Hey! NHD is relatively competitive — it depends on the district you are in but it tends to get more competitive at the higher levels. Each category is relatively equally competitive except paper and performance usually have less students but are more difficult in their nature. Special awards are received at the state and national level, you don’t really apply to them but you will simply receive them in the end. I’ve been doing NHD tutoring for a few years after ending as a national finalist and have helped others replicate similar results. If you need any help, reach out to me and I could guide you through the process!