Introduction to CS competitions

As a teacher, I always want to find opportunities for students to extend their knowledge boundaries and challenge the way they think. As a parent, I also wonder how to inspire my kids' interest in computer science in a way that excites them. How can I find a path that fits my child's experience, interests, and personality?

I met Coach Sam Xuan, who has more than a decade of experience in the high-tech industry and has spent many years coaching students and helping them navigate various computer science and math competitions. I was deeply impressed by both his knowledge and his passion for advocating computer science education through competitions, always with kindness and care.

I invited Coach Sam to give a talk introducing three major paths in computer science competitions: American Computer Science League (ACSL), USACO, and project-based competitions (Hackathons). Below is a summary of the talk (generated by AI based on the notes from the talk), and you can also find the recording attached.

Please contact me or Coach Sam for more information (registration process etc.).

Dr. Zhou: drzhou@drzhouaiacademy.com

Coach Sam: xuanxiang@gmail.com

Computer science competitions come in many forms, and each develops a different set of skills. Broadly, students can explore three major paths:

1. Computer Science Knowledge & Programming Competitions (ACSL)

2. Algorithm & Competitive Programming Competitions (USACO)

3. Project-Based Hackathons

   
   

Rather than choosing the "best" competition, students should select the path that matches their interests and current experience. Many successful students participate in all three over time because the skills complement each other.

ACSL (American Computer Science League)

Website: https://www.acsl.org/

ACSL is one of the longest-running computer science competitions for K–12 students. It emphasizes both computer science fundamentals and programming, making it an excellent starting point for students who want a broad understanding of computer science.

Competition Format

• Season runs from October through May

• Individual competition (but need group registration)

• Four regular contests throughout the season

• Students who accumulate enough points are invited to the ACSL Finals

Divisions

• Junior Division – Recommended for middle school students

• Intermediate Division – Recommended for high school students

• Additional advanced divisions are available for experienced competitors.

  
  

Contest Structure

Each contest contains two parts:

Computer Science Knowledge

• Binary numbers

• Boolean algebra

• Number systems

• Data representation

• Digital electronics

• Recursion

• Trees

• Graphs

• Other core CS concepts

Programming

• Solve a timed programming problem

• Focus on problem solving and implementation

  
  

Students gain exposure to both the theory behind computer science and practical coding skills.

USACO (USA Computing Olympiad)

Website: https://usaco.org/

Preparation Guide: https://usaco.guide/general

USACO is the premier algorithmic programming competition in the United States. Unlike ACSL, it focuses almost entirely on algorithms, data structures, and computational efficiency.

Students solve challenging programming problems that require careful algorithm design rather than knowledge of general computer science concepts.

Competition Characteristics

• Individual competition

• Online contests throughout the season

• Registration is free

• Students register individually using their real name and personal information

• No school or team registration is required

Topics

• Searching

• Sorting

• Graph algorithms

• Dynamic Programming

• Greedy algorithms

• Trees

• Shortest paths

• Data structures

• Mathematical algorithms

  
  

USACO problems emphasize writing efficient programs that can handle very large inputs within strict time limits.

This competition is ideal for students interested in competitive programming, algorithm design, and preparing for programming olympiads or technical coding interviews.

Hackathons

Hackathons are project-based competitions where students design and build a complete software solution within a limited amount of time. Unlike ACSL and USACO, hackathons emphasize creativity, teamwork, communication, and real-world problem solving.

Students identify a problem, build a prototype, and present their solution to judges.

Skills Developed

• Software engineering

• AI application development

• Product design

• User experience

• Teamwork

• Project management

• Presentation and pitching

• Rapid prototyping

Local Hackathons

• EMP HackFest: https://emphackfest.org

• Dr. Zhou AI Academy Hackathon: https://www.drzhouaiacademy.com/registration

Advanced Hackathons

• HackMIT: https://hackmit.org/

• TreeHacks (Stanford): https://www.treehacks.com/

AI-Focused Competitions

• MIT App Inventor: https://appinventor.mit.edu/

• USA Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (USAAIO): https://www.usaaio.org/

• Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior: https://imaginecup.microsoft.com/

Comparisons

Feature	ACSL	USACO	Hackathons
Primary Focus	Computer Science fundamentals + programming	Algorithms and competitive programming	Building real-world software projects
Competition Type	Individual	Individual	Usually team-based
Main Skills	CS knowledge, coding	Algorithms, optimization, problem solving	Software engineering, AI, design, teamwork
Programming Required	Yes	Yes	Yes
CS Theory	High	Medium	Low
Algorithm Difficulty	Moderate	Very High	Varies
Creativity	Low	Low	Very High
Communication & Presentation	None	None	Essential
Typical Output	Answers + coding problems	Efficient algorithm solutions	Working prototype and presentation
Best For	Students building a strong CS foundation	Students who enjoy mathematical problem solving and competitive programming	Students interested in creating products, startups, AI applications, and collaborative software development

Which Path Should You Choose?

• Choose ACSL if you want to build a strong foundation in computer science while developing programming skills.

• Choose USACO if you enjoy solving difficult algorithmic problems and want to challenge yourself in competitive programming.

• Choose Hackathons if you love creating applications, working with teammates, and solving real-world problems through technology.

  
  

These paths are complementary rather than competing. Many successful computer science students begin with ACSL to build fundamentals, strengthen their algorithmic thinking through USACO, and apply both skill sets in hackathons to create impactful projects.

https://youtu.be/HpmxJhFvvj4