Science Talent Search (STS) vs Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026
Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Science Talent Search (STS) is a competition while Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026 is a scholarship.
| Science Talent Search (STS) | Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Competition | Scholarship |
| Organization | Society for Science | Ron Brown Scholar Program |
| Acceptance Rate | Highly competitive; specific percentage not available | Estimated 5-10% acceptance rate based on prestige tier 1 classification and $40,000 award amount (highly competitive, exact rate unavailable) |
| Applicants | Thousands of high school students compete through affiliated science fairs nationwide | Likely 500-2,000+ applicants annually (specific number not available) |
| Deadline | — | Rolling |
| Award | — | $40,000 |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | Yes | Yes |
| Grades | High school seniors only | High school seniors (12th grade, graduating class of 2026) |
| 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... | The Ron Brown Scholar Program is viewed very favorably by college admissions officers and is recognized as a prestigious national scholarship. Winning this scholarship demonstrates: (1) Academic excel... |