U.S. History & Politics Contests to Boost Your Ivy Odds

Whether it’s pursuing summer programs, college classes, volunteer opportunities, paid work experience, or leadership in student organizations, high school students are BUSY. However, one of the best ways to distinguish yourself as a high-impact scholar during the college application process doesn’t require a major time commitment–entering (and winning) contests.

Contests are a great way to add a “gold star” to your applications, a representation of your academic prowess and a signal to universities that you are ready for college-level work. In January, we shared some contests related to STEM fields and the humanities, and as July 4^th approaches, I wanted to share some contests and programs specifically connected to U.S. history and politics.

For any students considering majors in history, political science, international relations, or even tangentially-related subjects like sociology, ethnic studies, and economics, these programs represent a great opportunity to showcase your abilities as a writer, researcher, critical thinker, and connector of concepts.

TOP U.S HISTORY & POLITICS CONTESTS & PROGRAMS TO BOOST YOUR IVY ODDS

We previously highlighted National History Day and the John Locke Essay Contest in our “Top Humanities/Social Science Contests to Boost Your Ivy Odds” blog, which are both fantastic outlets for students trying to flex their academic muscles. Below is a list of additional contests and programs that will allow you to strengthen your academic focus, round out your application, and play in the sandbox of inquiry and analysis that is history and politics.

1. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: A contest focused on the concept of political courage, in which students are asked to profile a politician who they believe did what was right, rather than what was easy or expedient, especially in the face of outside pressure. Judges look at content (emphasizing understanding of “courage” and the author’s creativity) as well as presentation. This contest is open to students in grades nine through twelve, and has several prizes available, up to $10,000 for first place. (Contest opens September 1^st, Entries due mid-January).
2. Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest: In this contest, students must not only write an original speech about an event, personality or document related to the Revolutionary War (and connect it to modern America), they must also recite the oration from memory without the use of notes or props. There are preliminary (state and regional rounds) followed by a national-level contest for those selected as regional winners. Open to all high-school aged students, with cash prizes (and medals) available. (Regional contests start in January, finalists selected June 1^st)
3. Voice of Democracy (VOD) Audio Essay Contest: This contest was created by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The topic changes annually, though it is always broad to encourage creativity, and always patriotic in nature (the 2024-2025 theme is Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?). Students must write an essay and then record themselves reading it. State-level contest winners advance to national-level contest, with over $3 million available in prizes. Open to all high school students. (Entry form required before submissions, recorded essays due to state-level chapter by October 31^st)
4. David McCullough Essay Contests: This dual-pronged essay contest gives students the opportunity to choose between a research essay and an interpretive essay. The competition is open only to students from “affiliate schools”, and essays are judged first by teachers and then a “jury of eminent historians.” Cash prizes available, though all participants receive a certificate. (Entries due June 28^th, winners announced by September 13^th)
5. Local Letters for Global Change: A contest focused on practical outcomes, in this program students (grades K-12) are asked to write a letter to a local elected representative. In their letters, students must indicate a global issue they want prioritized, connect that issue to their own community, and propose actions toward a resolution. Small cash prizes, with all letters published to the Pulitzer Center website (contest opens in fall of each year, with a deadline around November 12^th).

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to historical and political competitions, so use these as a jumping off point for your exploration of opportunities. Look for platforms that allow you to express your creative side as well as your academic passion, and don’t wait until late junior year to throw your hat in the ring. These contests are about more than looking good on college apps. They are fundamentally about engaging in a broader conversation with people who share your interests, and growing your academic skills. Have fun!

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