Harvard Pre-Collegiate
Economics Challenge (HPEC)
HPEC challenges students through a series of individual and team rounds on economics knowledge at the Advanced Placement Microeconomics and Macroeconomics levels.
HPEC 2023
Registration for HPEC 2023 is now closed. Please check back here in late 2023/early 2024 for registration information for HPEC 2024.
Each year, HUEA organizes the Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge (HPEC), a prestigious international competition for high school students passionate about economics and its role in the world around us. HPEC challenges students through a series of individual and team rounds on economics knowledge at the Advanced Placement Microeconomics and Macroeconomics levels as well as economic news, history, recent research, and applications in a wide variety of fields such as education and the environment.
In the past, students have found this competition to be fun and helpful preparation for the AP Economics exams. In addition to the Challenge itself, competitors and coaches will have the opportunity to build friendships with their peers, hear presentations from and interact with professors, graduate students, and real-world economists, and learn about the wider world of economics beyond the high school classroom.
HPEC 2023 is scheduled for April 8, 2023. Teams can choose to compete either virtually from anywhere around the world or in-person on Harvard's campus. See the coaches' manual linked below for details on the competition this year. Teams must register using the form below by March 10, 2023, at 11:59 EST. However, note that the Challenge is subject to space constraints, so space may fill up prior to the above deadline. Thus, it is best for teams to register well in advance of March 10 to ensure they can reserve space for their team.
We are excited to announce that Professor Gregory Mankiw will once again be joining us for a moderated discussion with in-person attendees.
Images from the HPEC 2023
Registration Fee
Each team requires a registration fee of $125. See the registration form for specific payment details and options. Teams based in the US must pay via Zelle. There is no option to pay via PayPal due to issues with our PayPal account. Thus, US-based teams should make arrangements before the March 10, 2023, registration deadline to pay via Zelle. International teams should email HUEA to discuss additional payment options, though Zelle is preferred if at all possible.
All payments are final, as we start making preparations given current understanding of competition attendance; withdrawal for any reason will not be refunded.
Competition Information
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The HPEC 2023 Coaches Manual can be found here.
Competition Registration
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The official HPEC 2023 registration form can be found here. Please review this form early as there is a lot of information here, including payment details.
Important Forms
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The 2023 Photo Consent Form can be found here.
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The 2023 Liability Release and Contact Form can be found here.
FAQ
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How many people can be on one team?
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Teams consist of 1-4 people. Teams of 3 or fewer can still compete, but the quiz bowl rounds will likely be more challenging with fewer team members.
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How many teams can one school bring?
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Depending on space availability and with priority registration given to the first team, each school may be able to bring 2-3 teams total. For now, schools can register 1 or 2 teams, and indicate interest in sending a 3rd.
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What if my school is unable to bring a teacher as a coach?
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We require that a coach be present with the team. You are allowed to bring a parent as a coach if your teacher is not able to attend the competition--please reach out to us by email.
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What COVID-19 restrictions will HPEC participants be subject to?
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At this time, HPEC will not require participants to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test before arrival. However, participants must not come to campus if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have otherwise been instructed to quarantine or isolate.
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Practice Questions & Answers
PDFs:
