In today’s competitive academic landscape, students aiming for humanities programs need to go beyond good grades. Engaging in prestigious competitions can help showcase analytical thinking, writing skills, creativity, and leadership—key qualities that top universities look for.
If you’re passionate about subjects like history, philosophy, literature, or debate, these competitions are excellent opportunities to sharpen your skills and enhance your college applications.
1. National History Day (NHD) 📜
- What it is: A research-based competition where students explore historical topics and present their findings through papers, exhibits, performances, or documentaries.
- Who can join: Middle and high school students.
- Why it matters: Winners receive scholarships, recognition, and a chance to compete at the national level.
- Website: nhd.org
2. John Locke Institute Essay Competition ✍️
- What it is: A prestigious international essay competition covering philosophy, politics, economics, and history.
- Who can join: Students aged 15-18.
- Why it matters: Winning essays are recognized worldwide and enhance college applications.
- Website: johnlockeinstitute.com
3. The Concord Review (TCR) 🏛️
- What it is: A journal that publishes outstanding history research papers written by high school students.
- Who can join: High school students who have written exceptional history essays.
- Why it matters: Being published in TCR is highly prestigious and valued by top universities.
- Website: tcr.org
4. National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) 🗣️
- What it is: The largest speech and debate competition in the U.S., covering categories like policy debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, and extemporaneous speaking.
- Who can join: Middle and high school students.
- Why it matters: Develops public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills.
- Website: speechanddebate.org
5. Poetry Out Loud 🎤
- What it is: A national poetry recitation contest that encourages students to develop a love for poetry and spoken word.
- Who can join: High school students.
- Why it matters: The national champion wins $20,000, and it’s a great way to showcase performance and literary skills.
- Website: poetryoutloud.org
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