CSAW High School Forensics Competition

CSAW High School Forensics Competition

The CSAW High School Forensics Competition, hosted by NYU Tandon, is a prestigious STEM opportunity designed for high school students interested in cybersecurity and digital forensics. This program challenges students to analyze digital evidence and solve complex forensic problems in a competitive environment. Open to grades 9-12, this free program offers participants the chance to showcase their skills and compete for recognition in the field of cybersecurity, with finals held at NYU Tandon in New York City.

Program Structure

The CSAW High School Forensics Competition is a hybrid program that combines virtual and in-person components. Participants begin by competing in online qualifying rounds, where teams analyze digital evidence and solve forensic puzzles. Finalists are then invited to NYU Tandon for an immersive, in-person experience during the competition’s final round.

The program spans several months, starting with an application or registration process, followed by the qualifiers. Students who advance to the finals will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with NYU faculty, cybersecurity professionals, and other talented peers in a rigorous competition environment.

What Students Experience

Participants in the CSAW High School Forensics Competition gain hands-on experience in the field of cybersecurity, specifically in digital forensics. Students work individually or in teams to analyze real-world scenarios involving digital evidence, such as encrypted files, suspicious network activity, or compromised systems.

Throughout the competition, students build critical skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork. Finalists who attend the in-person event at NYU Tandon benefit from direct engagement with cybersecurity experts and exposure to cutting-edge research in the field. This program not only sharpens technical skills but also fosters deeper insight into the growing field of cybersecurity forensics.

Why It Matters for College Applications

Participating in the CSAW High School Forensics Competition demonstrates a student’s passion for STEM and cybersecurity, making it a valuable addition to college applications. The program highlights advanced technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and a capacity to excel in collaborative and competitive environments.

Furthermore, engagement with NYU Tandon, a renowned institution in engineering and technology, adds credibility to a student’s profile. Finalists have the added distinction of competing at NYU, showing commitment to academic and extracurricular excellence in STEM fields.

Eligibility

The CSAW High School Forensics Competition is open to high school students in grades 9-12 across the United States. No prior experience in cybersecurity or forensics is required, though an interest in STEM and problem-solving is highly encouraged.

How to Participate

To participate, students or teams must register for the competition through the CSAW website, hosted by NYU Tandon. The application process typically involves completing an online registration form. Deadlines for registration and qualifying rounds vary, so it is important to check the program’s website for the most up-to-date information.

For more details and to apply, visit CSAW High School Forensics Competition.

How much does CSAW High School Forensics Competition cost?

We have not verified what CSAW High School Forensics Competition costs. Our catalog holds no confirmed price for it, and an unpriced entry means exactly that — unpriced, not free. Check the official site before assuming either way.

What is the application deadline for CSAW High School Forensics Competition?

Our catalog holds September 1, 2026, carried over from CSAW High School Forensics Competition's previous cycle, and we have not found that date on the program's own page — so treat it as a placeholder, not a deadline, and confirm it at https://www.csaw.io/.

Who is eligible for CSAW High School Forensics Competition?

Our catalog has CSAW High School Forensics Competition open to high school students in grades 9–12, unconfirmed against the program's own page — check it before you rule yourself in or out, since eligibility is often narrower than a grade range suggests (age floors, "must have completed" rules, enrolment status).

Is CSAW High School Forensics Competition online or in person?

CSAW High School Forensics Competition is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components (in-person portions in New York, NY). Expect a time commitment of roughly 10 hours per week.

How do I apply to CSAW High School Forensics Competition?

Apply directly through NYU Tandon's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.