United States Academic Decathlon
Competition · USAD · School team → regional → state → national
Nine-member team academic competition on an annual theme.
Our take
Ten events including speech, interview, and essay. Teams need students at every GPA level, which is unusual and useful.
“Helps an application” is our read on how much an admissions reader is likely to weigh it: Strong means getting in or placing is a real achievement, Solid means it shows real interest and effort, and Light usually means most students who apply and pay can attend. It’s our opinion, not a ranking from any college, and a light one can still be a great summer.
The details
- Run by
- USAD
- Type
- Competition
- Format
- In person, School team → regional → state → national
- When
- During the school year
- Who can apply
- 9th–12th grade
- How hard to get in
- Competitive
- Cost
- Under $1k, with financial aid or fee waivers
- Deadline
- Through your school team; regionals in winter.
- Subjects
- Any subject
Dates, costs and rules change every year. Check the official site before you apply. Last checked October 18, 2026.
Questions
Is United States Academic Decathlon worth it?
Ten events including speech, interview, and essay. Teams need students at every GPA level, which is unusual and useful. On how much it helps a college application, we rate it solid.
How much does United States Academic Decathlon cost?
It costs under $1,000. Financial aid or fee waivers are available. Check the official site for this year’s price.
When is the United States Academic Decathlon deadline?
Through your school team; regionals in winter. Exact dates change every year, so confirm on the official site.
Who can apply to United States Academic Decathlon?
Students in 9th–12th grade. It is competitive.
Want a list picked for you?
Clarity Prep members get opportunities matched to their grade, interests and state in the app, plus a mentor who helps them decide what’s worth applying to and checks in every week until the applications are in.
Free tools: GPA calculator · chances calculator · college acceptance rates · essay grader