ISEF Beginner's Guide
Everything You Need to Know About ISEF
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) stands as the pinnacle of pre-college STEM competitions often called the "Olympics of Science." Each year, approximately 1,600-1,800 exceptional high school students from over 70 countries converge to showcase groundbreaking research across 21-22 scientific categories. With nearly $9 million in scholarships and awards at stake, including a $75,000 grand prize, ISEF represents far more than just a competition it's a transformative experience that can shape your academic trajectory and open doors to the world's top universities.
At Cosmic College Consulting, we've worked with numerous students pursuing competitive STEM opportunities, and we understand that navigating the path to ISEF can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will walk you through absolutely everything you need to know: what ISEF is, who can participate, how to qualify, what the competition week looks like, the rules you must follow, what judges look for, and how to maximize your chances of success at the highest level. Our goal is to make participating in ISEF as straightforward as possible—removing all the guesswork so you can focus on what matters most: doing exceptional research.
What is ISEF and Why Is It So Prestigious?
Regeneron ISEF (formerly Intel ISEF, run by Society for Science) is the world's largest international science fair for high school students, dating back to 1958. Each year, it brings together the top student researchers who earned their spot by winning at local, regional, and national fairs.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The prestige of ISEF comes from its global scale and history of excellence:
Finalists represent the best of approximately 175,000 students who compete in 400+ affiliated fairs across 80+ countries and territories each year
Acceptance rate is less than 1%, making it an extremely competitive honor to attend
1,600-1,800 finalists gather each year at the international finals
21-22 scientific categories span all areas of STEM research
Nearly $9 million in scholarships and awards distributed annually
$75,000 grand prize for the Regeneron Innovator Award (top prize)
$50,000 awards for Young Scientist honors
$3,000 to $500 for first through fourth place in each category
Dozens of special awards from scientific organizations (internships, equipment, scholarships)
Beyond the Statistics: Why ISEF Matters
ISEF is prestigious because of its high impact on participants' futures:
Access to Elite Scientists and Experts
Present your work to PhD judges and Nobel Prize-winning scientists
Receive feedback from leading researchers in your field
Network with professionals who can become long-term mentors
Alumni Success Stories Society for Science's programs (which include ISEF) count Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, and tech entrepreneurs among their past participants. Many winners have gone on to achieve major scientific and entrepreneurial milestones, underscoring ISEF's reputation as a launching pad for future innovators.
Media and Recognition
Finalists often garner media attention
Top U.S. winners historically receive invitations to the White House Science Fair
Universities and companies actively recruit talent from ISEF participants
Educational Value Even if you don't take home first prize, the experience itself, conducting an independent research project and competing on an international stage, is invaluable. Students gain skills in scientific thinking, communication, and perseverance that top universities and STEM programs highly value.
Cultural Exchange and Networking The atmosphere at ISEF is electric, imagine a stadium of excited young scientists from around the globe, cheering and exchanging ideas. Finalists get to meet peers worldwide and often form lifelong friendships with fellow young scientists. The fair isn't just about competition, it's also a cultural exchange.
In short, ISEF is prestigious not only for its global recognition and rewards, but because participation signifies you are among the world's leading young scientists, ready to tackle real-world problems.
Who Can Participate in ISEF? Complete Eligibility Requirements
Age and Grade Requirements
ISEF is open to high school students who meet ALL of the following criteria:
Grades 9-12 (or equivalent, typically ages 14-18) around the world
Must not have turned 20 years old before May 1 of the ISEF competition year
Students from any country can participate
Individual vs. Team Projects
Students can compete as individuals OR on teams of up to 3 members
Teams with more than 3 members are not allowed
All members of a team must meet the age/grade requirements
All team members must have qualified together through the fair network
For team projects, judges expect all members to contribute and understand the project well
Scientific Disciplines Welcome
Projects from any scientific discipline are welcome. ISEF features 21 or more categories spanning:
Life Sciences:
Biology
Microbiology
Biomedical and Health Sciences
Plant Sciences
Animal Sciences
Physical Sciences:
Chemistry
Physics
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Engineering:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Robotics and Intelligent Machines
Materials Science
Mathematics and Computer Science:
Mathematics
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Systems Software
Embedded Systems
Behavioral and Social Sciences:
Behavioral Science
Social Sciences
Interdisciplinary Fields
New categories are occasionally added as science evolves, so check the current year's category list.
Language Requirements
English is the official language of ISEF
Your project presentation boards and abstracts must be in English
Interpreters are available at the event for those who need language assistance during judging
Project Entry Restrictions
Each student can only enter ONE project each year — you cannot submit multiple different projects to multiple fairs
Projects must be original research by students
You can have mentors or work in institutional labs, but the work should be substantially done by you
You must credit any assistance received (this is documented in forms)
Multi-year research is allowed: If you've done a multi-year research endeavor, you can compete with the latest year's work with proper forms (Form 7) to show it's a continuation
You cannot reuse an old project entirely — there must be significant new work
Research Time Frame Limits
Projects are limited to at most 12 months of continuous work
You cannot use research done more than 18 months prior to the fair
These limits are strictly enforced to ensure fairness
In summary, ISEF is for any curious, motivated high school student (any country, grades 9-12) who is ready to embark on a science or engineering research project and follow the rules. Whether you dream of curing diseases, coding the next AI, or inventing a gadget, as long as you meet the age/grade criteria and are willing to put in the work, you can aim for ISEF!
How Do You Qualify? The Complete Competition Pipeline from Local Fair to ISEF
The Critical Thing First-Time Participants Need to Understand
You CANNOT simply register for ISEF directly as an individual. This is perhaps the most important thing to know.
ISEF is the culmination of a tiered system of science fairs. To reach the international stage, you must advance through your region's affiliated fair(s). The only way to get to ISEF is to be selected by an ISEF-affiliated fair, you cannot enter ISEF independently or as a walk-in. You must go through the pipeline and "win the right" to attend.
The Typical Progression: How to Advance
Generally, there are about 3 rounds of competition (local, regional, state/national) that you must progress through to reach ISEF. Here's how it typically works:
Stage 1: Start at a Local/School Fair
Many students begin by entering a science fair at their school or local level:
Some high schools hold science fairs or capstone research competitions
In other cases, there may be a city-wide or regional fair open to local students
Some fairs might be directly open for student registration
Others require you to qualify via a school fair first
The process differs by location, so check the fair's website or ask a teacher
Stage 2: Advance to Regional/State Fair
If you win or place highly at the first level, you move on to a regional fair:
Regional fairs might cover several schools or counties
In the U.S.: There are often regional fairs, then a state science fair
Internationally: Some smaller countries might have just one national fair that is ISEF-affiliated
In larger countries: Multiple tiers exist (local → regional → state → national)
The structure varies by location, but the principle is the same: advance through levels
Stage 3: Qualify at an ISEF-Affiliated Fair
This is the critical step. You need to become a top winner at an ISEF-affiliated fair, usually at the state or national level, to earn a spot at ISEF:
Each affiliated fair is part of the Society for Science affiliated fair network
These fairs have agreed to follow ISEF rules and can nominate winners to ISEF
Each affiliated fair is allocated a certain number of ISEF slots (based on the fair's size)
The fair will select their best projects as "ISEF finalists"
For example, a large state fair might be allowed to send 2-5 projects to ISEF
This ensures that every ISEF participant has already been vetted and is truly among the top from their region
Stage 4: International Finals (ISEF)
If you are chosen as a finalist, congratulations! You get to attend the ISEF event:
Usually held in May in the U.S.
You'll represent your region/country
Join roughly 1,600 finalists from around the world
Week-long event with judging, ceremonies, and networking
Recent and Upcoming ISEF Locations:
ISEF 2024: May 11-17 in Los Angeles
ISEF 2025: May in Columbus, Ohio
ISEF 2026: Phoenix, Arizona
How to Find Your Local Fair
Use the Society for Science "Find a Fair" Directory:
Go to the official Society for Science website
Use their "Find a Fair" tool to locate an ISEF-affiliated fair near you
The directory shows all affiliated fairs by location
Different Fair Structures by Country:
U.S.: Most states have an affiliated fair (or multiple regionals feeding into a state fair)
International: Some nations hold a single national competition to pick ISEF delegates
Others: Have several regional fairs
Your school's science teachers can guide you on the path specific to your location
If Your Area Has No Affiliated Fair:
Motivated students or educators can work on establishing one
Society for Science provides guidelines for new fair affiliations
For most students, there will be at least one existing pathway to follow
Critical Timeline: When Everything Happens
Understanding the timeline is crucial for planning your research:
Year Before ISEF (Summer/Fall):
Start brainstorming and researching your project
Begin literature review
Develop your research question and plan
Complete all required forms and get approvals
Start your experiments
Fall/Winter:
Continue intensive research
Many students spend their summer vacations working on projects intensively
Collect data
Analyze results
Refine your work
January to March:
Most local and regional fairs take place during this period
Each fair serves as a stepping stone to the next level
You're allowed to tweak and improve your project between stages
Learn from each round and refine for the next
Early April:
All affiliated fairs must conclude to send winners to that year's ISEF
By mid-April, all qualifying fairs have picked their champions
May:
ISEF Finals — selected finalists attend the week-long international competition
How Long Should You Spend on Research?
Students often spend up to 12 months on their research (which is also the maximum allowed by ISEF rules):
Many successful ISEF finalists spend their summer vacations working intensively on projects
Most top ISEF competitors invest 400-1,600 hours over many months
Start your project well in advance — you need many months to experiment and collect data
By the time you reach ISEF, you'll have polished your research through several iterations
Key Strategy: Build on Each Round
Treat each fair as a stepping stone:
Win at your level, advance to the next
Keep records of your project's progress — you'll be presenting multiple times
You can learn from judges' feedback at each round
Refine your presentation, poster, and even your analysis between stages
Each stage is a chance to grow your project (and yourself as a researcher) to the highest level
Bottom Line: To sign up for ISEF, start by entering your local science fair (or whatever the first level of competition is in your area). It's a challenging journey, but each stage provides valuable experience and helps you perfect your work for the ultimate competition.
The ISEF Competition Week: A Complete Day-by-Day Overview
If you make it to the ISEF finals, here's exactly what to expect. ISEF is typically a week-long event packed with activities, this is what the schedule looks like:
Day 1-2: Arrival and Project Setup
Project Setup
Upon arriving, finalists set up their project display boards and materials in a giant exhibition hall
Imagine hundreds of booths all being assembled simultaneously
Bring all your materials: poster board, any physical models or prototypes, display binder with forms
Display & Safety Inspection
Every project undergoes inspection to ensure it meets the rules
Inspectors check: no prohibited items on display, all proper forms present, safety protocols followed
This is where any small compliance issues are caught and fixed before judging
Common things checked:
No live organisms, microbial cultures, or open liquids
No sharp or hazardous items
No identifying personal information on your board
No previous awards displayed
All required forms in your binder
Opening Ceremony
A fun kick-off where all students gather
Flag-bearing ceremonies for each country — each delegation carries their flag
Guest speakers (often famous scientists or innovators)
Lots of spirit — think of a pep rally for science!
This really drives home the scale: hundreds of bright students all in one place, excited to share their work
Pin Exchange Tradition
Usually happens at the beginning of the week
Students swap pins or small gifts from their home state/country
A famous ISEL tradition and great icebreaker to meet new friends
The hall is filled with laughter as students trade items like lapel pins, flags, and cultural tokens
Bring pins or small items from your region to trade!
Day 3-4: Judging Sessions (The Core of ISEF)
This is the heart of the competition. Typically, there is one full day (or two) of judging.
The Setup:
Hundreds of expert judges walk the exhibition hall
Judges include: scientists, engineers, academics, and industry professionals
Each project is usually evaluated by multiple judges (often 3 or more)
You will speak one-on-one with each judge in a rotating fashion
What Judging Looks Like:
Interviews are intense — expect 15-20 minutes per judge
You need to concisely explain your research
Answer probing questions about methodology, results, implications
Maybe demonstrate part of your experiment or prototype if possible
Types of Judges You'll Encounter:
Subject matter experts in your field (to assess technical depth)
General scientists from other fields (to gauge how well you explain concepts clearly)
Expect anything from highly technical queries to big-picture discussions about why your project matters
What Judges Are Looking For:
Can you clearly explain what you did?
Do you truly understand the underlying science?
How independently did you work?
Can you answer questions thoughtfully and honestly?
Do you show passion and enthusiasm?
How do you handle challenging questions or acknowledge limitations?
The Interview is Extremely Important ISEF places considerable emphasis on the presentation and interview phase when scoring projects. Your poster gets you noticed, but the interview is where you prove your understanding and passion.
Pro Tips for Judging:
First impressions matter — be ready with a clear 1-2 minute project summary
Listen carefully to questions and answer what's being asked
If you don't know something, it's okay to say so and explain how you'd find out
Be honest about what work was yours versus mentor assistance
Show enthusiasm but not arrogance
Take a breath if you need time to think — judges appreciate thoughtfulness
Day 5: Public Visitation & Education Outreach
Public Exhibition Day
Usually a day or half-day when the fair is open to the public
Local school groups, parents, sponsors visit
Finalists stand by their projects and explain their work
More casual showcase compared to formal judging
Education Outreach Day
Local middle and high school students come to be inspired by ISEF projects
This is your chance to inspire the next generation of scientists
Practice communicating science to general audiences
Often the most fun and relaxed part of the week
Throughout the Week: Special Events
ISEF organizers host numerous activities:
Mixers and Social Events
Meet finalists from around the world
Network with peers who share your interests
Make friends you'll stay in touch with for years
Panel Discussions
Hear from leading scientists and innovators
Learn about careers in STEM
Ask questions about research and education paths
STEM Workshops
Hands-on activities and learning opportunities
Exposure to new fields and techniques
Cultural Events
Experience the host city
Examples: "Night at the Museum" or city science festivals
Tours and activities designed for ISEF participants
Evening Activities
These help you relax and bond with fellow finalists
Often these friendships and connections are what students remember most
Day 6-7: Awards Ceremonies (The Grand Finale)
The week concludes with two major awards ceremonies:
Special Awards Ceremony
What Are Special Awards?
Given by scientific organizations, corporations, governmental agencies
Examples:
NASA might give an award for best space science project
IEEE for engineering projects
American Psychological Association for behavioral science
Various companies and foundations
Types of Special Awards:
Cash prizes
Scholarships
Internship opportunities
Equipment or software
Trips to present at conferences
Many students receive multiple special awards
Grand Awards Ceremony (The Main Event)
This is the big one — think confetti, cheering, and celebration!
Category Awards:
Announced from 4th place up to 1st in each of the 21+ categories
4th Place: $500
3rd Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $1,500
1st Place: $3,000
Top Honors (Best of Fair):
Regeneron Innovator Award: $75,000 (the top of top)
Young Scientist Awards: $50,000 (typically two awarded)
Other high honors and recognition
The Atmosphere:
Celebration for ALL finalists
Sometimes surprise speakers or performers
Media coverage
Photos and recognition
Even if your name isn't called:
It's a celebratory event honoring all finalists' achievements
Simply making it to ISEF is extraordinary
Many doors open just from being a finalist
After ISEF: What Happens Next?
Additional Opportunities:
Top U.S. winners historically invited to the White House Science Fair
All finalists become part of the Society for Science alumni community
Networking doors open for future collaborations
Many universities and companies take note of ISEF finalists
Feedback and Growth:
You'll leave with feedback from judges
Newfound confidence to pursue further research
Some students continue their projects: publish papers, file patents, compete in other competitions
Others use the experience as a springboard to new ideas
Long-term Impact:
ISEF on your college applications signals serious research capability
Connections made at ISEF often last through college and careers
The experience builds skills and confidence that benefit you for life
In summary, ISEF finals week is a whirlwind of science, celebration, and connection. It can feel overwhelming, but it's also immensely fun. You get treated like VIPs for the week. Many students say the best part isn't the awards, but the people you meet and the inspiration you gain. So if you make it there, soak up every moment!
Essential Strategies for Succeeding at ISEF: Insights from Winners and Mentors
Now that you understand what ISEF is, how to qualify, and how you'll be judged, let's dive deep into strategies for maximizing your success. These tips come from ISEF mentors, past winners, and the accumulated wisdom of students who've competed at the highest level.
1. Choose a Project You're Passionate About
Why This Matters: When you care deeply about your subject, you'll:
Stay motivated through long hours and setbacks
Show authentic enthusiasm that judges notice and appreciate
Be more resilient when experiments fail
Communicate more engagingly
How Judges Respond: Judges, and all people, prefer to listen to presenters who are excited about their research. That energy is contagious and makes your presentation more compelling.
How to Find Your Passion Project:
Brainstorm what fascinates you: environmental conservation, robotics, medicine, any niche
Read about current problems in fields you're interested in
Think about challenges you've observed in your own life or community
Consider what you enjoy learning about in your free time
Don't pick a project just because it sounds impressive
Find a way to turn genuine curiosity into a scientific investigation
The Key Principle: A small, original question in a field you love is better than a big, "impressive-sounding" project that you're not truly into. This is YOUR independent research—it should reflect YOUR interests and creativity.
2. Be Original and Creative
Why Originality Matters: Judges heavily value originality. Projects that offer new perspectives or clever solutions tend to stand out in a sea of research.
What Originality Looks Like:
A unique angle on a known problem
An innovative approach or methodology
Building on previous research with your own twist
Clever application of existing techniques to a new area
Novel combinations of ideas from different fields
How to Achieve Originality:
Do a Thorough Literature Search:
Understand what's already been done
Identify gaps in existing research
Find unanswered questions
Look for improvements on previous approaches
Use Google Scholar, PubMed, or other academic databases
Ask "How Can I Make This Different?" If you're drawn to a common project (like testing plant growth variables), consider:
Can I test an unexplored variable?
Can I use more sophisticated methodology?
Can I apply this in a novel context?
Can I combine this with another approach?
Don't Fear Unconventional Ideas:
Novel ideas often catch attention
As long as they're scientifically grounded, creativity is valued
Sometimes originality comes in HOW you present or analyze, not just the idea itself
Critical Point: You don't need to discover something Nobel-worthy at 16. You DO need to go beyond copying a textbook experiment. Show that YOU thought about this problem and came up with YOUR approach.
Let the Idea Be Yours:
Get inspiration from mentors or papers (that's good research!)
But the spark of the project should come from your own thinking
Judges can tell the difference between authentic curiosity and following instructions
3. Find a Mentor or Advisor
Why Mentorship Matters: ISEF winner Amber Hess noted that finding a good mentor is "the single most important thing for success in top science competitions."
What a Mentor Can Do:
Guide you on research design
Teach you lab techniques and proper methodology
Help you troubleshoot when experiments fail
Push you to deepen your analysis
Ensure you follow all safety and ethical rules
Provide access to equipment and facilities
Offer feedback on your presentations
Connect you to other resources and experts
How to Find a Mentor:
Start Close to Home:
Ask science teachers at your school
Talk to parents' colleagues who work in STEM
Reach out to local university professors
Contact researchers at nearby companies or hospitals
Make the Ask:
Send polite, professional emails explaining:
Your project idea (briefly)
Why you're interested in this area
What kind of guidance you're seeking
That you're willing to work hard and learn
The worst they can say is no
Don't be discouraged by non-responses—try multiple people
University Programs:
Many universities have formal programs linking researchers to high school students
Look for summer research programs or science mentorship initiatives
Some examples: RSI, SSP, university-specific programs
Virtual Mentorship:
If you can't find a local mentor, consider virtual options
Some scientists are willing to provide guidance via email or video calls
Online platforms and forums can connect you with experts
Utilize Available Resources:
ScienceBuddies and similar sites have guidance
Read research papers—in a way, the authors become indirect mentors
Join science clubs or competitions that provide mentorship
Important Considerations:
Maintain Independence:
The project must remain YOURS
Judges will check that you understand and did the work
Document what help you received (Form 1C)
Pull your weight if working in someone's lab
Even Small Guidance Helps:
Even an hour-long conversation with an expert can save weeks of mistakes
Consultations on specific challenges are valuable
You don't need full-time mentorship to benefit
Bottom Line: You don't have to (and shouldn't) work in isolation. Tapping into the knowledge of others strengthens your science. Taking the initiative to learn from professionals often impresses judges too.
The path to ISEF is challenging, but with the right guidance and support, it's also incredibly rewarding. Our consultants are passionate about helping motivated students like you transform curiosity into rigorous research, and we'd be honored to be part of your journey. If you'd like to learn how we can help you build the extracurricular profile that will get you into your dream school, click the button below to schedule a complimentary consultation with a STEM competition and extracurricular expert today.
