Regeneron ISEF Awards vs Davidson Institute Gifted Programs
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Regeneron ISEF Awards is a competition while Davidson Institute Gifted Programs is a enrichment.
| Regeneron ISEF Awards | Davidson Institute Gifted Programs | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Competition | Enrichment |
| Organization | Society for Science | Davidson Institute |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 1,600-1,700 finalists compete at ISEF annually out of significantly larger pool competing at 365+ affiliated fairs; roughly 600 finalists receive awards/prizes (37.5% of finalists awarded) | Not publicly disclosed; extremely selective given focus on 'profoundly gifted' students |
| Applicants | Over 1,600 finalists selected annually from 365 Society-affiliated fairs across 60+ countries and territories; total number competing at all affiliated fairs globally is much larger (tens of thousands) | Not publicly available |
| Deadline | — | Rolling |
| Award | $7,000,000 | — |
| Cost to Apply | Free | $0 |
| US Only | No / International | No / International |
| Grades | 9th through 12th grade (high school students) | Middle school (6-8) through high school (9-12); some programs for ages 8-13 |
| College Impact | Reaching Regeneron ISEF as a finalist is extremely prestigious in college admissions and carries significant weight. Top colleges (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.) view ISEF participation highly favor... | Davidson Institute participation is viewed very favorably by college admissions officers. Being recognized as a profoundly gifted student and receiving prestigious scholarships like the Fellows Schola... |