How important are Olympiads?

<p>I mean, I know that a medal at an International Olympiad raises your chances considerably, but how important are medals awarded at a National Olympiad ? I mean, compared with the competition of other students. ( I'm an international student).
At the moment I have an honourable mention at the National Chemistry Olympiad, and this year I'm aiming for a medal (each medal is awarded to only one participant) ; anyway I'm still going to participate no matter what, but I'd like to know what is the value of a national olympiad medal for admission at universities such as UCLA, Stanford, Cornell,
Harvey Mudd etc.</p>

<p>bump. anybody?</p>

<p>I know that would increase the reachability of Harvey Mudd, Stanford, Cornell, and maybe put UCLA/Berkeley at a low match/match status (depending on GPA, SAT/ACT and other ECs, as well as whether you can pay full-freight)</p>