85% of Aralia Students Place in Top History Competitions
1. National History Day
National History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative presentation. Students choose a historical topic related to an annual theme and present their findings in several formats, such as an exhibit, documentary, performance, website, or paper. As one of the most prestigious historical research competitions in the United States, NHD offers students the chance to develop their research, analytical, and presentation skills through projects that explore a wide range of historical topics. For students interested in participating, we offer a comprehensive Guide to the National History Day 2024-2025. Additionally, our students have achieved remarkable success, winning multiple awards at the National History Day Regional Competition in Massachusetts.
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6-12.
Deadlines: Registration deadlines vary by state. Competitions typically culminate in the national finals held in June.
The contest is named in honor of David McCullough, a celebrated historian and author, a renowned historian and Pulitzer Prize winner who served as a Life Trustee of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. This competition encourages students to write essays on a significant historical topic, exploring themes of leadership, courage, and innovation.
Eligibility: High school students attending schools in their Affiliate School Program are eligible and encouraged to participate (more than 35,926 Affiliate Schools around the world).
Submission Deadlines: June 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM E.T
The International History Olympiad is a multi-day event with competitions, activities, and excursions for history enthusiasts. Events range from buzzer-based quiz competitions to historical simulations and exams.
Eligibility: For students residing in the US, students can qualify in one of three ways: (1) through the National History Bee and Bowl tournaments, (2) through the US History Bee, or (3) through the International History Olympiad Qualifying Exam.
For students residing outside of the US and foreign students residing in the US, they can qualify in one of two ways: (1) International History Bee and Bowl tournaments or (2) the International History Olympiad Qualifying Exam.
Timeline: For 2025, the International Olympiad will take place in Paris, France, from July 20-26, 2025
Unlock Your Writing Potential: Students in Our Writing Competition Preparation Class Are More Likely to Secure Awards
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest (JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest) is an annual writing competition sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. It is named in honor of President John F. Kennedy and his 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Profiles in Courage,” which profiles eight U.S. senators who demonstrated political courage. Essays are judged based on originality, historical accuracy, and adherence to the topic.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students in grades 9-12.
Submission Deadline: January 17, 2025
5. The United States History Bee
The United States History Bee is a buzzer-based quiz competition that tests students’ knowledge of U.S. history at a grade-appropriate level. Participants compete individually in regional and national tournaments.
Eligibility: Open to students in elementary, middle, and high school divisions.
Divisions: Varsity, Junior Varsity, 8th Grade, 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 5th Grade, 4th Grade, 3rd Grade and Younger
Deadlines: Regional competitions occur throughout the academic year, with national finals in the spring.
The National History Bowl is a team-based quiz competition focusing on a wide range of historical topics. Teams compete at regional events, with top performers advancing to the national championships.
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students in team-based formats. Teams that are entirely composed of 10th graders and younger play in the Junior Varsity Division.
Deadlines: Regional competitions occur during the school year, leading to national finals in the spring.
Organized by the World History Association, this essay contest encourages students to analyze a global historical event, figure, or process that has shaped the modern world. Students are invited to submit an essay that addresses the following topic and discuss how it relates to them and World History: In what way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which I live?
Eligibility: Open to students who are enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs
Submission Deadline: May 1 every year
Related articles: https://www.aralia.com/helpful-information/40-historical-research-topics/
8. Take History classes with Aralia
Aralia’s History instructors are inspired teachers and professors who are committed to student success. They are recognized in their field or are currently teaching at top high schools and colleges/universities in the US. One of the outstanding classes
The National History Day Preparation Program is a course designed to help students prepare for National History Day, a nationwide competition encouraging students to explore historical events and ideas.
