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USABO Foundations
The competition can feel huge at first. This is the map: what it tests, how the stages work, and a study loop you can actually repeat.
THE PATHWAY
How it works
August 7 – November 15, 2026
School fee deadline: October 23, 2026
October 5 – December 14, 2026
Weekly learning and focused practice.
February 3, 2027
First nationwide qualifying stage.
March 2, 2027
Advanced theory and biological reasoning.
June 20–30, 2027
Intensive selection and training.
July 18–25, 2027 · Warsaw, Poland
Team USA competes internationally.
Exact formats and dates can change. Verify the official competition information each year.
APPROXIMATE TOPIC WEIGHT
Study to the whole exam
Cell biology may feel familiar, but physiology represents the largest share.
What makes USABO different?
- • Broad biological knowledge
- • Mechanisms—not isolated facts
- • Application in unfamiliar situations
- • Experiment and data interpretation
- • Connections across topics
A study loop that works
- 1Learn the content
- 2Use active recall
- 3Complete practice problems
- 4Track mistakes
- 5Review weak topics
- 6Retest
CORE TOOLKIT
Recommended resources
Campbell Biology
Resource link can be added by club leadership.
Anki / Active Recall
Resource link can be added by club leadership.
USABO Past Exams
Resource link can be added by club leadership.
IBO Theory Problems
Resource link can be added by club leadership.
Supplemental Worksheets
Resource link can be added by club leadership.