Opportunities
Olympiads, research programs, competitions and scholarships worth your time — the same list the AI recommends from.
International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
The most prestigious pre-college math contest. Even a national-round result is a serious signal.
International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)
Elite physics olympiad. National-level qualification already reads as exceptional for STEM admits.
International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)
Premier competitive-programming olympiad. Gold-standard evidence of algorithmic ability for CS.
International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
Strong signal for pre-med and life-sciences applicants. Start from your national biology olympiad.
International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)
Theory + lab chemistry at the highest level. National qualification is a major differentiator.
Regeneron ISEF
The world’s largest pre-college science fair. A finalist project is one of the strongest STEM credentials available.
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Free, ultra-selective summer research program at MIT. One of the most respected lines on any STEM application.
European Girls’ Math Olympiad (EGMO)
Premier international math olympiad for girls; national selection mirrors the IMO pipeline.
Int’l Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics
Top astronomy olympiad combining theory, data analysis and observation.
Regeneron Science Talent Search
The oldest and most prestigious US science research competition. Finalist status is exceptional.
Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Up to $50k for a genuinely significant piece of work. A top-tier credential for a deep project.
Rise (Schmidt Futures × Rhodes Trust)
A global fellowship for 15–17-year-olds with lifetime benefits. Among the most prestigious programs available.
MIT MITES (Summer)
Free, rigorous MIT STEM program for high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds.
PROMYS
Intensive proof-based number theory at Boston University. Beloved by serious young mathematicians.
Ross Mathematics Program
Classic “think deeply about simple things” math immersion — a hallmark for aspiring mathematicians.
MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Free, rigorous MIT project-based AI and engineering institute — an outstanding maker credential.
Stanford SIMR
Paid biomedical research internship at Stanford — a top-tier wet-lab research experience.
Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook program placing students in real university labs with a stipend, a mentor and a final poster.
Clark Scholar Program (Texas Tech)
Seven-week one-on-one research program with a stipend — extremely selective and open to all fields.
TASP / TASS (Telluride)
Free, discussion-based humanities seminar — among the most prestigious programs for writers and thinkers.
QuestBridge National College Match
Matches outstanding low-income US students with full four-year scholarships to top partner colleges.
The Gates Scholarship
A full ride for exceptional minority students with financial need — extremely selective.
Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars
Multi-year funding and mentorship for high-achieving students with financial need, starting in 8th grade.
International Zhautykov Olympiad (IZhO)
Annual international olympiad in Almaty run by the Republican Physics and Mathematics School — a well-known credential for students in math, physics and informatics.