Science Olympiad in a nutshell?

I heard about this thing called 'Science Olympiad' at school today but I'm a little lost. What is it exactly, and why should I consider joining? What benefits does it offer for college applications and beyond?

Science Olympiad is essentially a team-based competition centered around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Topics span a wide range, including biology, chemistry, physics, coding, earth sciences, and even some engineering and building events. Each event requires a variety of skills, from pure knowledge to practical experimentation and problem solving. Usually, you get to specialize in certain areas, so you can delve into the topics that interest you the most.

One reason you might consider joining is to develop and demonstrate your passion for science. Many students who participate in Science Olympiad report a deeper understanding and appreciation of their chosen topics because the competition encourages hands-on, in-depth learning.

Also, participation can significantly strengthen your college applications if you have a spike in STEM, as it's a highly-regarded extracurricular activity. Especially, if you manage to secure a leadership position or achieve individual or team success at the regional, state, or national level, it falls under Tier 1 or 2 in the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars, which who doesn't love?

Lastly, the skills you pick up through Science Olympiad won't just apply to your high school years. You'll develop teamwork, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will be major assets in college and beyond, no matter your future field.

To put it simply, If you have a love for STEM, Science Olympiad opens doors for you to explore those interests more deeply while providing a competitive environment to showcase your abilities and learn valuable skills.