As one of the most sought-after fields within international schools, business studies face increasingly intense competitive pressure. Participating in international business competitions not only enriches students' résumés but also significantly boosts their competitiveness during the application process, enabling them to stand out amidst fierce competition.
I. NEC: National Economics Challenge
The NEC (National Economics Challenge) stands as one of the most authoritative and influential economics competitions for high school students in the United States, organized by the Council for Economic Education (CEE). This competition not only attracts outstanding students from across the nation but also serves as an exceptional platform for inspiring young people to delve deeply into the study of economics.
Eligible Students
Pre-Introductory Division: Recommended for students in Grades 8–9.
DR-Junior Division: Recommended for students in Grades 9–10.
AS-Advanced Division: Recommended for students in Grades 10–12.
Competition Rules
Economics Assessment (QUALIFYING TEST):
Complete a series of objective questions within 60 minutes, testing knowledge of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics, and Current Events.
Case Analysis (CRITICAL THINKING):
Teams present an analysis of an economics case study; presentations are strongly recommended to be delivered in English (presentations in Chinese will incur point deductions). All team members must participate, and judges will pose questions to evaluate the team's analytical and presentation skills.
Economics Innovation Challenge (SUPER ECON):
A timed Q&A competition designed to assess fundamental economics knowledge and teamwork skills. It consists of 15 multiple-choice questions, categorized into standard questions and high-value questions.
Economics Super Bowl (QUIZ BOWL):
A buzzer-based "quiz bowl" competition for top-performing teams, testing focus, quick thinking, and deductive reasoning skills. The first team to answer correctly wins the round; an incorrect answer allows the opposing team to attempt to answer.
II. Wharton Business Competition
The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition (WGHS)—formally known as the Wharton Global High School Investment Challenge—is a business competition and practical business application program officially organized by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (ranked #1 among undergraduate business schools by U.S. News & World Report). Since its inception in 2012, the WGHS competition has attracted over 20,000 high school students from 127 countries worldwide.
Eligibility
A free, online academic investment competition open to high school students in grades 9 through 12 globally.
Competition Format
Teams consist of 4 to 7 members. Team members may be from different grade levels within the same school, but teams cannot be formed across different schools.
The team advisor must be a teacher or educator currently employed by the school attended by the student team members.
Each team utilizes the Online Trading and Investment Simulator (OTIS) provided by the Wharton School. The OTIS online platform is synchronized with global stock markets and updates in real-time. Participants manage a simulated investment portfolio with an initial virtual capital of $100,000 over a 10-week period. Ultimately, they execute their investment strategies and compile a final report to serve as their culminating project submission.
Learn more about the event details.
III. SIC Student Investment Challenge
Officially certified by the Council for Economic Education (CEE) and supported by the ACME Sino-American Economics Society with expert academic guidance, the Student Investment Challenge aims to cultivate students' interest in the fields of investment and finance.
Target Audience:
Grades 6–12
Competition Format
Trading Category: Individual
Strategy Category: Team (2–4 members)
Each team must consist of 2 to 4 students; teams may be formed across different schools, grade levels, and regions. Each student may join only one team, and team composition may be modified at any time prior to the registration deadline.
Competition Components: The challenge comprises online simulated trading, a financial literacy assessment, investment report writing, and a public presentation and defense.
IV. IEO – International Economics Olympiad
The International Economics Olympiad (IEO) is a highly prestigious global competition designed to inspire students' passion for and understanding of economics. Since 2018, the IEO has been officially organized under the leadership of Eric Maskin—the 2007 Nobel Laureate in Economics and a distinguished chaired professor at both Harvard University and Adams University.
Eligibility
Enrolled students in Grades 9–12 (As per the IEO International Organizing Committee's requirements, participants must be under 20 years of age).
Assessment Process
Assessment Content:
Economics Test: An individual assessment consisting of multiple-choice questions, covering three subject areas: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and International Economics & Current Affairs.
Test Format:
Preliminary Round: Comprises 20 questions on Microeconomics, 20 questions on Macroeconomics, and 5 questions on International Economics & Current Affairs—totaling 45 questions.
