United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) vs International Physics Olympiad
Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Both are olympiads for high school students.
| United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) | International Physics Olympiad | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Olympiad | Olympiad |
| Organization | Mathematical Association of America (MAA) | International Physics Olympiad Organization |
| Acceptance Rate | — | Extremely selective. Only 5 students per country advance (approximately 400-420 students total compete at IPhO from 80+ countries). At national level, typically 0.01-0.1% of secondary students reach IPhO depending on country. |
| Applicants | — | Varies dramatically by country. China, Russia, USA, South Korea, India, and Taiwan have thousands of competitors in national rounds. Globally, estimated 100,000+ students compete in preliminary rounds across all participating countries. |
| Deadline | — | — |
| Cost to Apply | Free | $0 |
| US Only | No / International | No / International |
| Grades | — | Secondary school students (typically grades 10-12, though exact definitions vary by country) |
| College Impact | — | Extremely prestigious for college admissions. IPhO medals (especially gold) are among the most respected accomplishments in high school physics competitions and are viewed extremely favorably by: (1)... |