Top Competitions and Achievements for Ivy Leagues
(Tier 1 Level)
International Olympiads
These are globally recognized and represent the absolute top of academic excellence.
1. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
2. International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)
3. International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)
4. International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
5. International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)
National qualifiers like USAMO, USAPhO, USNCO, USABO, and USACO Gold/Platinum are
also top-tier.
Scientific Research Competitions
1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (formerly Intel STS) – Top 40 Finalists are
national elites; one of the best STEM honors possible for a U.S. high schooler.
2. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalist or Grand
Award Winner – Top 1,500 global students compete; finalists are viewed as
near-Olympiad level.
3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship – For extraordinary projects in science, math,
literature, or music.
4. MIT THINK Scholars Program – Highly selective, research-based competition for
original STEM projects.
5. Siemens Competition (historical) – Previously major, now integrated into
Regeneron.
Artistic & Musical Achievements
1. Soloist or Performer at Carnegie Hall / Lincoln Center / Kennedy Center –
Represents national/international-level artistic excellence.
2. Winner of International Youth Music Competitions (e.g., Chopin, Menuhin,
Tchaikovsky Junior, or Yamaha Global Competition)
3. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards – National Gold Medal
4. YoungArts Finalist (National YoungArts Foundation) – Recognized by
Presidential Scholars Program.
Writing, Humanities & Literature
1. Published Author (book, journal, or nationally recognized magazine) –
Especially impressive if independently achieved.
2. National Gold Medal – Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
3. John Locke Essay Competition (Global Finalist / Winner)
4. The Concord Review publication (academic history essays)
5. New York Times Student Editorial / STEM Writing Contest (Finalist / Winner)
Computer Science & Technology
1. Google Code Jam / Facebook Hacker Cup (high placement)
2. USACO Gold / Platinum Division
3. MIT Battlecode or similar CS tournaments
4. Patent Pending or Filed Invention (Independent) – Shows real-world innovation.
5. National Cyber Scholarship Competition (Finalist)
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
1. Patent Filed / Patent Pending (without parental involvement)
2. Startup recognized by national media or funded by accelerator (e.g., Y
Combinator, MIT Launch)
3. Diamond Challenge / Conrad Challenge (Finalist / Winner)
4. Blue Ocean Entrepreneurship Competition (Finalist)
National-Level Academic Recognition
1. USAMO / USAPhO / USNCO / USABO Qualifier or Medalist
2. National Merit Scholar (Top 1%)
3. National-level subject Olympiad medals (Math, Physics, Chemistry, etc.)
4. National Debate / Speech Champion (NSDA Nationals, TOC, Harvard
Tournament Finalist)
5. National History Day Winner or Finalist
Other Exceptional Distinctions
1. Research Published in a Peer-Reviewed Journal (especially first author)
2. Invited Speaker at a recognized academic conference (youth or collegiate level)
3. Founder of impactful non-profit with measurable outcomes
4. Recognized by government or major organizations (UNICEF, WHO, etc.)
5. Presidential Scholar / National Award of Excellence
