By Sammer Marzouk
Did you know that your love of biology could take you to the global stage, competing alongside the brightest young minds from across the globe?
I know because I’ve been there myself. As a former participant in the Biology Olympiad, I can offer more than just an overview—I can share what the experience actually feels like from the inside.
Held annually, the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is often called the Olympics of biology. Top high school students from across the globe compete not just for medals, but to demonstrate their deep understanding of life itself—from DNA replication to ecosystem dynamics.
In 2024, over 305 students from 80 countries earned a spot at the IBO finals. Getting there is tough. In the U.S. alone, nearly 10,000 students entered the USA Biology Olympiad (USA Biolympiad, or USABO), the national biology olympiad. Only 20 reached the National Finals, and just four were chosen to represent Team USA—a carefully selected national team—on the global stage.
But the IBO is more than a competition. It’s a celebration of life sciences, determination, academic excellence, cultural activities and the challenge of global collaboration, all centered on scientific excellence. Whether you’re aiming for a medal or just hoping to meet like-minded peers, it’s an unforgettable milestone for any young scientist.
If you’re in high school, under 20, and haven’t started college yet—you’re eligible to compete. In the U.S., that means you need to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and enrolled in a high school or homeschool program. You don’t need to be in a special science program or have a perfect GPA to try. Most high school students who do well are juniors or seniors who’ve taken AP or honors biology, but if you’re curious, motivated, and love science, you’re already on the right track.
Students typically participate through a school-based team, with a teacher registering the school and serving as the official Test Administrator for this unique education opportunity. School registration is required before students can sit for the exam. If there’s no team at school, students can ask a science teacher to register the school or form a new team with peers. If that’s not possible, it may be possible to take the exam at a nearby participating school or approved USABO Test Center, with permission from both schools and USABO.
So, how do students prepare for something like the International Biology Olympiad? Most start with Campbell Biology, a go-to college-level textbook, and work through past Olympiad exams. Free videos from Khan Academy or Bozeman Science help with tricky topics. Some students study with teachers or mentors, while others join training camps or online study groups. If you’re aiming high, it’s smart to start prepping at least a year ahead.
Top contenders spend a few hours a week reviewing advanced topics like molecular genetics, human physiology, and the role of technology in modern science. Lab skills matter too—microscope work, experimental design, and data analysis are all key.
Many students go beyond the classroom, exploring bioinformatics or taxonomy on their own. Online forums, Discord servers, and sites like Biolympiads.com offer resources, past exams, and study tips. There’s no single “right” way to prep—just curiosity, consistency, and a real love of the life sciences, and the challenge that comes with mastering them.
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to watch videos or read blogs from past International Biology Olympiad participants who share their journeys—successes, setbacks, and all. Their stories often highlight how perseverance and resourcefulness matter just as much as textbook knowledge.
This is a big deal. Just reaching the USABO Semifinals puts you in the top 10% of nearly 10,000 students nationwide. Make it to the National Finals or Team USA, and you’re truly in the company of excellence. At the International Biology Olympiad, only a few hundred students globally qualify each year—and medals are rare: about 10% earn gold, 20% silver, and 30% bronze.
Participation in the IBO typically involves traveling to the host country for a one-week event in July. The experience includes a mix of rigorous exams, cultural exchange activities, and time with some of the world’s brightest young scientists. Most of the time, travel and accommodation costs are covered by the participating country or sponsoring organizations, though this can vary depending on where you’re from.
It’s not just the difficulty level—it’s the fact that students from around the globe are being tested on identical tests, competing side-by-side on a level playing field. Earning one of the few gold medals is a rare honor that places you in the top 10% of elite competitors globally.
Challenge / Difficulty Level:🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
So here’s what the U.S. competition looks like:
USA Biolympiad Open Exam: Approximately 50-minute multiple-choice test covering broad biology topics like cell biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolution. About 10,000 students take it each year.
USA Biolympiad Semifinal: 2-hour test with more advanced content, including data analysis, multi-select questions, and short-answer formats. About 1,000 students qualify. The questions are more complex and require students to explain biological mechanisms, interpret experimental results, apply critical thinking and sometimes solve multi-part problems.
National Finals (Training Camp): Only 20 students across the U.S. earn a spot at the National Finals—and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For two weeks, finalists live and learn together at a top university or research institute, fully immersed in advanced biology and a culture of excellence. The schedule is intense but exciting, packed with lectures from scientists and professors, hands-on lab training, and team-building activities that foster scientific curiosity and education.
Academically, it’s no joke. Students complete a 3-hour theory exam that goes deep into college-level biology—from molecular biology and biochemistry to evolution and neurobiology. On top of that, there’s a 6-hour lab practical, where you might find yourself dissecting a specimen, identifying unknown samples, running gel electrophoresis, analyzing enzyme kinetics, or using chromatography to separate biological compounds.
IBO International Finals: Only four students from each country make it to the International Biology Olympiad, which brings together around 300 of the globe’s top youth biologists from five continents. IBO delegations consist of the four national finalists, their two academic advisors, mentors, and sometimes observers, all traveling to the host country for a week-long event each July. Hosted in a different country each year—such as the upcoming 2025 event at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Philippines—the International Biology Olympiad is both a competition and a cultural exchange, starting with an opening ceremony that welcomes all participating nations.
Finalists take two advanced theory exams and several hands-on lab practicals covering topics like molecular biology, physiology, ecology, plant anatomy, bioinformatics, and critical thinking under pressure. The labs test your ability to follow protocols, analyze data, and think critically under pressure. It’s academically intense—but also a chance to meet students from over 80 countries, explore new cultures, and be part of a global community of science lovers. Many past competitors say it gave them the confidence to tackle college-level research, apply to selective programs, or pursue science at the highest levels as part of the next generation of scientific talents.
And for those who score highest, there’s the chance to win gold medals. Even if you never qualify for the International Biology Olympiad, the journey itself can change how you approach science, school, and even your future career. Being awarded gold medals at the IBO isn’t just a shiny accolade—they’re a reflection of years of study, deep passion, and the ability to perform under extraordinary pressure. In 2024, for example, students from Seven Lakes High School in Texas and Marriotts Ridge High School in Maryland earned gold medals, proudly representing the USA Biolympiad team, a national team built on months of intense study and collaboration.
Most of the questions below are similar in style and difficulty to what you’d see on the USA Biolympiad Semifinal Exam, though some could also appear in modified form during training camp or even at the International Biology Olympiad. They’re designed to test more than just memorization—they assess how well you can apply your knowledge, analyze data, and think like a biologist.
Here’s a sample set to give you a feel for the types of questions that show up as you move deeper into the competition:
If you love biology, enjoy solving tough problems, and aren’t afraid to dig into material beyond the classroom, the Olympiad could be a great fit. Many students start preparing seriously in 10th or 11th grade—though a few begin earlier.
Having taken AP, IB, or honors biology helps, but the questions go way beyond standard courses. Curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to study hard (and maybe even have fun doing it) matter more than any specific class.
Time commitment varies. Preparing for the Open Exam might require just a few hours a week. But progressing to the Semifinal and beyond can take dozens of hours per month of studying, practice exams, and lab review.
I know that firsthand. After a shaky start my sophomore year, I committed to pushing myself—not just to rank higher, but to actually understand the material on a deeper level.
I hadn’t made Nationals, but being in the top 10% for my state proved how far I’d come. More importantly, the skills I’d developed through USA Biolympiad opened unexpected doors. For example, I was able to excel in my research internship interview because I could engage intelligently with the journal articles they provided.
Now in medical school, I still use the analytical thinking, technology tools and study habits I honed through USABO. What started as an intimidating challenge became one of my most formative experiences. To any student wondering if USABO is worth it if you don’t make Nationals: absolutely. The knowledge you gain and the perseverance you develop matter far beyond any competition results.
Participation in the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) isn’t just about winning medals—it’s about demonstrating a deep love for life sciences, expanding your biological knowledge, and showing a willingness to stretch beyond the standard high school curriculum. As Mike Steidel, Dean of Admission Emeritus at Carnegie Mellon University, explains:
“The US Biological Olympiad encourages, nurtures, and challenges emerging young scientists from secondary schools around the globe to deeply explore the vastness of the world of biological sciences … It’s a wonderful source of inspiration and encouragement for students to develop and pursue their developing passion for future study in preparation for worldwide careers as scientists and researchers.”
While results from later USABO rounds often come out after most college admissions decisions are made, participation at any stage can still be meaningful, especially for 10th and 11th grade students, who can include their results in future applications. What matters most is not just the outcome, but the mindset and motivation behind entering the competition. Here’s how each tier can reflect a student’s growth and engagement—and how it might be thoughtfully included in a college application:
What they show: Demonstrated proficiency beyond baseline participation, placing you in the upper tier of competitors. These awards signal strong foundational knowledge and dedication—especially meaningful for underclassmen or students from schools with limited biology resources.
Admissions impact:
How to leverage them:
Why this matters:Colleges appreciate progression. These awards help tell a story—whether it’s rapid improvement (“top 30% → Semifinalist in one year”) or sustained commitment (“Three-time Honorable Mention, now leading a bio mentorship program”). Even without reaching Semifinalist, they add credibility to claims of STEM passion.
Why This Matters:
Most students won’t reach IBO, but colleges evaluate context:
USABO is less about the title and more about the mindset it reveals. And that’s exactly what admissions officers want to see.
Based on survey results from Pioneer’s alumni, 71% were admitted to the top 20 US colleges and universities. 55% of Pioneer’s alumni participated in any form of academic competition. Among them, only 15% found the experience helpful for college admissions. If you’re interested in conducting the highest level of research for high school students, consider joining a Pioneer information session to learn more.By combining academic rigor with curiosity and preparation, you might just find yourself among the top young biologists in the world.Sammer Marzouk is a Harvard graduate and is currently an MD-PhD student and Pioneer Academics alumnus dedicated to pushing the boundaries of precision medicine through interdisciplinary innovation. His research in the Rogers Group focuses on developing biocompatible, sustainable semiconductor platforms for next-generation medical wearables.
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