USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) On-Line Contests

The USACO On-Line Contests are web-based algorithmic programming competitions for pre-college and other participants, held during the academic year with multiple contests from December through early spring. Contests run for a continuous block (typically four hours; five hours for the US Open) within a Friday-to-Monday contest weekend and present problems on a web interface where contestants submit solutions. Participants compete in one of four divisions (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) with promotion between divisions based on performance. The US Open serves as the national championship exam.

Competition experience, divisional ranking and promotion; eligibility to compete in the US Open national championship for top contestants.

Participation is free and open to all; pre-college / USA students are typically ranked separately from other participants. No pre-registration is required; an account on the site is sufficient.

Create an account on the USACO website; during an active contest weekend a button appears on the homepage to access the contest and start the timed session; no pre-registration required.