Science Olympics
University-hosted team science competitions for high schoolers
Why It Matters
A strong team EC for science and engineering programs. It shows teamwork, applied knowledge, and competitive drive, and multi-year participation with a growing role (captain, event lead) reads well on supplementary applications.
How to Start
There is no single national Science Olympics. Universities host their own regional events, such as Western's Science Olympics in the spring, UBC's Physics Olympics and UWindsor's Science Olympiad. Teams usually register through a school. Ask your science department in September which events your school enters, or start a team.
Commitment
- High commitment: several hours a week, often with evenings, weekends or travel.
- Best starting grade: G8
- Join in G8 - competitions run G9-G12 so early entry lets you grow into a strong competitor.
Programs It Supports
- Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science
Majors it supports
- Biology – mid to high 80s at most schools
- Chemistry – high 80s
- Physics – high 80s
- Environmental Science – mid to high 80s
Universities where it fits
Our profiles for these schools suggest Science Olympics as a good fit for their applicants.
- University of Guelph – Guelph, ON
- Brock University – St. Catharines, ON
- University of Windsor – Windsor, ON
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- University of Victoria – Victoria, BC
- Université Laval – Quebec City, QC
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
- University of Calgary – Calgary, AB
- MacEwan University – Edmonton, AB
- Mount Royal University – Calgary, AB
- Dalhousie University – Halifax, NS
- University of Manitoba – Winnipeg, MB
- University of Saskatchewan – Saskatoon, SK
- University of Regina – Regina, SK
- University of New Brunswick – Fredericton, NB
- Mount Allison University – Sackville, NB
Similar extracurriculars
- Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) – The top student research competition in Canada
- Robotics Club - VEX or FIRST – Build and compete with real robots
- Environmental Club – Lead sustainability efforts at your school
- Biology / Chemistry Lab Club – Go deeper into science beyond the classroom
- BioTalent Challenge (now Sanofi Biogenius) – The former name of Canada's national student biotech competition
- Sanofi Biogenius Canada – Student health and biotech research competition with national finals
- Lab Assistant / Science Prep Room Volunteer – Help science teachers prep labs and organize equipment
- Astronomy & Stargazing Club – Host night-time telescope viewings and planetarium trips
- Anatomy / Dissection Club – Go beyond the curriculum with advanced biological dissections