HUMANITIES COMPETITIONS

Participating in competitions can significantly enhance a student’s profile for college admissions. 

Participating in competitions can significantly enhance a student’s profile for college admissions. 

Well-Known Competitions

Model United Nations (MUN)

  • Overview: MUN is an educational simulation of the United Nations where students participate as delegates representing different countries and engage in debates on global issues.
  • Category: International Relations

International History Olympiad

  • Overview: A global competition that brings together students who excel in history through challenging exams, essay writing, and a quiz bowl.
  • Category: History

Philosophy Olympiad

  • Overview: Encourages students to explore philosophical questions and engage in critical thinking.
  • Category: Essay writing and philosophy 

The International Geography Bee

  • Overview: A competition that tests students’ knowledge of geography through a series of challenging questions.
  • Category: Geography

Writing Competitions

Writing competitions for middle and high school students offer a platform for young writers to showcase their creativity. Participants craft stories, poems, or essays based on various themes and prompts. These contests focus on creativity, coherence, and originality, providing valuable feedback and recognition. Often organized by educational or literary organizations, they offer opportunities for publication and foster a love for writing while building a community of emerging literary voices.

If you’re considering humanities competitions and do not know where to start, Can-Star Academy provides opportunities to join teams and receive training for these competitions. Some of our popular preparation courses include:

 

1 Writing competition foundation course

This course is taught by experienced writers. They aim to inspire a love for writing while nurturing individual expression.

The goals of the course are:

Competitions that draw upon the skills learned are:

01

The Bennington College Young Writers Awards

The Bennington College Young Writers Awards is an annual competition organized by Bennington College in Vermont, USA. This competition is designed to recognize and celebrate the literary achievements of young writers in various genres.

02

John Locke Essay Competition

The John Locke Institute hosts an annual essay competition designed to encourage students to engage with philosophical ideas and develop their critical thinking and writing skills. The John Locke Essay Competition is typically open to students in various age groups, ranging from high school students to undergraduates.

2. Common Core Reading Program (G8-G12)

For any humanities competition, the best way to prepare is to read in as many areas as possible. Common Core Reading refers to a set of academic standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. The course emphasizes a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn.

Instructors of the course will do guided reading with students throughout the year. 10 books in history, philosophy, science, social studies, and literature will be covered. While inspiring students to enjoy reading, the course also focuses on developing students’ proficiency in:

This course prepares students for college by developing strong analytical and comprehension skills.

 

Price

 

 Small classOne-on-One
Writing competition foundation course

$50 per hour

2 hours per week, could be paired with one-on-one editing

$100 per hour
Common Core Reading Program (G8-G12)

$50 per hour

2 hours per week, year round

Typically instructors spend 20 hours on one book.

$100 per hour

Pricing

 
Small class
One-on-One
Writing competition foundation course

50 per hour

2 hours per week, could be paired with one-on-one editing

100 per hour

Common Core Reading Program (G8-G12)

50 per hour

2 hours per week, year round

Typically instructors spend 20 hours on one book.

100 per hour