2023 ISEF Regional Data — California and Beyond

For students at American high schools who are considering ISEF — or for families thinking about where to settle in the US for school — here is a summary of the 2023 ISEF advancement data compiled from internal judging materials, covering which regional and state fairs sent students to the Grand Awards, and how many.

How the Data Is Organised

Each fair in the dataset carries a numeric code. Fairs ending in "50" are state fairs; all others are regional fairs. This distinction matters: state fairs are typically more competitive, but some regions have only a state-level fair, making entry more accessible.

Key Findings

Florida sent the most students to the ISEF Grand Awards in 2023 — a figure that was genuinely surprising. By contrast, Massachusetts sent very few, which is counterintuitive given the concentration of high-achieving students there. If you are considering where to buy a house for the school district and ISEF participation is a factor, this data offers a concrete reference point.

The data also includes bar charts, pie charts, and breakdowns across several major states. The visualisations make it easier to compare regions at a glance.

Implications for Planning

ISEF participation for international students at American high schools is a realistic goal — but the pathway depends heavily on which regional fair your school is affiliated with. Some regions are extremely competitive; others have more accessible entry thresholds. The data here gives a starting point for understanding the landscape before committing to a project or a school district.

If you are interested in exploring ISEF participation, planning a project, or would like to discuss the data further, reach out directly.