Chemistry Competitions for High School Students
EC Finder currently lists 17 chemistry competitions for high school students. Of these, 16 are free to participate in and 8 offer virtual participation. Examples include ACS National Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp, ACS U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO), and ChemMatters Magazine Student Writing Contest.
- 17
- listed
- 16
- free
- 8
- virtual
- 17
- with a listed deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are chemistry competitions for high school students?
- Chemistry Competitions for High School Students are curated extracurricular listings for high school students interested in chemistry. Each listing includes eligibility, cost, and deadline details where known, so you can compare options and find the right fit for your college application profile.
- Are any of these competitions free?
- Yes — 16 of the 17 competitions listed here are free to participate in.
- Can I participate virtually?
- Yes — 8 of the 17 competitions listed here offer virtual or online participation.
- Are chemistry competitions good for a college application?
- Yes — chemistry competitions are a common way for high schoolers to show sustained interest and initiative in chemistry on college applications.
17 activities found·Browse by category
ACS National Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp
Invitation-only training camp for top USNCO performers preparing for International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO).
ACS U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)
The premier national chemistry exam; progression from local section to national camp and possible IChO team. Requires deep problem-solving and independent study.
ChemMatters Magazine Student Writing Contest
Annual writing contest by ACS where students explain chemistry concepts and their real-world applications, with winners published in ChemMatters magazine.
Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge
Entrepreneurship and innovation competition where students create products addressing global challenges, with mentorship from NASA and industry experts.
Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Prestigious scholarship recognizing extraordinary young people who have completed significant projects in STEM, including chemistry research, with awards up to $50,000.
ExploraVision
Science competition where students envision future technology by researching current science and extrapolating 20 years into the future, sponsored by Toshiba.
International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)
Elite international chemistry competition for top 4 USNCO performers representing the USA, featuring experimental and theoretical chemistry challenges.
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
World's largest pre-college STEM competition where students present original research projects, with winners earning scholarships and recognition.
ISC3 Innovation Challenge in Sustainable Chemistry
Design challenge where students develop sustainable chemistry solutions to real-world problems, focusing on green chemistry principles and innovation.
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) - Northern California Region
Selective research paper and presentation competition; NorCal regional winners advance to nationals; strong chemistry category.
National Science Bowl
Fast-paced academic competition testing knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and earth/space science with regional and national tournaments.
National Science Bowl - Bay Area Regional
DOE-run, fast-paced quiz competition with heavy chemistry content; NorCal teams compete at regional site then nationals.
Northern California Science Olympiad - Chem Events
Team-based competition with specific chemistry events (Chem Lab, Forensics, etc.); high-level teams train intensively all year.
Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Widely considered the top U.S. science research competition for high school seniors; requires a completed original research paper, including chem/biochem.
Synopsys Championship - Santa Clara Valley Science & Engineering Fair
Very competitive ISEF-affiliated fair for Santa Clara County; many high-level chemistry projects.
U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)
Premier national chemistry competition organized by ACS with local, national, and international levels, testing conceptual understanding and laboratory skills.
You Be The Chemist Challenge
National academic competition for grades 5-8 testing chemistry knowledge through multiple-choice questions, with regional and national finals.
ECFinder provides links to outside extracurricular opportunities for informational purposes only. Students and families should research each program before applying. ECFinder does not operate or control the listed organizations and is not responsible for their actions or policies.