Unlock Your Academic Potential: Dominate the Academic Decathlon

Are you a well-rounded high school student with a wide variety of interests? Do you love thinking about how different academic subjects are connected? Maybe you’re drawn to the mathematical properties of music. Or love considering how different theories of Economics influence works of Literature. If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, the Academic Decathlon may be the competition for you!

The Academic Decathlon is one of the most academic competitions in the country. It is also unique in that it tests students on their knowledge of 10 different subjects. Not only does this make the Academic Decathlon the perfect competition for well-rounded students, but it also means that the winners of the Academic Decathlon receive a lot of praise and admiration for their accomplishments — which can be a powerful addition to your college resume!

If you’re an ambitious student intent on challenging yourself, you should familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the Academic Decathlon competition. In this article, we will review everything you need to know about the Academic Decathlon Program, including how the competition is structured, which subjects are covered, how to study effectively, and more. 

Introduction to the Academic Decathlon

Established in 1968, the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) is a world-renowned academic competition that fosters teamwork and multidisciplinary learning. High schoolers participate in teams of 9 and are eligible for individual and team awards throughout the competition. 

Competitions begin at the regional and state finals before progressing to the national Academic Decathlon. Each year, the United States Academic Decathlon chooses a theme to guide the content of its academic challenges, which is announced in early May. The theme for the 2024-25 Academic Decathlon is “Our Changing Climate.” 

Academic Decathlon's past themes have included: “Technology and Humanity” (2023-24), “The American Revolution and the New Nation” (2022-23), “Water: A Most Essential Resource” (2021-22), and “The Cold War” (2020-21).

What is the Academic Decathlon?

The Academic Decathlon consists of 10 challenges that test students’ expertise in 10 academic subjects: Art, Economics, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Science, Essay Writing, Speech, and Interview. 

Throughout the course of the competition, each student must take 7 multiple-choice exams, deliver a speech, write an essay, and sit for an interview. Then, after these 10 challenges, teams compete in the Super Quiz, a lively event that tests each Academic Decathlon team’s knowledge of the 10 subjects. 

The multidisciplinary nature of the Academic Decathlon demonstrates the importance of being a well-rounded student, capable of working with others, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and challenging yourself to approach problems creatively. Also, the fact that the Academic Decathlon is a nationwide competition teaches students about the value of diversity. Through camaraderie and competition, students learn how to work alongside people with cultural differences and appreciate a variety of worldviews in the process. 

Why the Academic Decathlon Matters

Throughout the course of the Academic Decathlon competition, students engage with complex topics guided by an overall theme. This fosters productive conversations about contemporary issues, such as “Our Changing Climate” or “Technology and Humanity.” 

Additionally, the multidisciplinary nature of this competition encourages students to consider questions holistically. This strengthens students’ creative problem-solving abilities and helps them develop an appreciation for diversity. By developing a nuanced understanding of how academic subjects relate to one another, students learn the value of pursuing a well-rounded education and considering other people’s perspectives. 

Through intense preparation and the actual competition, students learn valuable lessons about teamwork, effective communication, public speaking, and more. They also learn how to present themselves well and speak with confidence while presenting their arguments and perspectives most effectively. Overall, the Academic Decathlon is an important academic and cultural event that encourages teamwork, community, and holistic learning. 

Additionally, invited teams have the opportunity to win prestigious awards, and the winning team receives scholarships such as the Founders Scholarship and the Norman Katz Scholarship, further recognizing their academic excellence and dedication.

Do Colleges Care About Academic Decathlon?

College admission officers view academic competitions — especially prestigious competitions, such as the Academic Decathlon — very favorably in terms of extracurricular activities. After all, participating in the Academic Decathlon requires immense dedication, academic prowess, and a wide variety of skills. 

Furthermore, the skills developed throughout this competition—such as critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork, essay writing, and more—translate directly to classroom success. Overall, participating in this rigorous academic competition is a great way for students to set themselves apart from their peers during the college application process. 

Ambitious students may want to consider entering other academic competitions, such as Medical and Entrepreneurship Competitions for High School Students.

Is Academic Decathlon Good for the Ivy League?

Ivy League colleges and universities want to admit passionate students who’ve proven their academic potential in various contexts. Students who choose to participate in the Academic Decathlon demonstrate immense dedication, a passion for learning, and the ability to succeed in a variety of contexts. Furthermore, the prestigious awards earned throughout the Academic Decathlon serve as a testament to a student's capabilities and academic achievement. 

Overall, the Academic Decathlon sets you apart from your peers by highlighting your passion for learning and your willingness to challenge yourself beyond the typical high school curriculum. College admissions officers will be impressed by your diverse skill set, your capacity for in-depth analysis, and your drive to achieve at the highest levels. 

Preparing for the Academic Decathlon

Before you can compete in the Academic Decathlon, you need to have a team of 9 students, with three students who fall into each of the following categories: Honors (GPA of 3.80 or higher), Scholastic (GPA between 3.20 and 3.79), and Varsity (GPA of 3.20 or below). While some high schools enter the Academic Decathlon every year, other schools may not have a team. That doesn’t mean you can’t start your own, though! 

Building a Winning Strategy

It’s important to develop a study schedule early and to stick with it. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and devote extra time to areas where you struggle. Study alongside your teammates and seek out advice from your Academic Decathlon coach, teachers, and high school guidance counselor. 

Mastering the Events

In the spirit of multidisciplinary learning, the Academic Decathlon competition is composed of several testing formats. From multiple choice exams and written essays, to speeches and interviews, the Academic Decathlon tests a variety of skills in a variety of subjects. 

Tests of Knowledge

The Academic Decathlon includes 7 multiple-choice exams known as “Tests of Knowledge.” Each test is focused on a different subject: Art, Economics, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, and Social Science. 

The Academic Decathlon has an online Testing/Training Center where you can access study guides and other study resources. Invited teams are also given guidelines about what areas to focus on for each subject. Preparing for these “Tests of Knowledge” is great practice! After all, high schoolers have to take a lot of high-pressure tests throughout their high school careers, such as the SATs, ACTs, and various AP exams.

Speech

During the speech portion of the Academic Decathlon, students will be given four minutes to deliver a speech they’ve prepared on a topic of their choosing. Afterward, students will be asked to speak for an additional two minutes on a topic randomly assigned to them. 

Start preparing your speech early and practice often. Practice in front of a mirror so you can be aware of your body language and facial expressions. You may also want to take a video of yourself so you can take notes on how you can improve.  

Essay

Students will be given 50 minutes to write an essay in response to a prompt. The best essays will have a strong thesis, clear organization, and compelling evidence. The best way to prepare for the essay portion of this competition is to find practice essay prompts online and write timed responses. Take extra care to practice outlining essays and writing formal thesis statements. After all, even if you are a talented writer, you still need to figure out what you are going to say! 

If you’re a talented writer, you may also want to consider entering some other International Essay Writing Competitions for High School Students. 

Interview

During the interview portion of the Academic Decathlon, students will have 7 minutes to answer questions about themselves. These questions will cover topics such as your personal background, interests, and goals for the future. For this event, students will need to learn how to speak about themselves with confidence and poise. 

The best way to practice for the portion of this competition is to conduct mock interviews. Your Academic Decathlon coach and high school guidance counselor can be great people to turn to for this task.

Super Quiz

The final event of the Academic Decathlon is the Super Quiz. During this event, you and your teammates will take turns solving multiple-choice questions in front of a live audience. The exact format of this event varies from state to state, but in general, it is the most fast-paced, high-pressure event of the competition. 

The Benefits of Participating in the Academic Decathlon

The Academic Decathlon fosters the development of essential life skills, such as public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. As students collaborate with their peers to prepare for the various events, they learn to communicate effectively, consider diverse perspectives, and problem-solve creatively. Overall, there are lots of benefits to participating in the Academic Decathlon and other Academic Competitions for High School Students.

Personal Growth and Skill Development

The Academic Decathlon is a huge undertaking, one that will take courses over the entire school year, which means you will have plenty of time for personal growth and skill development. In addition to making new friends and learning how to work as a team, students will gain confidence and learn how to articulate their arguments and perspectives effectively.  

Networking and Recognition

Throughout the course of the Academic Decathlon, you will interact with like-minded peers from all over the country. You will also develop close bonds with your teammates. Overall, there are lots of networking opportunities for you to take advantage of. 

Former Decathlete Ashley Branch (Lakeville High School, Minnesota, 2008-2010), shares the following insights about her experiences participating in the Academic Decathlon:

“Academic Decathlon changed my life. Not only did I meet people I never would have met before, I grew incredibly close with them. I learned how to better network with people and I gained the confidence to approach strangers and ask them if they wanted to participate in an activity they had never heard of. After creating my own team in my Sophomore year, I learned the many challenges that came with a leadership position. I also learned what it really felt like to be proud of something after seeing all of my new teammates improve so much over the season.  During my two years as captain, my favorite part was not my own success but that of my teammates. The feeling you get when you see the excitement in their faces when they win a medal is pure bliss. I am completely honored to be considered part of my team.

Source: United States Academic Decathlon - Testimonials 

How Polygence Can Help You Excel in the Academic Decathlon

Like the Academic Decathlon, Polygence values teamwork, creativity, and multidisciplinary learning. Through project-based learning, critical inquiry, and personalized mentorship programs, Polygence scholars are encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a topic. Polygence scholars are also taught how to present themselves, and their arguments, effectively, through both written and verbal communication. Again, these skills are invaluable during the Academic Decathlon. 

Personalized Mentorship for Decathletes

Polygence scholars don’t just write research papers; they design meaningful research projects with real-life applications and significance. Additionally, many Polygence scholars go on to publish their research papers, present them in formal settings, and use the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired throughout the Polygence program to enter rigorous academic competitions, such as the Academic Decathlon. 

Take the Next Step with Polygence

Polygence mentors are experts in their fields with advanced degrees from top universities. They are also passionate educators who are able to provide structure, guidance, and inspiration to high school students. In short, Polygence mentors empower high school students to take charge of their education, seek out multidisciplinary learning opportunities, and develop the skills they’ll need to succeed. 

Maximize Your Academic Potential

Successful high school students know how to structure their time, take initiative, and pursue multidisciplinary learning opportunities. Participating in the Academic Decathlon teaches all of these skills, as well as emphasizes students’ discipline, dedication, and ability to work well under pressure. Polygence projects cultivate these same skill sets, which is why completing a Polygence project is such a worthwhile endeavor. 

Whether you’re interested in entering the Academic Decathlon or are looking for other ways to build similar skill sets, completing a Polygence project is a powerful investment in your future. Explore our Research Mentorship Program to learn more about how Polygence mentors can help you reach your full potential!