Competition
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest is a competition run by American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG). Open to: grades 9 to 12.
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- Status
- Opens seasonally
- Season
- School year
- Cost
- Not posted
About the program
ASHG's annual essay contest marks National DNA Day and asks high school students to reason through a current genetics topic. Results are announced in April.
Students write an essay of 750 words or fewer on a genetics question, with at least one cited reference. ASHG members score essays over three rounds.
Key facts
- Run by
- American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
- Where
- Nationwide
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12Students in grades 9-12 worldwide; essays must be submitted by a teacher or administrator (parents may submit for homeschooled students)
- Commitment
- Not posted
- Applications
- Last cycle: submission site opened January 9, 2026 and closed March 4, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle)Deadline: March 4, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle)
- Cost
- Not posted
- To apply
- Essay in English, 750 words or fewer
- At least one reference with in-text citations
- Submitted by a teacher or administrator
- Good fit for
- Pre-Med, Biology and Environmental Science
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the DNA Day Essay Contest details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
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| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research PrizeCompetition | Nationwide | Grades 9 to 12 | Not posted | Applications open July 29, 2026 and close October 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| Center for Excellence in Education USA Biolympiad (USABO)Competition | Nationwide | Not posted | Not posted | October 23 (school registration fee for the 2027 competition); host school confirmation by October 20, 2026 |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Museum Public Health Academy Online Summer CourseCertification or course | Online | 16 and up | One week, web-based | Summer |
| MEDLIFE (Medicine, Education and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere) Virtual Service Learning TripsVolunteering | Online | Not posted | Not posted | Not posted |
| Society for Science Regeneron Science Talent SearchCompetition | Nationwide | Grade 12 | Not posted | November 5, 2026 at 8pm ET |
| Stanford Medicine Stanford Clinical Summer Internship Fall IntensiveCertification or course | Online | Not posted | Not posted | Last cycle: opened May 1, 2026 and closed June 1, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
Pre-Med opportunitiesBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest?
Grades 9 to 12. Students in grades 9-12 worldwide; essays must be submitted by a teacher or administrator (parents may submit for homeschooled students)
When does American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest take applications?
Last cycle: submission site opened January 9, 2026 and closed March 4, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle) Deadline: March 4, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle).
What do you need to apply?
Essay in English, 750 words or fewer, At least one reference with in-text citations, Submitted by a teacher or administrator.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/ashg-dna-day-essay-contest.
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