Regeneron ISEF 2026 vs Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Application

Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Regeneron ISEF 2026 is a competition while Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Application is a scholarship.

Regeneron ISEF 2026 Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Application
Prestige Tier Tier 1 — Elite Tier 2 — Highly Competitive
Type Competition Scholarship
Organization Regeneron Jackie Robinson Foundation
Acceptance Rate Roughly 1,700 finalists are selected from 365 affiliated fairs worldwide. Getting to ISEF requires first winning regionally, which itself is competitive. Estimated <1% of all science fair participants globally reach ISEF. At the ISEF itself, approximately 600 of the 1,700 finalists (~35%) receive some award. Unknown - Foundation does not publicly disclose acceptance rates
Applicants Millions of students compete in science fairs globally each year; approximately 1,700–1,800 reach ISEF as finalists Unknown - specific numbers not available online
Deadline Rolling
Cost to Apply Free Free
US Only No / International Yes
Grades Grades 9–12 (high school students only; middle schoolers compete in the separate Junior Innovators Challenge) High school students (typically seniors or juniors)
College Impact ISEF finalist status is one of the most powerful extracurricular credentials in college admissions. Being named an ISEF finalist (simply qualifying) is Tier 1 on most admissions frameworks. Grand Awar... The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is viewed positively by college admissions officers due to its prestigious nature and rigorous selection process. Winning this scholarship demonstrates acade...