{"id":19,"date":"2026-10-13T09:45:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T01:45:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/?page_id=19"},"modified":"2026-10-19T16:19:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T08:19:10","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"USAEBO Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wrap\"><main class=\"home-main topic-main\" data-topic=\"faq\" id=\"main\"><nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\" class=\"breadcrumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/\">Home<\/a><span>\/<\/span><span aria-current=\"page\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><\/nav><header class=\"topic-head\"><h1>Frequently asked questions<\/h1><p>Find answers on registration, exams, resources and tutoring.<\/p><\/header><nav aria-label=\"Jump to section\" class=\"page-anchors\"><a href=\"#entry\">Registration<\/a><a href=\"#exam\">Exams<\/a><a href=\"#study\">Resources<\/a><a href=\"#support\">Support<\/a><\/nav><div class=\"fq-page\"><section aria-labelledby=\"fq-entry-heading\" class=\"fq-section\" id=\"entry\"><header class=\"fq-section-head usaebo-section-inner\"><h2 id=\"fq-entry-heading\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fq-number\">01<\/span>Registration<\/h2><p class=\"fq-section-intro\">Eligibility, fees and confirmation.<\/p><\/header><div class=\"fq-questions\"><details class=\"fq-item\" open=\"\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Can I enter USAEBO if I am not a US citizen?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Yes. USAEBO is open to participants of any nationality. You must be 20 or younger on the first day of the international competition in that competition year.<\/p><p>Competition entry and Team USA selection have separate eligibility requirements. Report your citizenship, residency and school status accurately; see <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/apply\/#eligibility\">the eligibility guide<\/a> for guidance.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Does eligibility to compete mean I can join Team USA?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>No. Team USA selection has additional requirements: US citizenship, US permanent residency, or full-time attendance at a US middle or high school.<\/p><p>Competition eligibility, an award and selection for the national team are separate matters. Read <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/about\/#connections\">the competition and team-selection overview<\/a> to understand the pathway.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">When does registration close for the 2027 season?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>The deadline is February 27, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. US Eastern Standard Time (EST), equivalent to February 28 at 12:59 Beijing time (UTC+8).<\/p><p>Allow time to review your details, complete the student and parent or guardian signatures, and pay. Follow <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/apply\/\">the registration guide<\/a> for the full process.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">What does the entry fee cover, and is it refundable?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>The Round 1 entry fee is USD 50. It covers competition entry for Round 1 only; preparation and tutoring services are separate. The fee is non-refundable, including duplicate payments.<\/p><p>If you have been charged but the status is unclear, check the registration system and payment record before paying again. Work through <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/apply\/#payment-follow-through\">the post-payment checks<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">What details should I prepare before registering?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Prepare the student and school details, both email addresses, and the student and parent or guardian declarations. These are mainly form entries and electronic signatures; not every item requires a file upload.<\/p><ul class=\"fq-answer-list\"><li>The student\u2019s legal name, date of birth, telephone number, and actual citizenship, residency or US school status.<\/li><li>School name, full address and country; a working personal, non-school email address and a school email address.<\/li><li>Electronic declarations and signatures completed by the student and one parent or guardian.<\/li><\/ul><p>Check <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/apply\/#registration-detail-check\">the registration details checklist<\/a> before filling in the form.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">How do I confirm my registration?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Confirm completion through the competition registration portal. A QR consultation does not submit a competition entry.<\/p><p>Check the submitted form, student and parent or guardian signatures, payment, portal status and confirmation email. Retain the records. A charge notification alone does not confirm that every registration step is complete.<\/p><p>If the status is unclear, check with competition registration support before making another payment. See <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/apply\/#payment-follow-through\">the registration confirmation guide<\/a> for the checks.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div><\/section><section aria-labelledby=\"fq-exam-heading\" class=\"fq-section\" id=\"exam\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fq-legacy-anchor\" id=\"faq-dates-and-seasons\"><\/span><header class=\"fq-section-head usaebo-section-inner\"><h2 id=\"fq-exam-heading\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fq-number\">02<\/span>Schedule &amp; exams<\/h2><p class=\"fq-section-intro\">Check the formats, time zones, awards and team-selection pathway.<\/p><\/header><div class=\"fq-questions\"><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">What is the Round 1 format?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Round 1 in 2027 has open registration: 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, completed individually.<\/p><p>Practice both concept checks and pacing. Do not assume the 25-question format used in 2026 still applies. Review <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/syllabus\/\">the exams and syllabus guide<\/a> for the subject areas assessed.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">How does Round 2 work? Can I enter directly?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Round 2 is for Round 1 qualifiers. It is a 120-minute free-response exam requiring reasoning and worked explanations, rather than final answers alone.<\/p><p>The published information does not specify a Round 2 question count, so do not assume a fixed number for mock exams. See <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/syllabus\/#exam-format\">the Round 2 exam guide<\/a> for the format and skills assessed.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">When are the exams, and how does daylight saving affect them?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Both rounds begin at 8 p.m. US Eastern time. Round 1 uses EST and Round 2 uses daylight time, EDT, so the corresponding Beijing start time changes.<\/p><dl class=\"fq-time-list\"><div><dt>Round 1<\/dt><dd>US Eastern: March 13, 2027, 8\u20139 p.m. EST<br\/>Beijing: March 14, 09:00\u201310:00 (UTC+8)<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Round 2<\/dt><dd>US Eastern: March 27, 2027, 8\u201310 p.m. EDT<br\/>Beijing: March 28, 08:00\u201310:00 (UTC+8)<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><p>Beijing is 13 hours ahead of EST and 12 hours ahead of EDT. Remember the next-day date when adding the exams to your calendar; see <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/schedule\/#season\">the 2027 schedule<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Can I work with others during an online exam?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>No. Both rounds are online, individual exams with technical proctoring.<\/p><p>Before the exam, follow the current season\u2019s notices for the exam platform, technical proctoring and required checks. Use the current rules for equipment, environment and permitted tools; older handbooks may describe different procedures. Start with <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/syllabus\/#exam-requirements\">the exam guide<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">What awards are available in each round?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Awards are assessed separately for each round. An award does not establish selection for Team USA.<\/p><ul class=\"fq-answer-list\"><li>Round 1: Distinguished Honor Roll, High Honor Roll and Honor Roll.<\/li><li>Round 2: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Honorable Mention.<\/li><\/ul><p>Team selection also depends on eligibility and the selection process. See <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/about\/#awards\">the competition overview<\/a> for how awards, advancement and the international pathway relate.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div><\/section><section aria-labelledby=\"fq-study-heading\" class=\"fq-section\" id=\"study\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fq-legacy-anchor\" id=\"faq-resources-and-answers\"><\/span><header class=\"fq-section-head usaebo-section-inner\"><h2 id=\"fq-study-heading\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fq-number\">03<\/span>Papers &amp; resources<\/h2><p class=\"fq-section-intro\">Choose public resources and understand how to use them.<\/p><\/header><div class=\"fq-questions\"><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Which public USAEBO papers can I use for practice?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>The resources page includes the 2026 Round 1 and Round 2 papers and public sample questions. Start with a few questions to become familiar with both multiple-choice and free-response formats.<\/p><p>Choose the year and round in <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/papers\/\">the resources library<\/a>, then use <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/syllabus\/\">the syllabus<\/a> to identify gaps in your knowledge.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Can I use the 2026 Round 1 paper as a full mock exam for 2027?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Not as a complete match. The 2026 Round 1 paper has 25 questions; the 2027 format has 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes.<\/p><p>Use the older paper for topic practice, concept checks and reviewing mistakes. A full mock should reflect the 2027 question count and time limit. Check the year and round when using <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/papers\/\">past papers<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Do the rules in an older handbook still apply?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Operational rules in a past handbook apply to that year. They do not establish the 2027 arrangements, although past papers remain useful for subject practice.<\/p><p>Check the current season\u2019s notices for platform, proctoring, equipment and permitted-tool requirements. Use <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/papers\/\">the resources library<\/a> to find historical material and <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/schedule\/\">the current schedule<\/a> to check dates. Follow the current competition notices for final operational instructions.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Is a verified, complete official USAEBO answer key available?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>The public collection verified for this site does not contain a confirmed complete official USAEBO answer key. A public question paper, an independently written solution and an official answer key are different sources.<\/p><p>Independent explanations can support review, but check their reasoning and provenance. IEO answer keys are not official USAEBO answers. Read <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/papers\/\">the file descriptions in the resources library<\/a> to confirm each resource\u2019s year, round and purpose.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Can I use IEO materials or its syllabus as USAEBO exam rules?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>No. IEO is a separate competition. Its materials can support subject knowledge and extension practice, but they do not replace the current USAEBO exam rules.<\/p><p>Begin with <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/syllabus\/\">the USAEBO exams and syllabus guide<\/a>, then use <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/papers\/#ieo\">the IEO extension resources<\/a> where helpful. Check USAEBO\u2019s current requirements for format, duration, proctoring and advancement.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div><\/section><section aria-labelledby=\"fq-support-heading\" class=\"fq-section\" id=\"support\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fq-legacy-anchor\" id=\"faq-consultation-use\"><\/span><header class=\"fq-section-head usaebo-section-inner\"><h2 id=\"fq-support-heading\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fq-number\">04<\/span>Tutoring &amp; support<\/h2><p class=\"fq-section-intro\">Plan your next step around your background and ask a focused question.<\/p><\/header><div class=\"fq-questions\"><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">Which preparation route fits my economics background?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Choose a starting point based on what you have already studied. The published course outlines give the following reference hours; the foundation route has no economics prerequisite.<\/p><ul class=\"fq-answer-list\"><li>60-hour foundation route: for students who have not studied economics systematically.<\/li><li>30-hour route: for students who have studied either microeconomics or macroeconomics.<\/li><li>20-hour route: for students who have studied both microeconomics and macroeconomics.<\/li><\/ul><p>Actual hours are adjusted to learning progress. These outlines do not guarantee a score or award. See <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/tutoring\/#services\">the preparation and tutoring guide<\/a> for the focus of each route.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">How can I check course dates, fees and teaching arrangements?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Contact us to check current course dates, fees, class formats and teacher arrangements. Reference hours help you compare course routes; they are not a confirmed timetable.<\/p><p>Review <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/tutoring\/#services\">the course routes<\/a>, then share your background, time zone and availability to check which arrangements may suit you.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">What should I prepare for a consultation? Can I ask before trying a paper?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>Yes. If you are new to economics or have not tried a paper, share your previous coursework, goals and available study time. Recent practice work is optional.<\/p><p>For a question-specific enquiry, include the topic, year, round and question number, plus your reasoning or the step where you got stuck. This helps identify whether the issue is a concept, the reasoning or the written explanation.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"fq-item\"><summary class=\"fq-question\">What support can I get? Can I ask for help during an exam?<\/summary><div class=\"fq-answer\"><p>This is independent, pre-exam support for study planning, subject review, practice feedback and preparation questions. Real-time assistance during an exam is not provided.<\/p><p>Both exams must be completed individually. Confirm registration status, payments and competition procedures through the registration system or competition support. Read <a class=\"fq-link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/apply\/\">the registration guide<\/a> for help understanding the process.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div><\/section><aside aria-labelledby=\"fq-consult-heading\" class=\"fq-consult-panel\"><p class=\"fq-consult-label\">A question about your next step<\/p><h2 id=\"fq-consult-heading\">Find a practical next step<\/h2><p>Ask about registration steps, resources or preparation. Share what you have studied and the time you have available; recent practice work is welcome but optional.<\/p><button class=\"fq-consult-button\" data-consult-topic=\"general\" data-consult-trigger=\"\" type=\"button\">Ask a question<\/button><p class=\"fq-consult-note\">The QR code is for enquiries. Complete formal registration in the competition portal.<\/p><\/aside><\/div><\/main><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find answers on registration, exams, resources and tutoring.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_hl_baseline_seo_title":"Frequently asked questions - USAEBO","_hl_baseline_seo_description":"Find answers on registration, exams, resources and tutoring.","_hl_baseline_seo_keywords":"","_hl_baseline_seo_og_image":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":143,"href":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19\/revisions\/143"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.usaebo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}