Wharton Global High School Investment Competition 2026-2027
A global team investment competition where high school students develop and justify a client-focused investment strategy using a simulated trading platform. Open to teams of four to six students from the same school, supported by a teacher-advisor. Rated Advanced, with difficulty mainly coming from the large international field, long-term strategy development and professional final report.A global team investment competition where high school students develop and justify a client-focused investment strategy using a simulated trading platform. Open to teams of four to six students from the same school, supported by a teacher-advisor. Rated Advanced, with difficulty mainly coming from the large international field, long-term strategy development and professional final report.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
14–18
School level
High school students, typically grades 9-12 / ages 14-18
Registration method
School Only
Competition stages
Advisor registration; WInS simulated trading; required trade; roster; midterm report; final report; virtual semifinals; Global Finale at Wharton.
Fee
Free
Online / in-person
Hybrid
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
10 Aug 2026
Registration closes
11 Sept 2026
Competition starts
28 Sept 2026
Competition ends
Not yet announced by the organiser
Editorial perspective
Our Take
The defining rule of the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is easy to miss: the highest-returning simulated portfolio does not win. Wharton states that teams are judged on the strength and articulation of their strategy and competition experience, with simulator performance playing little part in the final outcome. That changes the event from a trading game into a client problem. Since 2012, the competition has used Wharton alumni as annual clients. Teams must interpret a client's objectives and risk tolerance, create an investment policy, make decisions inside the Wharton Investment Simulator and explain those decisions in written deliverables. CompeteMap's view is that this is best approached as a research-and-writing project supported by a portfolio, not the other way around. A team that chases short-term price movement without a coherent client rationale can finish with attractive numbers and a weak submission.
Read full guide →Preparation support
Recommended resources
Wharton Investment Competition
Open resource ↗Official competition overview covering the client case, simulator and required deliverables.
Official · Free · Competition guide · Essential
Wharton Competition Rules and Roles
Open resource ↗Official eligibility, team roles, portfolio constraints, deliverables and conduct requirements.
Official · Free · Rules & roles · Essential
Developing an Investment Strategy
Open resource ↗Competition-specific guidance on defining, testing and clearly articulating a client strategy.
Official · Free · Strategy guide · Essential
Ten Terms New Investors Should Know
Open resource ↗An accessible introduction to returns, portfolios, strategy and other core investing language.
Official · Free · Investment fundamentals guide · Recommended
Understanding Company Financials
Open resource ↗An investment analyst explains 10-Ks, financial statements and company research.
Official · Free · Company analysis lesson · Recommended
Source information
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