Competitions give you real credentials before college. They show initiative, build finance skills, and are genuinely impressive on applications and resumes.
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Wharton Global Youth Investment Competition
Students build and pitch a mock investment portfolio, analyzing real companies and presenting a buy/sell thesis to a panel of judges. One of the most well-known high school finance competitions in the country.
Who can enter
High school students worldwide, typically in teams of 3-5.
Why it matters for finance
Wharton's name carries serious weight on a finance resume. Top performers get recognized by college admissions committees and Wall Street recruiters alike.
How to sign up
Apply through the Wharton Global Youth Program website. Teams register before the fall deadline.
Mathematical Association of America
AMC (American Mathematics Competition)
The AMC is a nationwide math competition that serves as the entry point for the USA Mathematical Olympiad. Not finance-specific, but essential if you want to go into quantitative finance, trading, or any data-heavy role.
Who can enter
Any high school student. AMC 10 for grades 10 and below, AMC 12 for all high schoolers.
Why it matters for finance
Quant funds like Jane Street, Citadel, and Two Sigma recruit heavily from students with strong math competition backgrounds. A high AMC score is a real differentiator.
How to sign up
Register through your school's math department or directly at maa.org. Offered every November.
Council for Economic Education
National Economics Challenge
A team-based competition testing economics knowledge across micro, macro, and international economics. Think: national championship for students who understand how markets and policy actually work.
Who can enter
High school students in the US, competing in teams of 4 through state qualifying rounds.
Why it matters for finance
Shows college admissions and future employers that you have real economic reasoning skills, not just textbook knowledge. Great for students interested in macro, policy, or banking.
How to sign up
Sign up through your school or state council at councilforeconed.org. Competition runs in spring.
DECA prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through role-play competitions and case studies. Their finance-focused events cover personal financial literacy, accounting, and business analysis.
Who can enter
Any high school student. Chapters exist at thousands of schools. You compete at the school, state, and national level.
Why it matters for finance
DECA alumni are all over Wall Street. It teaches professional presentation, business judgment, and real-world case analysis. Colleges love it and employers recognize it.
How to sign up
Join or start a DECA chapter at your school at deca.org. Competitions run throughout the school year.
FBLA-PBL
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
FBLA is the largest career student business organization in the world. Events include Finance, Banking and Financial Systems, Securities and Investments, and Accounting. You compete locally, regionally, and at nationals.
Who can enter
High school students across the US. You join a chapter at your school or help start one.
Why it matters for finance
Placing in FBLA finance events signals genuine interest and preparation in business. Many finance professionals started their career journey here.
How to sign up
Join through your school's chapter or find one near you at fbla.org. National Leadership Conference is held each summer.
SIFMA Foundation
Stock Market Game
Teams manage a virtual $100,000 investment portfolio over 10 weeks, making real buy and sell decisions based on market conditions. It is the most widely used financial education simulation in US schools.
Who can enter
Students in grades 4-12, but the high school division is the most competitive. Teams of 2-5 students.
Why it matters for finance
Hands-on experience managing a portfolio teaches risk management, market analysis, and investment strategy in a consequence-free environment. Great prep for interview questions about markets.
How to sign up
Register as a team at stockmarketgame.org. Runs in both fall and spring semesters.
CFA Institute
CFA Institute Research Challenge
Teams of college students research a publicly listed company and present an equity research report to a panel of industry professionals. It is the gold standard of undergraduate finance competitions.
Who can enter
College students only. Mentioned here as a goal to work toward after high school.
Why it matters for finance
Placing in the CFA Research Challenge is a major credential for investment banking and asset management recruiting. If you are in high school, work toward this as your college competition.
How to sign up
Register through your university's finance or investment club once you are in college at cfainstitute.org.