Student with robotic hand

HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIONS

Preparing Students
for Competitive Science Fairs and Research

HIGH SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

What is Great High
School Research

In high school the stakes are high and science fairs look for rigorous independent thinking and original research. Students are expected to design thoughtful experiments, analyze results carefully, clearly explain and defend their work.

Original, student-driven research questions

Sound experimental design and data analysis

Clear documentation and scientific writing

Confident presentation and judge interaction

RECOGNIZED COMPETITIONS

High School Competitions
We Support

We mentor students for a focused set of nationally and internationally respected high school science competitions.

International Science & Engineering Fair
International Science & Engineering Fair logo

International Science & Engineering Fair

The world's largest and most prestigious high school science competition, bringing together over 1,600 top young researchers from more than 60 countries. Students qualify by winning at regional or state fairs, earning the chance to present their original research on a global stage.

Learn More
Regeneron Science Talent Search
Regeneron Science Talent Search logo

Regeneron Science Talent Search

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is the nation's premier science competition for high school seniors, honoring exceptional original research. Run by the Society for Science, it selects 300 Scholars and 40 Finalists who present their work in Washington, D.C., competing for over $1.8 million in awards, including a $250,000 top prize.

Learn More
Genius Olympiad
Genius Olympiad logo

Genius Olympiad

An international science competition open to students from Grade 8 onward, founded by Terra Science & Education and hosted in the state of New York. The Genius Olympiad brings together students from more than 50 countries to tackle global environmental and sustainability challenges through science, engineering, and robotics.

Learn More

Finding the Right High School Competition

Mentors also help students discover additional competitions beyond the programs listed here.

Students celebrating at awards gala
Apply to Explore Competition Options

OUR MENTORING APPROACH

From Idea to Competition Day

Our specialist mentors guide students through a multi-phased process, combining structured research with confident presentation, and reviewing the final deliverables that students need to submit for competitions.

Research

Preparing for a successful science fair or STEM competition begins long before the experiment. The prep process encourages curiosity, planning, and resilience which are essential skills for both scientific inquiry and competitive excellence.

01

Choosing the Right Competition

Competition fit • Experience level • Long-term goals

02

Idea and Problem Identification

Problem framing • Originality • Real-world relevance

03

Hypothesis Formulation

Testable claims • Variable definition • Scientific logic

04

Initial Research

Lit review • Expert outreach • Subject prep

05

Deep Research

Experiments • Data collection • Failure analysis

Presentation

Once the research is complete, it's time to communicate the student's work effectively. Through structured practice and Q&A preparation, they learn to convey their ideas clearly, handle judge interactions with confidence, and leave a lasting impression on their evaluators.

01

Final Report

Structure • Clarity • Competition requirements

02

Research Manuscript

Academic formatting • Argumentation • Revision

03

Poster Preparation

Visual hierarchy • Concise Storytelling • Clarity

04

Slides Preparation

Narrative flow • Key findings • Timing

05

Presentation Practice

Delivery • Confidence • Judge engagement

06

Q&A Prep

Anticipated questions • Clear responses • Confidence

Let's Talk About
the Right Competition Fit

Now that you've seen how research and presentation come together, our team can help you think through competition options and timing in a brief conversation.

Apply for a Briefing Session

STUDENT STORIES

What our students are saying

Vedant S.

Vedant S.

Stanford University, Computer Science, 2024

I realized my ISEF dream, thrice! My mentor knew my subject area in depth and helped me from topic ideation to preparing for those hard Q&As with judges.

LOOKING AHEAD

Skills That Carry Forward Beyond the Competition

In high school the stakes are high and science fairs look for rigorous independent thinking and original research. Students are expected to design thoughtful experiments, analyze results carefully, clearly explain and defend their work.

Managing complex, self-directed projects

Thinking critically and solving unfamiliar problems

Communicating ideas to different audiences

Responding to feedback and refining work

STEM student working
MENTORING INTEREST APPLICATION

For the STEM Journey Ahead

Across computer science, engineering, pre-med, and other STEM fields, we help turn aspirations into research success and admission offers. Meet with our Admissions Office for a brief introductory session.