Often referred to as the “Oscar of international biology competitions,” the United States of America Biology Olympiad (USABO) has long attracted the attention of top universities worldwide. Each year, outstanding USABO award recipients are closely followed by leading institutions, as the competition brings together some of the most talented biology students from around the globe.
On this international stage, participants compete head-to-head with biology enthusiasts worldwide, demonstrating both depth of knowledge and advanced scientific thinking.
The USABO is one of the most rigorous and advanced academic competitions in the field of biology. For students planning to pursue majors in biology, biomedical sciences, or medicine, USABO serves as a highly valuable academic credential and plays a significant role in strengthening university applications.
Originally established to select top U.S. students for participation in the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), USABO awards have, in recent years, become a major advantage for applicants to universities in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Earning a USABO award is widely regarded as a strong indicator of readiness for top-tier institutions.
Designed to identify and cultivate top biology talent in the United States
Organized by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE)
More than 10,000 students participate annually
High-performing students may be invited to elite scientific programs
One of the most challenging biology competitions, with overall difficulty exceeding that of BBO
USABO is particularly suitable for students aiming to pursue advanced studies in biology, medicine, or related fields. For those who have completed or are currently studying Honors Biology or AP Biology, USABO provides a powerful academic extension and challenge.
USABO offers extensive learning resources and rigorous training, helping students develop a deeper interest in biology while exploring the complexity of life sciences.
USABO content overlaps significantly with AP, IB, A-Level, and standard high school biology curricula. Preparing for this higher-level competition often leads to substantial improvements in school biology performance.
USABO awards are highly regarded by top universities in the U.S. and U.K., especially for majors in biology, medicine, and biomedical sciences, making the competition an ideal choice for academically driven students.
Each year, more than 10,000 U.S. high school students participate in USABO. Award recipients are frequently favored by world-renowned universities such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia University, and the University of Cambridge. In the China division, the gold award rate is approximately 10%.
Students who perform well in USABO gain a clear advantage when applying for majors such as medicine, biomedical science, genetics, and related disciplines. Award winners may also receive invitations to participate in prestigious international scientific programs.
Gold Award: Top 10% overall
Silver Award: Top 25% overall
Bronze Award: Top 35% overall
Regional Honorable Mention: Top 20% within each region (excluding national awardees)
Registration for the 2026 USABO Biology Olympiad is now open. Students planning to pursue biology, biomedical science, or bioengineering should not miss this key competition in the first half of the academic year.
USABO is one of the most challenging and prestigious biology competitions in the United States. Strong performance significantly enhances competitiveness for top medical and life science programs. Since the launch of the China national competition in 2016, many outstanding participants have been admitted to institutions such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia University, the University of Cambridge, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, and Northwestern University.
USABO preparation enables students to systematically explore biological theory while cultivating scientific thinking. The competition covers over 90% of high school biology content, helping students build a complete and structured knowledge framework.
USABO is typically held in April, making it an ideal preparation pathway for AP, IB, and other standardized biology exams. Participation strengthens conceptual understanding and improves exam performance.
Exam Date: April 4, 2026 (Saturday), 10:30–11:20 (50 minutes)
Registration Deadline: March 24, 2026
Registration Method:
The USABO China Division is administered by ASDAN. Registration is available only through partner schools via the ASDAN International Science Assessment mini-program.
Exam Language: English
Exam Format:
Individual competition, written exam only (no laboratory component)
50 multiple-choice questions, 50-minute duration
25% Animal Anatomy and Physiology
20% Cell Biology
20% Genetics and Evolution
15% Plant Anatomy and Physiology
10% Ecology
5% Ethology (Behavior)
5% Biological Systematics
According to official statistics, nearly 78% of USABO finalists are admitted to Top 20 global universities. For high school students aiming to apply for competitive majors such as Biology, Medicine, Life Sciences, or Neuroscience at top overseas universities, the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is a highly valuable academic credential that should not be overlooked.
If you are targeting elite universities, USABO is one of the most influential biology competitions you can participate in. Below is a complete 2026 USABO study plan and preparation guide to help students prepare efficiently and strategically.
Registration Deadline: March 24, 2026
Exam Date: April 4, 2026
Exam Time: 10:30–11:20 (50 minutes)
To achieve strong results in USABO, systematic and in-depth preparation is essential. Recommended materials include:
Principles of Biochemistry
Biology Competition Vocabulary List
(A 180-page essential vocabulary book for both BBO and USABO preparation)
Comprehensive Biology Notes (180 pages)
Three Core Biology Reference Books
Past USABO Exam Papers
Build a complete knowledge system based on the official syllabus:
Conduct a thorough review by mapping out key topics and constructing mind maps that integrate cell biology, genetics, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, ecology, and biological systematics into a coherent knowledge framework.
Identify weaknesses through targeted diagnostics:
Complete 2–3 sets of past USABO exams under timed conditions. After each test, spend twice the test time analyzing results. Go beyond correcting mistakes—classify every question by topic, calculate error rates by module, and identify recurring conceptual gaps.
Focus on intensive improvement in weak areas identified during diagnostics:
Biochemistry and Cell Biology:
Master enzyme kinetics, cell signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation, and the detailed steps and energy calculations of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Genetics:
Develop fluency in Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, genetic linkage and recombination, gene mapping calculations, and population genetics, including the Hardy–Weinberg principle.
Plant and Animal Physiology:
Systematically compare structures and functions across systems, with special attention to feedback mechanisms such as blood pressure and blood glucose regulation.
Essential Skill Development:
Strengthen the ability to extract key information from complex experimental data, graphs, and tables, and draw accurate biological conclusions efficiently.
Realistic exam simulations:
Practice under full exam conditions—50 questions in 50 minutes—to improve time management and answer accuracy. USABO questions are lengthy and information-dense, making speed a critical success factor.
Exam mindset and techniques:
USABO often presents unfamiliar scenarios. Learn to strip away complex backgrounds and focus on core biological principles. Apply effective strategies such as elimination methods and extreme-case reasoning to maximize scoring efficiency.
To help students seize the critical pre-exam window, we offer a USABO Winter Intensive Camp, designed to maximize progress during the academic break. This program focuses on building strong foundations, structuring knowledge systems, and preparing students for high-level competition performance.
Early preparation ensures a smoother and more confident final sprint toward the exam.
Students aiming to achieve awards in USABO or Brain Bee, and strengthen applications to top-tier universities
Students planning to pursue majors in Biology, Medicine, Neuroscience, Psychology, or related life sciences
Students enrolled in IB, AP, or A-Level curricula who want to improve academic performance in biology
USABO Winter Intensive Course (20 Hours)
February 9–15: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 14:00–16:00
February 23–March 1: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 14:00–16:00
The course is taught by an instructor holding a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University (ranked #1 in medicine in the U.S.) and a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland. The instructor has served as a HOSA Category C Mental Health Judge, holds a TESOL International English Teaching Certificate, and delivers instruction in authentic American academic English.
The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) – China Division is one of the most prestigious international biology competitions for high school students worldwide. The official exam schedule for USABO 2026 is as follows:
Registration Deadline: March 24, 2026 (Monday)
Exam Date: April 4, 2026 (Saturday)
Exam Time: 10:30–11:20 (50 minutes)
Score Release: 4–6 weeks after the exam,预计 early May 2026
(Only selected competitions are listed below. For full competition details and registration assistance, please contact us.)
AIME Challenge
Euclid Mathematics Contest
AMC 8 / AMC 10 / AMC 12
IMMC (International Mathematical Modeling Challenge)
F = ma
Physics Bowl
BAAO
BPHO / IPC / SPC
CAP
SIN Physics Contest
CCC
UKChO
USNCO
C3L6 Chemistry League
USABO
Brain Bee Neuroscience Competition
NEC National Finals
IEO (International Economics Olympiad)
IOLC
NOAI
USAAIO
HIR
Eligible Grades: Grades 9–12 (high school students)
Exam Format: Individual competition, English-only
Duration: 50 minutes (approximately 1 minute per question)
Number of Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions
Some questions may have multiple correct answers; full credit is awarded only if all correct options are selected
Scoring:
Total score: 50 points
+1 point for each correct answer
No penalty for incorrect or unanswered questions
Exam Mode: Offline written exam (schools may apply for online testing)
Experimental Section: None
Super Gold Award (Top 5%)
A strong academic credential for applicants targeting Ivy League universities and MIT.
Gold Award (Top 10%)
Reference cutoffs:
2024: 25 points
2025: 33 points
(Cutoff scores fluctuate annually.)
Silver Award (Top 25%)
Provides a competitive edge for U.S. Top 30 universities and elite domestic institutions.
Bronze Award (Top 35%)
Helps applicants stand out in U.S. Top 50 admissions.
Regional Excellence Award (Top 20% by region)
Ideal for younger students building early competition experience.
Zero-Foundation Friendly | Grades 5–8 | Trial Class: ¥9.9
An Introduction to Sensation and Perception
The Brain Bee Neuroscience Competition originated in the United States and is a globally recognized academic challenge for young students. It is jointly supported by leading organizations such as:
American Psychological Association
Society for Neuroscience
European Neuroscience Society
Dana Foundation
International Brain Research Organization
Alzheimer’s Association
This program is ideal for students interested in biology, neuroscience, psychology, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and related fields. The trial course introduces core Brain Bee concepts and question styles, laying the groundwork for future competitions such as Brain Bee and USABO.
No prior knowledge required
A structured introductory experience designed for beginners.
Engaging, real-life examples
Learn neuroscience through everyday phenomena and cognitive illusions.
Instruction by top scholars
Led by a UC San Diego–trained neuroscience expert.
Clear academic pathway
Direct preparation for Brain Bee and USABO competitions.
Class Topic: How Your Brain “Tricks” You – Sensation & Perception
Group: Junior Division (Grades 5–8)
Class Time: February 6, 2026, 6:00–7:00 PM
M.S. in Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego (Full Scholarship)
B.S. with Honors in Neurobiology & Behavior and Cognitive Science, University of California, Davis
Over 10 years of international study and teaching experience
TOEFL Speaking: Full Score
AP Board–Certified Instructor
2025 Brain Bee National Finals:
7 First Prizes (including Taiwan regional champion and national rank #13)
2 Second Prizes, 6 Third Prizes
2025 Brain Bee Regional Competitions:
3 First Prizes (including Guangxi Regional Champion)
12 Second Prizes, 4 Third Prizes
2025 USABO:
2 Super Gold, 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze
2025 BBO:
2 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
2025 HOSA Behavioral Health:
1 student advanced to the Global Round
2024 British Psychology Olympiad (BPO):
2 students advanced to the Global Round
Original Price: ¥1,999
Trial Class Special Price: ¥9.9
Secure your seat and begin your journey into neuroscience and biology competitions.
A Complete Preparation Guide, Study Resources, and Winter Training Program
The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is one of the most academically rigorous and influential science competitions in the United States. Many high-achieving USABO participants have gone on to receive offers from world-renowned universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and Cambridge.
For students aiming to pursue majors in biology, medicine, or other life sciences, earning an award in USABO is a powerful academic credential and a strong boost to their university applications.
Registration Deadline (China): March 24, 2026
Exam Date (China): April 4, 2026
Exam Format: Individual, written test (no laboratory component)
Question Format: 50 multiple-choice questions
Duration: 50 minutes
Scoring: 1 point per question, no penalty for incorrect answers
Registration assistance is available.
The USABO syllabus largely covers U.S. high school biology and AP Biology content, but with significantly increased difficulty. The competition places high demands on scientific understanding, English reading proficiency, and time management.
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Cell Biology
Genetics and Evolution
Plant Anatomy and Physiology
Ecology
Animal Behavior
Systematics
Bioinformatics
Neurobiology
Prioritize the most heavily tested topics:
Animal Physiology (25%)
Cell Biology (20%)
Genetics & Evolution (20%)
These three areas account for 65% of the total score, making them the most efficient focus during preparation.
Organize key biological terminology by topic (e.g., cell biology, genetics). Memorize 10–15 English terms per day to avoid comprehension issues during the exam.
Foundation: Campbell Biology
Advanced Supplement: Biology (Krogh edition)
There is no need to study beyond the competition scope—focus on exam-relevant concepts.
First round: Become familiar with question styles
Second round: Full-length timed practice (50 questions in 50 minutes)
Third round: Review mistakes and reinforce high-frequency topics
Answer easier questions first, mark difficult ones, and return to them later. Avoid spending excessive time on any single question.
Basic familiarity with modern biological concepts such as CRISPR and single-cell sequencing is recommended. In-depth research is not required; understanding fundamental definitions is sufficient.
Session 1: February 9–15
Session 2: February 23–March 1
Schedule:
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Time: 14:00–16:00 (Afternoon)
Mr. Liu (Biology Instructor)
Master’s Degree in Medical Illustration, Johns Hopkins University (No.1 in U.S. medical research)
Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences, University of Maryland
Former HOSA Category C Mental Health Judge
TESOL Certified English Instructor
Native-level American English instruction
