How to enroll
Students sign up themselves with a free account. No school or coach needed.
- Go to usaco.org and choose Register for New Account
- Start in Bronze and take a contest during its window
- Move up as your scores improve
In plain words
Online programming contests that students take on their own, from home. Everyone starts in Bronze and moves up through Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Great for
Students who like puzzles and are learning to code
Less ideal if
They've never written code. Learn the basics first.
What it takes
Cost
Free
Format
Online, from home · several hours per contest
Who
On their own · no team or coach needed
Time
Contests in winter. Steady practice between them helps.
Where it leads
- Bronze
Where everyone starts
- Silver, Gold, Platinum
Strong scores move you up a division
- US Open
A proctored final contest in spring
- Training camp
Top finalists are invited