Participating in and winning academically challenging competitions is one of the most effective ways to make your college applications stand out. Here’s why - admissions officers are on the lookout for students with advanced skillset in a field, as well as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Participating in a national competition is the perfect way to demonstrate the skills above! 

Starting from high school, engaging in competitions organized by the International Academic Competitions (IAC) can provide you with invaluable experience. Challenges like the National Science Bee, the focus of this blog, offer an excellent opportunity to deepen your STEM knowledge, test your skills in a prestigious setting, and build a strong academic profile.

What is the National Science Bee?

The National Science Bee is a premier competition organized by the IAC, designed to challenge students across various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. The competition is structured in two stages: the Qualifying Stage and the National Championships. The competition not only tests your knowledge but also hones your quick thinking and precise response abilities in a high-pressure environment. Participating in this competition offers a taste of the rigor associated with advanced scientific studies and careers. 

Is it prestigious?

Yes, the National Science Bee is one of the most prestigious science competitions for high school students in the United States. It attracts thousands of participants nationwide, and the competition's rigor makes it a noteworthy accolade on any academic resume. Qualifying for the Nationals or finishing on the podium is a significant achievement that showcases your academic dedication and scientific knowledge. We rate this as a highly prestigious competition to participate in. 

Who is eligible for the National Science Bee?

To participate in the National Science Bee, you must be in grades 10 (for the Junior Varsity Division) or 11-12 (for the Varsity Division). Students from any high school in the U.S., including those in homeschool programs, are eligible to compete.

How is the National Science Bee structured?

The National Science Bee is structured as follows:

Stage 1: Qualifying stage

In the first stage of the competition, you first need to qualify to reach the National Championships. There are two options available to you at this stage:

1. National Qualifying Exam (NQE)

   • The NQE consists of a 50-question multiple-choice exam covering a wide array of scientific disciplines. Each correct answer earns 2 points, unanswered questions score 0, and incorrect answers deduct 1 point, encouraging careful consideration over random guessing. You only need to qualify in any one attempt of any one version of the exam to reach the National Championship.

   • There are three versions of the NQE, labeled Set A, Set B, and Set C. These exams can either be taken online or at various in-person regional tournaments hosted by the International Academic Competitions.

   • Qualification Criteria: 

     1. Scoring 75 or higher on any version of the exam.

     2. Scoring among the top 50% of students in your age division at an in-person tournament.

     3. Scoring at or above the official National Median Score in your age division for each exam version.

   • Cost: Each attempt costs $15, and you are allowed to make more than 1 attempt.

2. Online National Qualifying Tournament (ONQT)

   • This is the second option for attempting to qualify for the National Championship. This online tournament involves three preliminary rounds, each featuring 30 questions delivered via a buzzer system. The top performers advance to a final round with another set of 30 challenging questions.

   • Qualification Criteria: Ranking in the top 50% of your age division based on cumulative scores from the preliminary rounds.

   • Cost: Participation in the ONQT costs $35.

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Stage 2: National Championships

• The 2024 National Championships took place at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA, over a weekend in late April. Around 150 students participated in the Nationals in 2024.

• Format: Students will compete in four preliminary rounds of 35 questions each, followed by two playoff rounds. The final stage is highly competitive, featuring toss-up questions that require quick responses.

• Cost: The entry fee is $114 if registered before the end of 2023, otherwise, it's $119.

  
  

10 tips to help you win the National Science Bee

1. Master the Basics: Ensure you have a strong grasp of fundamental scientific concepts across all major disciplines. Solid foundational knowledge is crucial for success in this competition.

2. Utilize Official Resources: Review study guides and past exam questions provided by the competition organizers to understand the format and depth of questions. Go through the National Science Bee Question Distribution in detail.

3. Practice Timed Quizzes: Simulate real competition conditions with timed practice sessions to improve both your speed and accuracy.

4. Seek Guidance from a Mentor: Working with a science teacher or mentor can provide you with valuable insights and help you prepare more effectively. 

5. Form Study Groups: While the National Science Bee requires individual participation, nothing is stopping you from working with your peers and classmates to study together. Collaborate with peers to challenge each other's understanding and cover more material efficiently.

6. Attend Science Workshops and Camps: Engage in hands-on learning experiences to deepen your understanding of complex scientific topics.

7. Address Weaknesses: Identify areas where you need improvement and dedicate specific study time to those subjects. This goes easier if you have a study group and/or a mentor to work with.

8. Enhance Recall Skills: Use flashcards and active recall techniques to improve your ability to quickly retrieve information.

9. Monitor Your Performance: Keep track of your performance in practice rounds and adjust your strategies accordingly. This will help you identify and target your strengths and weaknesses and come up with a more robust strategy for Finals day.

10. Maintain Good Health: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep are crucial to maintaining focus and energy during preparation and competition.

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One other option - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.