Science Talent Search (STS) vs DoW STEM Scholarships - SMART Scholarship
Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Science Talent Search (STS) is a competition while DoW STEM Scholarships - SMART Scholarship is a scholarship.
| Science Talent Search (STS) | DoW STEM Scholarships - SMART Scholarship | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Competition | Scholarship |
| Organization | Society for Science | Department of Defense (DoD) |
| Acceptance Rate | Highly competitive; specific percentage not available | Approximately 8-18% depending on year; recent data shows ~600 awards annually from ~4,000-5,000 applicants |
| Applicants | Thousands of high school students compete through affiliated science fairs nationwide | 2024-2025 cycle: estimated 4,000+ applicants; historically 2,000-2,655 per year |
| Deadline | — | Rolling |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | Yes | Yes |
| Grades | High school seniors only | Currently enrolled undergraduate, master's, or doctoral students (NOT high school students) |
| College Impact | 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... | SMART Scholarship is HIGHLY REGARDED in college admissions and professional circles. For undergraduates: Demonstrates exceptional STEM commitment and achievement; counts as major merit-based scholarsh... |