For ambitious high school students, science fairs are more than competitions — they are launchpads for future careers and college opportunities. Many of today’s innovators in fields like biotechnology, AI, and clean energy first tested their ideas on science fair tables.

Participating and winning at the right fair can propel a student toward the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) or even the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) — two of the most prestigious platforms recognized by admissions offices at schools like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Caltech. And it’s no coincidence that organizations like Google, Microsoft, and NASA sponsor fairs such as ISEF and STS — their leaders have often highlighted how the skills these students develop — independent research, creative problem-solving, and the ability to communicate complex ideas — mirror the very skills needed in their industries. In short, choosing the right science fair isn’t just about the medals. It’s about giving students a stage where their curiosity can shape academic trajectories, scholarship opportunities, and even future careers.

If you’re serious about STEM, here are the don’t-miss high school science fairs across the U.S.

1. Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) – Global Finals

• Grades: 9–12 (through affiliated fairs only)
• When/Where: usually held in May (location rotates annually)
• Why It Matters: The world’s largest pre-college science competition. U.S. high schoolers qualify through regional and state fairs. Winning or even competing at ISEF is a gold standard achievement for college admissions.

2. California Regional Science Fairs (ISEF feeders)

• Grades: 9–12
• When/Where: usually held during March–April, across counties (e.g., Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Silicon Valley)
• Why It Matters: California does not send ISEF finalists through the state fair (CSEF) but through regional fairs like:
  • Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair (March)
  • Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (March)
  • Synopsys Championship (Silicon Valley)
• Admissions Note: These regionals are highly competitive and direct pipelines to ISEF.

3. Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair (BSEF) – Ohio

• Grades: 9–12 only
• When/Where: Usually held around March 1, in Columbus, OH
• Why It Matters: Ohio’s official ISEF feeder fair. Students from across the state qualify here. Top projects represent Ohio at ISEF.

4. Massachusetts High School Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF)

• Grades: 9–12
• When/Where: Usually held around April 4 at Gillette Stadium, MA
• Why It Matters: One of the oldest and most respected state fairs in the U.S. Senior winners qualify for ISEF.

5. Maine State Science Fair (MSSF)

• Grades: 9–12
• When/Where: Usually held around March 29, Maine
• Why It Matters: Statewide competition for high school students, with winners advancing to ISEF.

🌲 High School Science Fairs in the Pacific Northwest

6. Washington State – Regional Fairs (ISEF feeders)

• Grades: 9–12
• When/Where: Regional fairs held spring 2025 (Seattle/King County, Spokane MESA, etc.)
• Why It Matters: Washington’s ISEF spots are awarded through regional fairs, not the state-level WSSEF. For example:
  • Seattle/King County Science & Engineering Fair
  • Spokane MESA Science Fair
• Admissions Note: Winning at these fairs means direct ISEF qualification — a big deal for universities.

7. Oregon Northwest Science Expo (NWSE)

• Grades: 9–12
• When/Where: Usually held in April, Portland, OR
• Why It Matters: Oregon’s state fair includes a senior division that feeds directly into ISEF. Highly regarded across the Pacific Northwest.

8. Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF) – New York

• Grades: 9–12
• When/Where: Usually held in March, NY (Hudson Valley)
• Why It Matters: Large and competitive regional that regularly sends 7–9 students to ISEF.

🎯 Admissions Counselor’s Picks: Fairs You Shouldn’t Miss

• California Regionals (LA, San Diego, Silicon Valley) – elite pathways to ISEF.
• Washington Regional Fairs – crucial for PNW students who want ISEF visibility.
• Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF) – ~22 ISEF finalists, one of the biggest stages.
• Massachusetts HS Fair – historic prestige + ISEF pipeline.
• Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair (Ohio) – state’s ISEF flagship.
• Regeneron ISEF itself – the ultimate goal.

❓ Q&A: Common High School Science Fair Questions

Q: Can Washington students go to ISEF?
Yes — but only through regional fairs like Seattle/King County or Spokane MESA. Washington’s WSSEF (statewide fair) honors projects but doesn’t feed ISEF directly.

Q: Do colleges really care about science fairs?
Yes. Recognition at state fairs, and especially ISEF, is viewed as a sign of research ability and intellectual curiosity. Many admissions officers recognize these competitions by name.

Q: When should my student start preparing?
Start in the fall. Most high school regional fairs are held between late February and early April 2025, with ISEF in May.

✅ Takeaway for Families

High school science fairs are a launchpad for national STEM recognition. Whether you’re in California, Washington, or the East Coast, don’t miss opportunities to compete in your state’s ISEF-affiliated fair.

Winning at these fairs can lead directly to ISEF, scholarships, and powerful college application credentials.

🧪🔬 Science Fair Mentoring Program for Students

At Future Forward, we specialize in Science Fairs mentoring and guidance for middle and high school students preparing for these competitions. Explore Future Forward’s STEM mentoring programs to give your student a competitive edge in science fairs and college applications.

📅 Quick Reference: 2025 High School Science Fairs by State

State/Region	Fair Name	Grades	When/Where (Typical)	Advancement Path
National	Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)	9–12	Held every May, U.S. city rotates annually	World’s largest pre-college fair; U.S. students qualify through affiliated fairs
National	Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)	12	Submissions due in fall; finals in March, Washington, D.C.	Most prestigious U.S. high school research competition
California	Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair	6–12	Usually March, Los Angeles, CA	ISEF feeder
California	Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair	6–12	Usually March, San Diego, CA	ISEF feeder
California	Synopsys Championship (Silicon Valley)	6–12	Usually March, San Jose, CA	ISEF feeder
Texas	Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF)	6–12	Usually late March, College Station, TX	~20+ ISEF finalists annually
Florida	State Science & Engineering Fair of Florida (SSEF)	6–12	Usually late March, Lakeland, FL	ISEF feeder
Washington	Seattle/King County Science & Engineering Fair	9–12	Usually March, Seattle, WA	ISEF feeder
Washington	Spokane MESA Science Fair	9–12	Usually March, Spokane, WA	ISEF feeder
Oregon	Northwest Science Expo (NWSE)	6–12	Usually April, Portland, OR	ISEF feeder (senior division)
Massachusetts	Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF)	9–12	Usually early April, Foxborough, MA	ISEF feeder
Ohio	Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair (BSEF)	9–12	Usually March, Columbus, OH	ISEF feeder
New York	Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF)	9–12	Usually March, Westchester County, NY	ISEF feeder
Maine	Maine State Science Fair (MSSF)	9–12	Usually late March, Maine	ISEF feeder