Who: Students who are just getting started

What: You write a 1,000-word essay going into any part of the 100-year history of AFSA's mission that explains why a specific region of AFSA operations failed or succeeded in meeting foreign policy goals. You will also need to present an argument for how these goals would be better attained. It's not as intensive as doing model UN, but it's still a chance to demonstrate your interest in the field.

Deadline: Apr. 3, 2023

Reference: https://afsa.org/essay-contest

Who: Students who cannot commit a lot of time

What: This is a 12-hour business idea competition that is open globally to anyone ages 14-19 and in high school (you prepare for longer than this, but it's not like a major conference). You present an idea and your team solves the idea using your unique combination of backgrounds and talents. Though not strictly business, you can see from past winner videos that a big part of this is taking an idea or solution and tracing out the steps to create a viable revenue stream.

Deadline: Mar. 31, 2023

Reference: https://entreplanet.org/GYEC

Who: Students who are just starting out

What: This is a contest with essay and video categories. There are three topics to choose from, and you can either write a 500-1,000 word essay or make a 1-3 minute video. If you're shooting for Tier 2 schools, even just participating in events like these will give you subject-relevant experience to talk about in your supplementals. 

Deadline: Mar. 31, 2023

Reference: https://stosselintheclassroom.org/student-contests

Who: Students who are just starting out

What: This is interesting because it's a free contest. Define something that uses a problem using design cues from adaptations found in nature. Excellent experience for future STEM hopefuls and a win would be a great thing for any serious applications. 

Deadline: Mar. 28, 2023

Reference: https://youthchallenge.biomimicry.org/en/page/award-winners-en