Regeneron ISEF 2026 vs Science Talent Search (STS)
Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Both are competitions for high school students.
| Regeneron ISEF 2026 | Science Talent Search (STS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Competition | Competition |
| Organization | Regeneron | Society for Science |
| 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. | Highly competitive; specific percentage not available |
| Applicants | Millions of students compete in science fairs globally each year; approximately 1,700–1,800 reach ISEF as finalists | Thousands of high school students compete through affiliated science fairs nationwide |
| Deadline | — | — |
| 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 seniors only |
| 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 Regeneron Science Talent Search is among the most prestigious science competitions and significantly impacts college admissions. Finalists are nationally recognized and receive considerable presti... |