CHN STEM Physics
Competition International Science Bee (ISB) International Science Bee (ISB) World Champion / Gold Medal International STEM STEM
Competition Canadian Young Scientists Challenge (CYSCC) Canadian Young Scientists Challenge (CYSCC) National Champion / Grand Award CAN STEM STEM
Achievement Signal
TIER 4 Fairly difficult
74 Activities
Competition YoungArts National Arts Competition YoungArts National Arts Competition Merit US Arts & Design Arts
Competition + State Awards US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Art and Writing Regional Art and Writing Regional Regional Gold Award US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Industrial Designers Society of America Student Design Awards (IDSA) Industrial Designers Society of America Student Design Awards (IDSA) Student Design Award Winner US Arts & Design Arts
Competition + National Primary and Secondary School Painting and Calligraphy Competition National painting/calligraphy awards CHN Arts & Design Arts
Competition National Student Sports Games / School Sports Championships National Student Sports Games / School Sports Championships Provincial or national sports awards CHN Athletics Athletics
Competition National Youth Campus Football League National Youth Campus Football League City/provincial/national team awards CHN Athletics Athletics | Soccer
Competition Intermediate Biology Olympiad (IBO) Intermediate Biology Olympiad (IBO) UK/International Biology Biology
Competition University of Toronto National Biology Competition (NBC) University of Toronto National Biology Competition (NBC) National Champion / Top Scorer Canada/International Biology Biology
Competition Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition Grand Prize Winner US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition Harvard College Business Competition (HCBC) Harvard College Business Competition (HCBC) Global Champion / First Place US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) World Cup Champion / Global Winner US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (GYEC) Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (GYEC) Global Champion International Business & Economics Business
Competition ASDAN Business Simulation China ASDAN Business Simulation China Regional and national business simulation awards CHN Business & Economics Business
Competition Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association International Essay Competition (HUEA Essay) Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association International Essay Competition (HUEA Essay) First Prize / Global Winner US/International Business & Economics Economics
Competition Marshall Society Essay Competition Marshall Society Essay Competition Winner / First Prize UK/International Business & Economics Economics
Competition LSESU Economics Society Essay Competition (LSESU Essay) LSESU Economics Society Essay Competition (LSESU Essay) Winner / First Prize UK/International Business & Economics Economics
Competition International Economics Association Student Essay Competition (IEA) International Economics Association Student Essay Competition (IEA) Winner / First Prize International Business & Economics Economics
Competition Royal Economic Society Young Economist of the Year Royal Economic Society Young Economist of the Year Winner / Young Economist of the Year UK/International Business & Economics Economics
Competition British Columbia Chemistry Olympiad (BCCO) British Columbia Chemistry Olympiad (BCCO) Champion / Gold Medal CAN Chemistry Chemistry
Competition USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Silver Division US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Codeforces Programming Contests (CF) Codeforces Programming Contests (CF) International Master / Grandmaster / Contest Winner International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition American Computer Science League (ACSL) American Computer Science League (ACSL) All-Star Contest Champion / Senior Division Champion US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Topcoder Competitive Programming Topcoder Competitive Programming Topcoder Open Champion / Grandmaster US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition National Youth Cybersecurity Competition National Youth Cybersecurity Competition Cybersecurity challenge awards CHN Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC) Oxford University Computing Challenge (OUCC) Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition American Design and Manufacturing Challenge (ADMC) American Design and Manufacturing Challenge (ADMC) National Champion / Grand Prize US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition National Robotics Challenge (NRC) National Robotics Challenge (NRC) National Champion / Grand Champion US Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition RoboRAVE International RoboRAVE International World Champion / Gold Medal US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Botball Educational Robotics Program Botball Educational Robotics Program Global Champion / First Place US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Odyssey of the Mind (OM) Odyssey of the Mind (OM) World Finals Champion US/International General / Interdisciplinary Arts
Competition Future Business Leaders of America China (FBLA China) Future Business Leaders of America China (FBLA China) Regional/national awards in business events CHN General / Interdisciplinary Business | Leadership
Competition Destination Imagination China (DI China) Destination Imagination China (DI China) Regional and national creative problem-solving awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Creativity | Team Problem Solving
Competition Odyssey of the Mind China (OM China) Odyssey of the Mind China (OM China) Regional and national creative problem-solving awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Creativity | Team Problem Solving
Competition World Bank Ideas for Action (I4A) World Bank Ideas for Action (I4A) Global Winner International General / Interdisciplinary Economics | Policy
Competition + National Youth Vehicle Model Education Competition Regional and national vehicle model awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Engineering | Model Design
Competition Academic Decathlon State Competition Academic Decathlon State Competition State Event Golds US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition National Merit Scholarship Program National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition + National AP Scholar at Junior Year US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition The World Scholar's Cup (WSC) The World Scholar's Cup (WSC) Tournament of Champions Champion International General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW) Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW) Global Winner / Best of Show US/International General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition National Youth Creative Programming and Intelligent Design Competition National Youth Creative Programming and Intelligent Design Competition Programming and intelligent design awards CHN General / Interdisciplinary Programming | Design
Competition China Thinks Big (CTB) China Thinks Big (CTB) Global Finalist / National Champion CHN General / Interdisciplinary Research | Social Innovation
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition Regional (FTC) FIRST Robotics Competition Regional (FTC) Regional Championship Top 5 US General / Interdisciplinary Robotics | Leadership
Competition + National Latin / Spanish / French Exam US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition + National English Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students (NEPCS) School, regional, and national awards CHN Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) Global Winner / Gold Award US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition The New York Times Student Writing Contests The New York Times Student Writing Contests Winner / Finalist US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition + Chinese Newspaper Cup “New Era Youth” National Essay Contest Preliminary and national final awards CHN Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition + High School Mathematics Competition (HSMC) US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition + American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) Qualification US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10/12 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10/12 School Winner US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge UK Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) AUS Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC) Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC) National Champion / Gold Medal Canada/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Duke University Math Meet (DUMM) Duke University Math Meet (DUMM) Overall Champion / First Place US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Hope Cup National Mathematics Invitational Hope Cup National Mathematics Invitational National or regional awards CHN Mathematics Mathematics
Competition United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Junior Mathematical Challenge (UKMT JMC) United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Junior Mathematical Challenge (UKMT JMC) Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Ritangle Mathematics Competition Ritangle Mathematics Competition Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK Mathematics Mathematics
Competition + Senior Physics Challenge (Y12) UK Physics Physics
Competition National Model Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference for High School Students (Model CPPCC) National Model Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference for High School Students (Model CPPCC) Outstanding proposal, outstanding delegate, team awards CHN Social Science & Policy Civic Engagement | Public Policy
Competition National High School Debate League of China (NHSDLC) National High School Debate League of China (NHSDLC) National Champion / Best Speaker CHN Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition Oxford Schools' Debating Competition Oxford Schools' Debating Competition Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition Cambridge Schools Debating Competition Cambridge Schools Debating Competition Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition + National Youth Rule of Law Knowledge Competition Knowledge contest awards or team recognition CHN Social Science & Policy Law | Civics
Competition Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest (HIR) Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest (HIR) Gold Medal / Global Winner US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition MIT Model United Nations Conference (MITMUN) MIT Model United Nations Conference (MITMUN) Best Delegate / Outstanding Delegate US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition American Society of Human Genetics DNA Day Essay Contest (ASHG Essay) American Society of Human Genetics DNA Day Essay Contest (ASHG Essay) First Place Winner US/International STEM Biology | Genetics
Competition Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest Gold Award / Grand Prize US/International STEM Environmental Studies
Competition + National Youth Water Technology Invention Competition and Stockholm Junior Water Prize China Selection (SJWP China) China selection awards; potential international pathway CHN STEM Environmental Studies
Competition International Social Science Competition for Youth (ISSCY) International Social Science Competition for Youth (ISSCY) Global Winner / Gold Award US/International STEM Social Science
Competition National Science Bowl (NSB) National Science Bowl (NSB) National Qualification US STEM STEM
Competition International Movement for Leisure Activities in Science and Technology (MILSET) International Movement for Leisure Activities in Science and Technology (MILSET) Gold Medal / Grand Award International STEM STEM
Competition National Youth Science Imaging Festival National Youth Science Imaging Festival Science video/photo project awards CHN STEM STEM
Achievement Signal
TIER 3 Some effort involved, but not uncommon
22 Activities
Competition + All-County music US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK Arts & Design Arts
Competition Global Canvas Children’s Art Competition Global Canvas Children’s Art Competition Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK/International Arts & Design Arts
Competition Biology Challenge Biology Challenge UK/International Biology Biology
Competition DECA Idea Challenge DECA Idea Challenge Global Winner International Business & Economics Business
Competition London Institute of Banking & Finance Student Investor Challenge (LIBF) London Institute of Banking & Finance Student Investor Challenge (LIBF) National Champion / Portfolio Winner UK Business & Economics Business
Competition Model Entrepreneur Competition (MEC) Model Entrepreneur Competition (MEC) Champion / Grand Prize International Business & Economics Business
Competition International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) High Distinction / National Champion AUS/International Chemistry Chemistry
Competition USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Silver Division Qualification US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Bebras Computing Challenge Bebras Computing Challenge Best in School / National Distinction International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition BotsIQ / BattleBots IQ BotsIQ / BattleBots IQ National Champion / Grand Champion US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Youth Maker Youth Maker Grand Prize Winner US/International Computer Science & Engineering Maker | Engineering
Competition + National Youth Anti-Drug Knowledge Competition Knowledge contest results or participation recognition CHN General / Interdisciplinary Civic Education | Health
Competition Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest (JASNA Essay) Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest (JASNA Essay) First Place / Grand Prize US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Faulkner Society Writing Competition Faulkner Society Writing Competition Overall Winner / Gold Medal US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests (JEA) Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests (JEA) Superior Award / First Place US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition International Essay Contest for Young People (IES) International Essay Contest for Young People (IES) First Prize / Grand Prize Japan/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest (HSPPC) AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest (HSPPC) First Place Winner US/International Physics Physics
Competition Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest First Place / Winner US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition National Model United Nations (NMUN) National Model United Nations (NMUN) Outstanding Delegation / Best Delegate US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition Royal Geographical Society Young Geographer of the Year (YGY) Royal Geographical Society Young Geographer of the Year (YGY) Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK STEM Environmental Studies
Competition Big Science Competition Big Science Competition AUS STEM STEM
Achievement Signal
TIER 2 Your average go-getter
9 Activities
Competition + Local awards / Trophies US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition History Day Regional History Day Regional Top 3 US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition + Writing Contest Recognition US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Young Writers USA Writing Competition (Young Writers) Young Writers USA Writing Competition (Young Writers) National Winner / Published Winner US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Global Writing Youth Program (GWY) Global Writing Youth Program (GWY) Global Winner / First Prize International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition + Immerse Education Essay Competition Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition + Oxford Royale Essay Competition Award level, high score, finalist/shortlist status, team placement, portfolio output, or sustained participation can be used as admissions evidence. UK/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Math Kangaroo Competition Math Kangaroo Competition Perfect Score / National Winner International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Caribou Mathematics Contest Caribou Mathematics Contest Perfect Score / International Champion Canada/International Mathematics Mathematics
Achievement Signal
TIER 1 Common activities
3 Activities
Competition International Association for College Admission Counseling International Association for College Admission Counseling Selected Presenter / Conference Recognition International General / Interdisciplinary Career & Professional
Competition + School Academic Award / Honor Roll US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition National Merit Scholarship Program National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Scholar US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary