United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) vs Regeneron ISEF 2026
Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) is a olympiad while Regeneron ISEF 2026 is a competition.
| United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) | Regeneron ISEF 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Olympiad | Competition |
| Organization | Mathematical Association of America (MAA) | Regeneron |
| Acceptance Rate | — | Roughly 1,700 finalists are selected from 365 affiliated fairs worldwide. Getting to ISEF requires first winning regionally, which itself is competitive. Estimated <1% of all science fair participants globally reach ISEF. At the ISEF itself, approximately 600 of the 1,700 finalists (~35%) receive some award. |
| Applicants | — | Millions of students compete in science fairs globally each year; approximately 1,700–1,800 reach ISEF as finalists |
| Deadline | — | — |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | No / International | No / International |
| Grades | — | Grades 9–12 (high school students only; middle schoolers compete in the separate Junior Innovators Challenge) |
| College Impact | — | ISEF finalist status is one of the most powerful extracurricular credentials in college admissions. Being named an ISEF finalist (simply qualifying) is Tier 1 on most admissions frameworks. Grand Awar... |