USA Biology Olympiad
Competition · Center for Excellence in Education · At your school
Open exam → semifinal → national finals.
Our take
Semifinalist (top ~10%) is the threshold that shows up on applications.
“Helps an application” is our read on how much an admissions reader is likely to weigh it: Strong means getting in or placing is a real achievement, Solid means it shows real interest and effort, and Light usually means most students who apply and pay can attend. It’s our opinion, not a ranking from any college, and a light one can still be a great summer.
The details
- Run by
- Center for Excellence in Education
- Type
- Competition
- Format
- In person, At your school
- When
- During the school year
- Who can apply
- 9th–12th grade
- How hard to get in
- Open
- Cost
- Under $1k, no aid listed
- Deadline
- Usually closes in January or February. Your school registers; open exam in February.
- Subjects
- Life Sciences, Pre-Med / Health
Dates, costs and rules change every year. Check the official site before you apply. Last checked October 18, 2026.
Questions
Is USA Biology Olympiad worth it?
Semifinalist (top ~10%) is the threshold that shows up on applications. On how much it helps a college application, we rate it strong.
How much does USA Biology Olympiad cost?
It costs under $1,000. Check the official site for this year’s price.
When is the USA Biology Olympiad deadline?
Usually closes in January or February. Your school registers; open exam in February. Exact dates change every year, so confirm on the official site.
Who can apply to USA Biology Olympiad?
Students in 9th–12th grade. It is open, so most students who apply and pay can attend.
Want a list picked for you?
Clarity Prep members get opportunities matched to their grade, interests and state in the app, plus a mentor who helps them decide what’s worth applying to and checks in every week until the applications are in.
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