Difficulty

Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

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Overview:

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is the oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors in the United States. Organized by the Society for Science, it recognizes and rewards original research projects that demonstrate exceptional scientific rigor, creativity, and potential impact.

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Format:

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors conducting independent, original research in STEM fields.

• Submission: Students submit a comprehensive research report, essays, transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters.

• Selection Rounds:

  • Top 300 Scholars: Selected based on research quality and academic promise.

  • Top 40 Finalists: Invited to Washington, D.C. for a weeklong event featuring interviews, presentations, and judging panels.

• Awards: Over $3 million in total awards, including a top prize of $250,000 for the first-place winner.

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Content Focus:

• Biological and environmental sciences

• Engineering and physical sciences

• Computer science and mathematics

• Social and behavioral sciences

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Difficulty

 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

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Overview:

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, bringing together top high school researchers from over 70 countries. Organized by the Society for Science, ISEF celebrates innovation, scientific inquiry, and global collaboration among the next generation of scientists and engineers.

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Format:

• Eligibility: High school students who win top awards at affiliated regional, state, or national science fairs.

• Project Categories: 21 disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, environmental science, social sciences, and more.

• Event: Finalists compete at an annual weeklong event, presenting their research to expert judges.

• Awards:

  • Over $9 million in prizes annually

  • Includes scholarships, internships, and grand awards up to $75,000

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Content Focus:

• Originality and scientific rigor

• Clear research design and methodology

• Real-world impact or potential for innovation

Difficulty

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

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Overview:

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a nationally recognized research competition that promotes original STEM research among high school students. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, JSHS encourages students to explore scientific inquiry and communicate their findings in a professional setting.

The competition format consists of two main components:

• Research Paper Submission – Students submit a formal scientific paper detailing their independent research.

• Oral Presentation – Selected students present their research in a 12-minute talk, followed by a 6-minute Q&A session with a panel of judges, typically composed of scientists, educators, and professionals.

Projects span a wide range of STEM fields, including environmental science, biomedical research, computer science, engineering, and more. The top presenters at regional symposia advance to the National JSHS, where they compete for scholarships and further recognition.

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