Science Olympiad experiences in high school?

Hi everyone! I'm considering joining my school's Science Olympiad team, and I'm curious about others' experiences. What type of events and competitions can I expect and how challenging is it to balance this extracurricular with academics? Lastly, do colleges view it positively during the admissions process? Thanks!

Hi! It's great that you're interested in Science Olympiad. I can definitely give you some insight into what to expect and how it's viewed by colleges.

Science Olympiad involves a series of regional, state, and national competitions where teams of students compete in various STEM-related events. These events usually fall into three broad categories: lab-based, research-based, and engineering/building. Examples of events include Forensics, Disease Detectives, Protein Modeling, and Wright Stuff (indoor airplane building). Each event tests your knowledge and skills in a specific area of science, technology, engineering, or math.

As for balancing Science Olympiad with academics, it certainly varies depending on the individual and the events you choose. Some events may require more time commitment and practice than others. It's important to communicate with your team members and coaches to ensure you have a manageable workload while staying on top of your academics. Just like any other extracurricular, time management is key.

Now, regarding how colleges view Science Olympiad—in general, it is well-regarded by colleges, especially for students interested in STEM fields. It demonstrates your passion for and dedication to science, as well as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. It can be considered as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 extracurricular depending on your level of involvement and achievements within the team. If you do well in competitions and/or take on leadership roles within your team, it can be an impressive addition to your application. Colleges appreciate seeing students pursuing their interests and excelling in them, so participating in Science Olympiad can be a positive factor in the admissions process.

In summary, participating in Science Olympiad can be a challenging and fulfilling experience. It allows you to explore various STEM fields, develop a range of important skills, and ultimately strengthen your college application. Good luck!