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Win More. Get Noticed. Get In.
Stand out in college admissions with one-on-one expert competition coaching, whether you're just getting started or preparing for the national or international stage.
What It Takes to Win
- Clear Communication: Translating complex ideas into compelling presentations
- Strategic Preparation: Knowing what judges actually reward
- Subject Mastery: Depth that goes beyond the classroom
- Performance Under Pressure: Staying sharp when it counts
How Nova Competition Mentorship Works
Personalized coaching designed to help you win: from your first competition to internationals.
[CUT] What Ongoing Mentorship Provides
With Nova Competition Mentorship, you'll develop:
Deep subject knowledge combined with insider understanding of what judges and evaluators actually look for at each competition level.
Polished presentations, research posters, essays, problem sets, or complete submission packages that meet all technical requirements and stand out.
The ability to present clearly under pressure, answer challenging questions with prepared responses, and handle unexpected situations during judging or testing.
Already Have a research paper?
Turn your research into a competition-ready package in four weeks, guided by ISEF finalists and winners.
Learn competition requirements, decide your ISEF category, and map out your project: title, question, methods, results, and visuals.
Create a clear, well-organized poster with strong visuals and section headings that judges can follow at a glance.
Write a 2-3 minute script to present your project. Anticipate common judge questions, draft strong responses, and rehearse out loud.
Complete a final review of your poster and script, confirm all requirements are met, and walk in ready to win.
[DELETE] See How Mentorship Transforms Competition Prep
Case Study: Research Paper → State Champion and ISEF Qualification
Imrahim X : A high school junior with cellular biology research on antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Strong science, but unsure how to present it effectively for competition.
The Challenge: Text-heavy poster, unstructured delivery, and no strategy for handling technical questions from judges.
The Mentorship Process:
• Weeks 1-2: Restructured presentation around judge priorities—clear hypothesis, compelling visuals, practical implications.
Week 2: Redesigned research poster for visual impact, focusing on data visualization.
• Weeks 3 -4: Prepared responses to 30+ judge questions through mock judging sessions focused on delivery, body language, and handling unexpected questions.
The Result: The student won first place at the state science fair and qualified for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Judge feedback specifically cited "exceptional clarity of presentation" and "thorough understanding demonstrated during Q&A."
Key Takeaway: Strong research gets you in the room. Strategic presentation and confident performance win competitions.
Explore Competition Categories
Build algorithmic thinking, coding ability, and mathematical problem-solving skills.
- USACO (USA Computing Olympiad)
- Congressional App Challenge (national coding competition hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives)
- AMC / AIME / USAMO / IMO (Progression from broad U.S. math contests )
Develop research skills and deep biological knowledge.
- Brain Bee (premier neuroscience knowledge competition)
- ISEF (World’s largest and most prestigious STEM research competition)
- USABO (USA Biology Olympiad)
- HOSA (Future Health Professionals; events in medical terminology, clinical skills, and health knowledge)
Develop problem-solving and mastery in sciences like physics, chemistry, and astronomy.
- F = ma → USAPhO → IPhO (U.S. physics contest sequence leading to the International Physics Olympiad)
- USNCO → IChO (U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad leading to the International Chemistry Olympiad)
- Regeneron STS (prestigious individual research competition for high school seniors)
Build critical thinking, persuasive speaking, and argumentation skills.
- Public Forum Debate (team-based debate focused on timely public issues)
- Lincoln-Douglas Debate (one-on-one debate centered on values, ethics, and philosophy)
- Model UN (global diplomacy simulation emphasizing negotiation and policy analysis)
Develop creative and analytical writing ability.
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (Nation’s longest-running creative competition)
- John Locke Essay Competition (international philosophy and humanities essay contest)
- The Concord Review (prestigious journal publishing exceptional high school historical research)
- National History Day (historical analysis and presentation competition)
Build business acumen through case studies, entrepreneurship, and economic analysis.
- DECA (Global business competition across marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship)
- FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America; national business and leadership events)
- Conrad Challenge (innovation and entrepreneurship competition for student-led startups)
These are just a few of the 150+ competitions we support.
Nova offers multiple programs to support students in exploring their passions
Build a mobile application or 3D printed invention in that makes a positive impact on your community and the world. Your novel innovation will achieves 'patent pending' status.
Engage in advanced research and write a ~5,000-word, college-level research paper. Students learn essential research methodologies, gain in-depth knowledge in their field, receive support for paper for publication.
Dive into AI fundamentals and essential computer science skills, building a strong foundation in transformative technology and gaining practical experience through a hands-on AI project.
Need help Deciding?
- Identify the best competitions that match your interests, strengths, and college goals
- Understand timelines and requirements so you can plan realistically
- Map out a realistic path based on your current level and available time
Who Thrives with Competition Mentorship
This mentorship is designed for motivated middle and high school students who are serious about competition success.
You've identified a subject or competition type that interests you: medicine, computer science, mathematics, debate, engineering, or another field.
Competition success requires 5-10+ hours per week for preparation and practice, including mentor sessions, independent work, and presentation practice.
Some competitions require prior work, like a finished project for ISEF or qualifying scores for USAMO. We'll discuss whether this applies during your assessment.
Not Sure If You're Ready? Schedule a free assessment call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Win?
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