USABO: Guidelines and Eligibility

USABO Invertebrate Lab

High School Students

Are you a high school student interested in competing in the USA Biology Olympiad?

If so, let your teacher know about the program! Registering your school for the USABO Open Exam is the first step in the competition.

Students must be registered by their teachers to compete in the USABO. CEE encourages teachers at participating schools to nominate all students who are interested in taking the Open Exam, particularly students who have taken advanced or AP biology courses (or equivalent).

Eligibility Requirements

  • High school seniors are eligible provided that they have not enrolled formally in an undergraduate program at a college or university.
  • All interested students in grades 9, 10, 11 & 12 are eligible to participate in the USABO, if nominated by their teachers.
  • Students must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States.