Biology | Chemistry | Computer Science | Astronomy & Astrophysics | Physics Competition US
USAPhO | USNCO | USABO | USACO | USNAO
Difficulty
3
3/5
Target Students
International students may participate through eligible schools/test sites.
Event Time
April
Registration Period
December-January
U.S. Science Olympiad System (USAPhO / USNCO / USABO / USACO / USNAO) refers to the national-level academic olympiad pathways in the United States that select top high school students through multiple rounds of competition to represent the U.S. in international Olympiads.
Academic Value
These competitions represent the highest-level academic olympiad system in the U.S., testing deep subject mastery, problem-solving ability, and long-term training.
Impact on College Applications
They are among the most prestigious STEM achievements (9–10/10 tier). Reaching advanced stages (USAPhO, USACO Platinum, USNCO Semifinal or above) or national team training camps provides extremely strong support for Ivy League and Top 10 university applications.