Regeneron Science Talent Search vs United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO)

Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Regeneron Science Talent Search is a competition while United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) is a olympiad.

Regeneron Science Talent Search United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO)
Prestige Tier Tier 1 — Elite Tier 1 — Elite
Type Competition Olympiad
Organization Society for Science Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
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.
Applicants Approximately 2,000 projects submitted per year; historically 147,000 students have competed since 1942
Deadline 2026-11-05
Cost to Apply Free Free
US Only Yes No / International
Grades High school seniors only
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, ...