<p>I am a high school junior, and was thinking about applying for the Intel STS, but was wondering if it was worth the time and effort only to be denied (because this is also during college apps).</p>
<p>I have currently worked approx. 100 hours on this project. So... I am not sure exactly what level are the projects at STS are at (even after reading their "abstracts").</p>
<p>So could you guys let me know if I am way over my head, and what "level" are the Intel STS successful applicants?</p>
<p>This is just a side question: why do some students get the special awards at their science fair, but not others, even if the person who didn't get the award did comparable work or at times more work than the one who did receive the award? In other words, what is the criteria, special awards judges look for?</p>