Regeneron STS Guide: How to Win Science Talent Search

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is America's oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors.

Each year, 300 students become Scholars (receiving $2,000 each), and 40 become Finalists competing for awards up to $250,000.

This guide shows you how to build a competitive STS application.

What is Regeneron STS?

Overview

• Who: High school seniors in the US
• What: Original research competition
• When: Applications due mid-November; Finalists announced January; Finals in March
• Awards: 300 Scholars ($2,000 each); 40 Finalists ($25,000-$250,000)
• History: Running since 1942, formerly Intel STS and Westinghouse STS

What Makes STS Unique

1. Research-only focus: Your application is your research project
2. Individual achievement: Judges evaluate what YOU did
3. Comprehensive evaluation: Research quality + leadership + communication
4. Prestigious history: Alumni include Nobel laureates and Fields medalists

The STS Application

Application Components

1. Research Report (20 pages max)

• Full write-up of your research
• Methods, results, discussion
• References
• This is the core of your application

2. Additional Research Materials

• Abstract
• Supplementary data
• Code/files if relevant

3. Essays

• Why this research matters to you
• Activities and leadership
• Challenges you've faced
• Intellectual curiosity beyond your project

4. Recommendations

• Two recommenders (typically research mentor + teacher)
• Must speak to your research abilities and character

5. Transcripts and Test Scores

• Academic record
• Standardized test scores (optional in some years)

Key Dates (Typical Year)

• August-September: Application opens
• Mid-November: Application deadline
• January: Scholars announced (top 300)
• Late January: Finalists announced (top 40)
• March: Finals Week in Washington, D.C.
• March: Awards announced

What Judges Look For

Research Quality (Most Important)

Originality

• Does the project ask a novel question?
• Is the approach innovative?
• Does it add to human knowledge?

Rigor

• Is the methodology sound?
• Are conclusions supported by data?
• Are limitations acknowledged?

Significance

• Why does this matter?
• What's the potential impact?
• Does it advance the field?

Your Personal Contribution

• What did YOU specifically do?
• Can you explain and defend every aspect?
• Is this clearly your work?

Beyond Research

Leadership and Initiative

• What have you done beyond your research?
• Have you started things, not just joined?
• Do you impact your community?

Communication

• Can you explain complex ideas clearly?
• Is your writing precise and engaging?
• Do you show passion for your work?

Character

• How do you handle challenges?
• What motivates you?
• Are you intellectually curious beyond your project?

Building a Competitive STS Application

Timeline (For Seniors Applying This Year)

Junior Year Summer

• Active research phase
• Generate substantial results
• Document everything carefully

Senior Year Fall

• September: Begin writing research report
• October: Refine essays, gather recommendations
• Early November: Polish application
• Mid-November: Submit

Research Report Best Practices

Structure (Similar to journal paper):

1. Abstract
2. Introduction/Background
3. Research Question
4. Methods
5. Results
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion
8. References

Writing quality matters:

• Clear, precise language
• Logical flow
• Professional presentation
• Appropriate citations

Emphasize YOUR contribution:

• First person is fine ("I designed...")
• Be specific about your role
• If collaborative, clarify what you did
• Acknowledge help appropriately

Essays: Show Who You Are

Common essay mistakes:

• Rehashing the research report
• Generic claims without specifics
• Focusing on outcomes, not process
• Missing the "why it matters to you"

Strong essays:

• Tell specific stories
• Show intellectual personality
• Reveal genuine curiosity
• Connect past to future

Key essay questions to address:

• Why did you pursue this research?
• What excited you about it?
• How has it changed your thinking?
• What will you do next?

Recommendations

Who to ask:

• Research mentor (ideally PhD/professor)
• Science/math teacher who knows you well

What they should cover:

• Your research capabilities
• Your independent thinking
• Your character and work ethic
• Comparison to other students

How to help them:

• Give them your resume and essays
• Remind them of specific examples
• Provide context about STS
• Give them plenty of time

From Scholar to Finalist

What Differentiates Finalists

The jump from Scholar (top 300) to Finalist (top 40) requires exceptional:

1. Research sophistication: Truly groundbreaking work
2. Independence: Clear evidence YOU drove the project
3. Communication: Ability to explain complex work
4. Broader profile: Leadership, activities, character

Finals Week

If selected as a Finalist:

• Travel to Washington, D.C. for a week
• Present your research to judges
• Interview with panels
• Meet other finalists and scientists
• Attend award ceremony

The Interview

Finalists are judged heavily on interviews:

• Can you explain your research deeply?
• Can you respond to challenges?
• Do you understand the broader context?
• Are you intellectually curious beyond your project?

STS Success Strategies

1. Start Research Early

Most successful STS projects represent 1-2+ years of work.

Timeline:

• Sophomore year: Begin exploring research areas
• Junior year: Active research, generate results
• Senior fall: Polish application, continue research

2. Aim for Publication

A published or submitted paper strengthens your application:

• External validation of quality
• Shows completion of research cycle
• Provides additional context for judges

3. Get Expert Mentorship

Working with a PhD or professor:

• Improves research quality
• Provides strong recommendation
• Helps navigate academic standards
• The YRI Fellowship matches students with PhD mentors

4. Document Everything

Your application needs specifics:

• Keep detailed lab notebooks
• Save all data and analysis
• Record your decision-making process
• Have evidence of your contributions

5. Practice Explaining Your Work

If you become a Finalist:

• Practice explaining to non-experts
• Prepare for deep technical questions
• Develop your "story"
• Get feedback from multiple people

Example Strong STS Project Elements

Clear Significance

"Current diagnostic methods for [disease] miss 30% of cases. My approach improves detection by..."

Novel Methodology

"I developed a new technique combining [X] and [Y] that has not been previously attempted..."

Rigorous Results

"Analysis of 1,000+ samples showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) compared to standard methods..."

Personal Investment

"After my grandfather was misdiagnosed, I became determined to understand why current methods fail..."

Future Directions

"This work opens possibilities for [application]. I plan to continue by investigating..."

Common STS Mistakes

In Research

1. Insufficient originality: Replicating existing work without novel angle
2. Unclear contribution: Can't specify what YOU did
3. Weak methodology: Methods don't support conclusions
4. Overstated claims: Conclusions go beyond data

In Application

1. Poor writing quality: Unclear, unprofessional presentation
2. Missing context: Judges don't understand why it matters
3. Generic essays: Don't reveal who you are
4. Weak recommendations: Recommenders don't know you well
5. Last-minute rush: Not enough time to polish

Getting Expert Support

Success in STS requires high-quality research and strong mentorship.

The YRI Fellowship provides:

• 1:1 PhD mentorship: Expert guidance for competitive research
• Publication support: Get your research published
• Application guidance: Navigate competition requirements
• Interview preparation: Practice for Finalist interviews

YRI students have become STS Scholars and competed in national competitions. Learn more about how YRI prepares students for competitions.

Resources

Official Resources

• Regeneron STS Official Site
• STS Application Guide
• Past Projects Database

Preparation Resources

• How to Do Research in High School
• How to Publish Research
• ISEF Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is Regeneron STS? Very competitive. About 2,000+ students apply for 300 Scholar spots (15% rate) and 40 Finalist spots (2% rate). This is one of the most selective competitions.

When should I start preparing for STS? Ideally sophomore year. Most competitive projects represent 1-2+ years of research. Junior year is the latest to start if you want substantial results.

Do I need a mentor to apply to STS? Not required, but strongly recommended. Mentorship improves research quality and provides a strong recommendation letter. Most Scholars and Finalists have worked with PhD-level mentors.

What fields are most competitive? All fields are competitive. Success depends on research quality, not field. However, judges expect appropriate rigor for your field—biomedical, CS/math, physical sciences, and social sciences all have winners.

Can international students apply? STS is open to US high school seniors (citizens, permanent residents, or students at US high schools). International students outside the US should look at other competitions.

What happens if I become a Scholar? Scholars receive $2,000 and recognition. You're in the top 300 nationwide. This is significant for college applications even if you don't make Finalist.

What happens at Finals Week? Finalists travel to Washington, D.C. for a week. You present your research, interview with judges, meet scientists and other finalists, and attend the awards ceremony.

Next Steps

1. Assess your timeline: Do you have 1+ year for research before senior fall?
2. Develop your research: Focus on originality, rigor, and significance
3. Get mentorship: Work with PhD-level experts
4. Plan for publication: Published work strengthens applications
5. Start early: STS rewards sustained, deep work

Apply to YRI Fellowship →

Related guides:

• How to Win ISEF
• How to Win JSHS
• Best Research Programs for High School Students