USABO Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
The USABO (USA Biology Olympiad) is the premier biology competition for high school students in the United States. Thousands of students compete annually in the USABO open exam to demonstrate their knowledge of biological concepts and problem-solving skills.
Our comprehensive USABO practice test resources help you prepare for this rigorous academic challenge. Whether you're aiming for the semifinals or national finals, mastering past usabo exams and understanding the test format is crucial for success in the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO).
What is USABO? The USABO is a four-tier competition that demands mastery of advanced biological concepts. Success in the USABO competition can open doors to prestigious universities and scientific careers.
Free USABO Practice Tests
Take our free USABO practice test quizzes to assess your readiness. These usabo practice questions cover essential topics found on the actual exam.
USABO Exam Flashcards
Click to flip and review key USABO concepts
USABO Exam Study Guide
Our comprehensive USABO study guide helps you navigate the competition. Review these common questions to understand the USABO exam structure and requirements.
| What is the USABO exam? | The USABO (USA Biology Olympiad) is a national competition sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) to select the US team for the International Biology Olympiad. |
| Who can take the USABO test? | Any high school student in the United States can register for the USABO exam through their school or a designated test center. |
| What does USABO stand for? | USABO stands for United States of America Biology Olympiad, the premier biology competition for high school students. |
| Is the USABO competition hard? | Yes, the USABO competition is considered very challenging, requiring knowledge comparable to introductory college biology courses. |
| How many questions are on the USABO open exam? | The USABO open exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 50 minutes. |
| What topics are covered in the USABO syllabus? | The USABO syllabus covers animal anatomy, cell biology, genetics, ecology, plant anatomy, ethology, and biosystematics. |
| How long is the USABO semifinal exam? | The USABO semifinal exam typically consists of 120 minutes of multiple-choice and free-response questions. |
| Is the USABO test online? | Since recent years, the USABO test has been administered online via the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) platform. |
| How do I register for the USABO exam? | You must register for the USABO exam through your school's biology teacher or a registered USABO test center. |
| What is the USABO registration deadline? | The USABO registration deadline is typically in January, with the open exam taking place in February. |
| How much does USABO cost? | The USABO registration fee is usually around $95 per school, allowing all interested students from that school to participate. |
| Can I take the USABO test independently? | No, students cannot register independently; they must be associated with a registered school or test center to take the USABO test. |
| What is a good USABO score? | A good USABO score varies by year, but typically the top 10% of scorers qualify for the semifinal exam. |
| When are USABO results released? | USABO results for the open exam are usually released within 2-3 weeks after the exam date in February. |
| What is the USABO semifinal cutoff? | The USABO semifinal cutoff score changes annually based on the difficulty of the exam, often ranging between 20-30 out of 50. |
| How many students become USABO finalists? | Only the top 20 scorers from the semifinal exam are selected as National Finalists to attend the residential training camp. |
| How to prepare for USABO? | Prepare for USABO by studying Campbell Biology, practicing past USABO exams, and taking timed practice tests. |
| What is the best USABO study guide? | Campbell Biology is considered the "bible" for USABO prep, supplemented by Raven's Biology of Plants for botany sections. |
| Are past USABO exams useful? | Yes, reviewing past USABO exams is the most effective way to understand the question style and difficulty level. |
| How to improve my USABO score? | Focus on your weak areas, memorize key diagrams, and practice speed-reading to improve your USABO score. |
USABO Test Format
Understanding the USABO exam structure is key to effective preparation. The competition progresses through three rounds: the USABO open exam, the semifinal exam, and the national finals.
Focuses on cellular structure and function. Key for USABO questions.
- Topics: Respiration, photosynthesis, cell cycle
- Questions: ~10 questions on Open Exam
Covers inheritance and molecular biology. Essential for USABO prep.
- Topics: Mendelian genetics, biotech, population genetics
- Questions: ~12 questions on Open Exam
Examines physiological systems. Common in past usabo exams.
- Topics: Digestion, circulation, nervous system
- Questions: ~12 questions on Open Exam
Studies plant structure and physiology. Vital for USABO test success.
- Topics: Tissues, reproduction, growth regulation
- Questions: ~8 questions on Open Exam
Analyzes ecosystems and behaviors. Covered in USABO study guide.
- Topics: Biomes, population dynamics, conservation
- Questions: ~5 questions on Open Exam
Focuses on animal behavior. Review USABO practice questions.
- Topics: Innate behavior, social behavior
- Questions: ~3 questions on Open Exam
Reviewing past usabo exams is the single most effective way to prepare. The question style is unique and often repeats concepts from previous years.
USABO Score Calculator
Estimate your USABO exam score based on practice performance.
USABO Award Levels
Understanding USABO score benchmarks and recognition levels.
| Award Level | Requirement | Approx. Score | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Finalist | Top 20 Students | Top 0.2% | Training Camp |
| Semifinalist | Top 10% of Open | ~24-30/50 | Take Semifinal |
| Honorable Mention | Top 20% of Open | ~20-23/50 | Certificate |
| Certificate of Merit | Top 30% of Open | ~18-19/50 | Certificate |
| Participant | Completes Exam | N/A | Participation |
Becoming a USABO semifinalist is a significant academic achievement recognized by top universities. National Finalists often gain admission to Ivy League institutions.
USABO Registration Process
Follow this timeline to register for and compete in the USABO exam. Missing the usabo registration deadline will disqualify you for the year.
- Find a Test Center - Check if your school is registered for the USABO competition.
- Register Online - Create an account on the AoPS/USABO portal before the deadline.
- Pay Fees - Ensure your school has paid the USABO registration fee ($95/school).
- Prepare for Exam - Use our usabo practice test resources to study.
- Take Open Exam - Log in to take the 50-minute usabo open exam in February.
- Check Results - Scores are released about 3 weeks after the exam.
- Advance - If you qualify, prepare for the usabo semifinal exam in March.
USABO Competition Costs
Understanding the costs associated with the USABO exam helps schools and students plan. Most costs are covered by the school's registration fee.
The USABO competition is one of the most affordable high-impact extracurriculars. A single $95 fee covers an unlimited number of students from one school.
USABO Achievement Levels
Explore the different levels of achievement in the USABO competition.
USABO Testing Contacts
Contact these official organizations for USABO registration and exam administration inquiries.
If your school doesn't offer the USABO exam, check the CEE website for a list of open testing centers near you. Register early as spots fill up quickly.
USABO Test Day Checklist
Ace the USABO Competition
Join thousands of students using our USABO practice test resources to prepare for the open exam. Start your journey to becoming a semifinalist today.
START FREE USABO QUIZUSABO Exam Questions and Answers
The USABO open exam is typically held in early February. Registration usually closes in mid-January. Check the official CEE website for the exact usabo test date.
There is no fixed passing score for the USABO exam. Advancement depends on the percentile cutoff. Typically, students scoring in the top 10% advance to the semifinals.
To find a USABO center near me, visit the Center for Excellence in Education website and use their center search tool. Many high schools and testing centers host the exam.
Yes, the USABO open exam and semifinals are administered online through the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) platform. Students must log in at a specific time to take the test.
The best way to study for USABO is to read Campbell Biology thoroughly and practice with past usabo exams. Focusing on weak areas like plant anatomy or biosystematics can improve your score.
Approximately 10% of all Open Exam participants qualify as USABO semifinalists. From this group, the top 20 scorers advance to the National Finals.
The USABO registration deadline is usually in mid-January. Schools must register and pay the fee before this date for students to participate.
Typically, calculators are NOT allowed on the USABO open exam. However, check the specific rules for the current year as policies can change.
The USABO exam is extremely challenging, testing college-level biology concepts. The average score on the Open Exam is often around 20-25 out of 50.
Yes, achieving recognition as a USABO semifinalist or finalist is a prestigious honor that strengthens college applications, demonstrating excellence in STEM.