Want to build a standout engineering profile? High school is the moment to experiment, innovate, and showcase genuine problem‑solving talent. Admissions officers look for sustained achievement—not cookie‑cutter contests. These national and international competitions can demonstrate that depth and passion.

Our Handpicked Engineering Competitions

Here’s a curated list of competitions that spotlight serious engineering promise:

Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

• Organizer: Society for Science
• 2026 Deadline: Applications open June 1, submit by Nov 6, 2025 (8 pm ET) 
• What It Is: Prestigious national research competition for original STEM work
• Why It Matters: Top awards exceed $250K; foundational for engineering portfolios. 

‍Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)

• Organizer: Society for Science
• 2026 Event: May 11–17, 2026 in Phoenix 
• What It Is: Global science fair featuring student-led innovation across engineering
• Why It Matters: Connects finalists with industry and university mentors

‍Society for Science Affiliated STEM Competitions

• Beyond STS & ISEF, Society for Science sponsors regional fairs 
• Why It Matters: Top regional students qualify for ISEF—essential for zonal recognition

‍Solar Car Challenge (US) / American Solar Challenge / Formula Sun GP

• Organizer: Innovators Educational Foundation
• 2025-26 Key Dates (next year’s dates should be similar):
  
  • Intent to Race: Jan 31, 2025
  • Registration deadlines vary by region (e.g., Clark County closes Dec 1, 2025) 
• What It Is: Design/build/race solar-powered vehicles—track & road events
• Why It Matters: Demonstrates hands-on engineering, teamwork, and renewable tech skills

‍Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (Australia)

• Organizer: World Solar Challenge
• Next Race: August 24–31, 2025 
• What It Is: 3,022 km solar car race through Australian outback
• Why It Matters: International-scale project; highlights energy efficiency and design

Engineering Innovation Competitions

• Includes FIRST Robotics, VEX Robotics, MIT THINK Scholars, and more
• Why They Matter: These hands-on contests align well with college engineering expectations

Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP)

• Organizer: Innovators Educational Foundation
• 2025 Event: July 16–18, 2024 (qualifier for ASC); next timetable TBD 
• What It Is: Solar car track race; qualifier for long-distance ASC
• Why It Matters: Emphasizes race design, endurance, and performance under timed conditions

Regional Science & Engineering Fairs (e.g., Iowa, Arizona)

• Examples:
  
  • Iowa Fair deadline Feb 22, 2026 
  • Arizona Fair registration opens early Feb, concludes Mar 11, 2026 
• What It Is: Local-to-state STEM showcases leading to ISEF
• Why It Matters: Regional recognition builds credentials and finalist potential

‍UCI Solar Car Project – High School Mentorship

• Organizer: UCI Engineering
• 2025-26 Participation: Applications closed May but open annually
• What It Is: High school mentorship with a collegiate solar-build team
• Why It Matters: Boosts resumes with real collaboration and project exposure

International Solar Car Challenges

• Organizer: Sasol Solar Challenge
• Next Race: Biennial—Teams from 2026 onward can sign on 
• What It Is: 2,500 km race from Johannesburg to Cape Town
• Why It Matters: Exposure to global engineering, logistics, and innovation strategies

Why These Stand Out for Future Engineers

• Real-world problem-solving: Each competition challenges you to develop usable, impactful solutions.
• Depth over breadth: Full projects (vs. one-off tests) create compelling stories for essays and recommendations.
• Collaboration and leadership: Team-based formats spotlight interpersonal and project-management skills.
• Showcasing technical competence: Winning or participating demonstrates mastery in math, physics, coding, or design.

Pro Tips for Engineering Contest Success

• Choose strategically: Prioritize 2–3 serious ones rather than joining dozens superficially.
• Start early: Projects like STS and EWH need months of preparation.
• Seek mentorship: Science teachers, local engineers, or college partnerships can elevate your work.
• Think ahead: Document progress from research log to final presentation—it will shape essays and interviews.

Next Steps

• Identify competition(s) that align with your interests and timeline.
• Coordinate with STEM teachers or local mentors to support your entry.
• Block due dates in your calendar now—these can sneak up quickly!

Want Help Taking the Next Step?

At AtomicMind, our advisors support students in choosing the right engineering opportunities, creating authentic project journeys, and tying them into compelling application stories.

Ready to brainstorm your next project? Reach out and let’s build something awesome together.

About the Author: Alessandro graduated from Yale University with a major in History and earned his M.A. in International Economics and Politics at Johns Hopkins. While in college, he studied in the UK as a Visiting Student at Oxford University, and later served as a Yale Alumni Interviewer. Alessandro brings analytical depth, empathy, and creativity to his role of Head Advisor at AtomicMind, where he empowers students to craft powerful narratives grounded in authenticity and originality.