The United States Earth Science Olympiad (USESO) is a national competition designed to identify high-achieving students in the fields of geology, meteorology, oceanography, and terrestrial astronomy. Organized by the U.S. Earth Science Organization, the program emphasizes an "Earth systems" approach, challenging students to understand the complex interactions between the geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
The USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) is a highly competitive, multi-stage physics competition for high school students, organized by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). The program serves as the selection process for the U.S. Physics Team, identifying top students to represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) based on their mastery of conceptual and mathematical physics.
The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) is a multi-tiered academic competition sponsored by the American Chemical Society to identify and nurture talent in the chemical sciences. High school students progress through local and national exams that test advanced chemical theories and laboratory skills, with the top 20 scorers in the nation attending a two-week intensive study camp to compete for a spot on the four-member Team USA.
The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is the premier biology competition for high school students in the United States, designed to identify and train the next generation of biological leaders. Participants progress through a series of increasingly rigorous exams—the Open, Semifinal, and National Finals—that test advanced concepts in cell biology, genetics, ecology, and animal/plant physiology far beyond the standard high school curriculum.
COSMOS (The California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) is a prestigious four-week residential immersion program for high school students held at several University of California campuses. It is designed for students with a demonstrated interest and aptitude in STEM who wish to explore topics beyond the standard high school curriculum.
A nationwide competition where student teams engage in 23 events spanning biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Participants compete in a variety of formats, including written exams, laboratory experiments, and the testing of pre-built devices like bridges or helicopters.
A highly competitive, fast-paced academic tournament where teams of four students face off in a buzzer-based, question-and-answer format. Organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, it tests rapid-fire knowledge across diverse fields including biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics, energy, and mathematics.