FIRST Robotics Competition
Competition · FIRST · School or community team
Build a 120-pound robot in six weeks and compete regionally and at the championship.
Our take
The team exists at your school or it does not. If it does, what matters is your role: lead a subsystem, run outreach, mentor rookies. Dean's List is the individual honor.
“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
- FIRST
- Type
- Competition
- Format
- In person, School or community team
- When
- During the school year
- Who can apply
- 9th–12th grade
- How hard to get in
- Open
- Cost
- Cost varies, with financial aid or fee waivers
- Deadline
- Join a team in the fall; the season kicks off in January.
- Subjects
- Engineering, Computer Science
Dates, costs and rules change every year. Check the official site before you apply. Last checked October 18, 2026.
Questions
Is FIRST Robotics Competition worth it?
The team exists at your school or it does not. If it does, what matters is your role: lead a subsystem, run outreach, mentor rookies. Dean's List is the individual honor. On how much it helps a college application, we rate it solid.
How much does FIRST Robotics Competition cost?
The cost varies. Financial aid or fee waivers are available. Check the official site for this year’s price.
When is the FIRST Robotics Competition deadline?
Join a team in the fall; the season kicks off in January. Exact dates change every year, so confirm on the official site.
Who can apply to FIRST Robotics Competition?
Students in 9th–12th grade. It is open, so most students who apply and pay can attend.
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.
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