Regeneron Science Talent Search vs Davidson Institute Gifted Programs
Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Regeneron Science Talent Search is a competition while Davidson Institute Gifted Programs is a enrichment.
| Regeneron Science Talent Search | Davidson Institute Gifted Programs | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Competition | Enrichment |
| Organization | Society for Science | Davidson Institute |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 0.2-0.3% (2% of ~2,000 applicants become Top 40 finalists; 15% become Top 300 scholars). Highly selective with ~2,000 projects submitted annually. | Not publicly disclosed; extremely selective given focus on 'profoundly gifted' students |
| Applicants | Approximately 2,000 projects submitted per year; historically 147,000 students have competed since 1942 | Not publicly available |
| Deadline | 2026-11-05 | Rolling |
| Cost to Apply | Free | $0 |
| US Only | Yes | No / International |
| Grades | High school seniors only | Middle school (6-8) through high school (9-12); some programs for ages 8-13 |
| College Impact | Regeneron STS is considered one of the most prestigious high school science competitions and carries significant weight in college admissions, particularly for top-tier universities (Ivy League, MIT, ... | 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... |