http://www.ApogeeRockets.com - In 2017, the National Association of Rocketry is changing the way competitions are conducted to streamline the events and make it easier to be competitive. There will be eight core types of challenges, down from dozens-and-dozens. So you don't have to build several wildly different rockets in order to be ready for a contest.
One of the core events is "Payload Altitude." The challenge of this event is to launch a standard size payload that weighs 1 ounce to the highest possible altitude. In my mind, it mimics the task of launching a satellite into orbit.
In this video I'll give you my recommendations on how to design a rocket and fly it in this event. There are two basic strategies, and the one you use depends on the weather conditions.
Piston Launchers: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Launch_Accessories/Piston_Launchers
Altimeters: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Electronics_Payloads/Altimeters