Davidson Fellows vs Regeneron STS: Which Program Is Right for You?
Both crown finished, significant projects — but Regeneron STS is a seniors-only science talent search built around one research paper and its author, while Davidson Fellows accepts younger students and non-science domains (math, music, literature, philanthropy) for work judged at a near-college-graduate level. STS has the fixed fall deadline and famous finalist week; Davidson is the scholarship for prodigy-level bodies of work.
Below is a live side-by-side comparison of Davidson Fellows and Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), built from ExtracurricularHub's verified catalog.
| Davidson Fellows | Regeneron STS | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Application deadline | February 18, 2027 | November 5, 2026 (verified July 4, 2026) |
| Grade eligibility | Grades 11–18 | Grade 12 |
| Format | Virtual / online | In-person — Washington |
| Time commitment | ~15 hrs/week | Varies |
| Organizer | Davidson Institute | Society for Science |
Davidson Fellows
Win $50k, $25k, or $10k scholarships in this elite STEM competition for high-achieving high school students. Boost college applications with hands-on research experience.
Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Most prestigious pre-college science research competition in US. 40 finalists compete in DC. Top prize $250,000. Many winners become major scientists.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Davidson Fellows or Regeneron STS?
Both are free: neither Davidson Fellows nor Regeneron STS charges a participation fee. Budget only for travel or materials if the program is in person.
Can I apply to both Davidson Fellows and Regeneron STS?
Yes — applying to both is common and there's no penalty. Selective programs reject strong applicants routinely, so treating Davidson Fellows and Regeneron STS as one combined chance is the smart strategy. Track both deadlines and reuse essay material where the prompts overlap.
Which is better for college applications, Davidson Fellows or Regeneron STS?
Neither is automatically "better" — admissions readers care about what you did there, not the logo. Both crown finished, significant projects — but Regeneron STS is a seniors-only science talent search built around one research paper and its author, while Davidson Fellows accepts younger students and non-science domains (math, music, literature, philanthropy) for work judged at a near-college-graduate level. STS has the fixed fall deadline and famous finalist week; Davidson is the scholarship for prodigy-level bodies of work. Pick the one whose work you'd actually finish, and go deep.
What grades can apply to Davidson Fellows and Regeneron STS?
Davidson Fellows: grades 11–18. Regeneron STS: grade 12. Eligibility can shift between cycles — confirm on each program's official page before planning your year around it.