The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is one of the most prestigious academic competitions for high school students in the United States, offering a unique platform for budding biologists to showcase their knowledge and skills. As we approach the 2025 competition season, it’s essential for students, educators, and parents to stay informed about the latest updates, deadlines, and requirements. Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect in the 2025 USABO, along with the key dates and changes that participants need to be aware of.
Why Participate in the USABO?
The USABO is more than just a competition—it’s a journey that challenges students to deepen their understanding of biology, engage with advanced concepts, and develop critical thinking skills. Success in the USABO not only enhances a student’s academic profile but also opens doors to prestigious opportunities, including representing the United States at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).
USABO 2025 Calendar: Key Dates
Mark your calendars with these critical dates to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines:
- August 1, 2024: Registration Opens
- November 8, 2024: School Registration Closes
- November 15, 2024: Student Registration Closes
- November 19, 2024: Registration Payment Fee Deadline ($100/school)
- December 4, 2024: Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Registration Opens (12 PM ET)
- January 6, 2025: USABO Practice Exam Opens on AoPS Platform
- January 14, 2025: AoPS Registration Closes (11:59 PM ET)
- February 6, 2025: Online Open Exam (OE) Administered by AoPS (4 PM ET)
- March 6, 2025: OE Scores Available in the Teacher Resource Center (TRC)
- March 27, 2025: Semifinal Exam (SF) Administered by AoPS (4 PM ET)
- April 18, 2025: Semifinal Scores Available in the TRC
- May 2025 (TBD): National Finalists Announced, Registration Completed, and National Finals Begin
- July 13-20, 2025: International Biology Olympiad in Quezon City, Philippines
What’s New in the 2025 USABO?
The 2025 USABO introduces several updates designed to enhance the competition’s rigor and integrity while providing more opportunities for student recognition. Here’s what’s new:
- Increased Registration Fee:
The registration payment has been increased to $100 per school. This payment must be completed by November 19, 2024. - Online Exams Administered by AoPS:
All exams will continue to be administered online through the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) platform. Test administrators are required to proctor these exams and complete the online Test Administrator Certificate, which includes the USABO Honor Code. Students will also complete an online Student Certificate with the Honor Code before taking the exam. The exams will remain password protected. - New Proctoring Requirements:
In an effort to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, it is now requested that all proctored exams not only be monitored but also recorded using Zoom, Teams, or other software. These recordings must be submitted to the USABO after the exam. - Enhanced Recognition for Participants:
The 2025 USABO has expanded its recognition system to acknowledge more students:- Open Exam Recognition:
- Honorable Mention Certificate (Top 20%)
- Certificate of Merit (Top 30%)
- Semifinal Recognition:
- Recognition of Academic Excellence (Top 50 scores)
- Honorable Mention (Next 75 scores)
- Certificate of Merit (Next 100 scores)
- Open Exam Recognition:
- In-Person National Finals:
After years of virtual events, the 2025 National Finals will return to an in-person format, providing finalists with the opportunity to engage face-to-face with their peers and mentors.
Key Resources for Preparation
Preparing for the USABO requires dedication and access to the right resources. The following tools and platforms are crucial for both teachers and students:
- Teacher Resource Center (TRC):
Once your school has completed the registration process, you’ll have access to the TRC, which includes past exam papers (from 2003 to 2023), study materials, and links to help prepare your students. The TRC content is organized into the seven IBO focus groups, covering everything from Cell Biology to Biosystematics. - Student Corner (SC):
This section is available to all students, regardless of registration status. It includes step-by-step guidance on starting a USABO club, general content on the IBO curriculum, and additional resources such as recommended texts and favorite links from past finalists. - Student Resource Center (SRC):
For registered students, the SRC offers in-depth study problems, useful links, and resources tailored to each of the seven IBO areas. The Biodiversity section has been updated to include images of common organisms for each taxonomic representative prescribed by the IBO.
How to Register and Prepare for the USABO
Registration for the USABO is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to ensure your school and students are eligible:
- School and Student Registration:
Registration opens on August 1, 2024. Schools must complete the registration by November 8, 2024, followed by student registration, which closes on November 15, 2024. - Complete the Payment:
The $100 registration fee per school must be paid by November 19, 2024. Failure to do so will result in the school being unable to participate. - AoPS Registration:
After registering with the USABO, students must register on the AoPS platform to take the exams. AoPS registration opens on December 4, 2024, and closes on January 14, 2025. Without AoPS registration, students cannot participate in the practice or official exams. - Prepare Using USABO Resources:
Leverage the TRC, SC, and SRC to access study materials, past exams, and other resources that can help you prepare effectively. - Take the Exams:
The USABO Practice Exam opens on January 6, 2025, and the official Online Open Exam is scheduled for February 6, 2025. Successful participants will advance to the Semifinal Exam on March 27, 2025.
Why USABO 2025 Is an Opportunity You Can’t Miss
The 2025 USABO promises to be an exciting and challenging competition, offering students the chance to test their knowledge against some of the brightest minds in the country. With new recognition categories, updated resources, and the return of in-person finals, there’s never been a better time to participate.
Whether you’re a student eager to prove your skills, a teacher committed to guiding your students to success, or a parent looking to support your child’s academic journey, the USABO offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement.
For more detailed information and to start your registration process, visit the official USABO website here. Don’t forget to follow the USABO on Facebook for the latest updates!
Let the 2025 USABO journey begin—good luck to all participants!
