STEM competitions for high school students build skills, leadership, and research experience. Discover 15 top contests that boost college applications.

What if the hundreds of hours you spend attempting to achieve a high test score are more damaging to your college application than a low score? Each year, high-achieving juniors make the fatal strategic mistake of choosing the wrong exam. They spend months battling a test format that does not suit them, depleting mental energy t hat could have been used to create a standout profile. A strong SAT or ACT score is required for admission in 2026. However, you will not receive t