Science Talent Search (STS) vs QuestBridge Application Portal
Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Science Talent Search (STS) is a competition while QuestBridge Application Portal is a scholarship.
| Science Talent Search (STS) | QuestBridge Application Portal | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Competition | Scholarship |
| Organization | Society for Science | QuestBridge |
| Acceptance Rate | Highly competitive; specific percentage not available | Exact finalist selection rate not publicly disclosed, but highly competitive. Estimated 5-15% of applicants become Finalists. Among Finalists who rank colleges, match rates vary significantly by college choice but QuestBridge states 'Finalists who match are admitted to a college partner with a full four-year scholarship.' |
| Applicants | Thousands of high school students compete through affiliated science fairs nationwide | Exact annual numbers not officially published, but estimated several thousand high school students apply nationally each year |
| Deadline | — | Rolling |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | Yes | Yes |
| Grades | High school seniors only | High school seniors only |
| 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... | QuestBridge is viewed very positively by college admissions officers and is considered a significant achievement. Being selected as a QuestBridge Finalist demonstrates exceptional academic ability com... |