Regeneron Science Talent Search: What It Is and How You Can Succeed
If you are viewing this blog post, you are probably interested in learning more about the Regeneron Science Talent Search or have never heard of it and want to know more. No matter how familiar you are with this competition, you can find details in this blog post!
In this blog post, we will discuss what the Regeneron Science Talent Search is, how to apply, how to be successful, and some past highlights of winning ideas—all to help you in your science journey!
https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2023-scholars/
What is the Regeneron Science Talent Search?
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is a competition for science and mathematics that was founded in 1942 by Society For Science. High school seniors are able to submit the ideas/research they have that can help society grow and face obstacles.
About 1,900 students apply each year and 300 of them are chosen as scholars. 40 finalists are then recognized for their hard work and are invited to participate in a final round where they meet others who have had a role in shaping society!
What students do to apply is complete research on an aspect of science, which usually takes a year or longer (though it can also be done in a short period of time).
Guidelines and Timeline of the Regeneron Science Talent Search
Please note that all of the information can be found on the official website, and it is best to consult it if you choose to apply. What is written down below is not a complete list of rules and only highlights some of the main things.
Eligibility Requirements
Only high school seniors (that is, 12th graders, or those in the last year of secondary school) are eligible to apply.
Students must have some connection to the United States or its surrounding territories (either a resident or a citizen, see rulebook for more information) to be able to apply.
Individual research must be submitted; there cannot be any work done in teams.
Anyone associated with a Society for Science employee or someone who has done something for the Regeneron Science Talent Search is not eligible for entry.
Timeline
This timeline is specifically for STS 2024, but note that dates will be quite similar.
STS Application: June 1 – November 8, 2023
Top 300 Scholars Announcement: January 2024
Top 40 Finalists Announcement: January 2024
STS Finals: March 16–13, 2024
Project Exhibition: March 10, 2024
Winners Announcement/Awards Ceremony: March 12, 2024
Please find a complete list of rules on the official website.
How to Enter the Regeneron Science Talent Search
To be able to enter the Regeneron Science Talent Search, you need to submit an application that consists of several parts.
Application Requirements / What is Found in the Application
It is not enough to submit an idea; there must also be data gathered and results collected so that a proper research paper can be written.
The application will consist of a research paper (about 20 pages), essay questions, and other questions all regarding the project.
Additionally, transcripts, recommendations, and potential test scores also need to be submitted.
Application must be completed online through the website.
Please find a complete list of application requirements on the official website.
How You Can Succeed in the Regeneron Science Talent Search
The first thing you need to have handy with you at all times in this process is the passion for learning science, because it will guide you at every step of the journey. That being said, anyone can succeed in the Regeneron Science Talent Search if they work hard and let their interest in science shine through.
The judges are looking for the qualities any young scientist should possess: research skills, commitment to their pursuit of knowledge, creative thinking, and leadership traits. If you can demonstrate that you have a high level of all of these through your application, then it will be clear to the judges how you are ready to be a STEM leader!
The research paper you write holds the most weight out of everything in your application, since it shows your idea, the evidence, and how it can help society for the better. To have a strong research paper, you should review what such a piece of writing requires, communicate everything you have to say clearly, present your findings in an easily understandable way, and meet all the requirements listed on the website.
Remember, there is no easy path to success—the closest thing you can do is give your best effort. Even if you might not make it into the top 300, you will still gain lots of experience, learn more about science, be better the next time you do something similar, and feel a big sense of achievement!
Past Winning Projects of the Regeneron Science Talent Search
Students and schools receive $3.1 million every year as part of awards! The top 300 and their school receive $2,000. The top 40 receive $25,000, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip for a week in Washington, D.C. to showcase their project at the Regeneron Science Talent Institute in front of thousands of people, lots of whom are at high positions. The first place winner gets $250,000, the second place winner gets $175,000, and the third place winner gets $150,000.
Below are the winners for the first three position for the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023:
First Place: Neel Moudgal, created a computer model to predict RNA molecule structure using quickly gathered data, which he hopes can be used for easier diagnoses and treatments of some diseases.
Second Place: Emily Ocasio, utilized artificial intelligence to study whether humanizing language was used in the description of homicide victims or not.
Third Place: Ellen Xu, created an algorithm that can help diagnose Kawasaki disease only using a patient’s smartphone photo.
If you are more interested about other winning projects in the past years or the other honor awards of this year, visit the STS website.
Conclusion
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is a great opportunity to showcase your skills to be an awesome scientist and STEM leader. It is a unique contest where you can grow as a student and a person, and make contributions to society.
We hope that this blog post has inspired you to enter, helped you in your application, and to achieve success in your research. We wish you luck as you progress in this journey.
You may also like this blog post on the Nation’s Most Prestigious Science Competition.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
