# Science Olympiad

Team-based national STEM competition where school teams of 15 compete across 23 events spanning biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, engineering, and inquiry.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Science Olympiad Inc. |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Check official site |
| Time commitment | ~6 hours/week |
| Apply | https://www.soinc.org/join |

## About this program

## Overview

**Science Olympiad** is one of the largest team STEM competitions in the United States, with thousands of middle- and high-school teams competing every year. School teams of up to 15 students prepare across **23 events** that rotate annually, spanning life science, earth and space science, physical science and chemistry, technology and engineering, and inquiry.

## How It Works

- **Division B** serves grades 6-9; **Division C** serves grades 9-12
- Teams advance through invitational, regional, and state tournaments to the **Science Olympiad National Tournament** each May
- Events range from written exams (e.g., Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy) to build events (e.g., flight devices, towers, robots) and lab practicals
- Every student on a competing team covers several events, so teams reward both depth and breadth

## Why It Matters

- Builds genuine, exam-tested knowledge across many scientific disciplines
- Strong Science Olympiad results (state medals, national appearances) are respected markers in STEM admissions
- The team structure develops collaboration and long-term study discipline

## Getting Involved

- Compete through your school's team, or work with a teacher to found one and register with your state chapter
- Season typically runs fall through spring, with 3-10 hours/week of preparation depending on events

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Science Olympiad?

Science Olympiad is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Science Olympiad online or in person?

Science Olympiad is an in-person program. Expect a time commitment of roughly 6 hours per week.

### How do I apply to Science Olympiad?

Apply directly through Science Olympiad Inc.'s official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-27.
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