<p>With more and more high school students doing research these days for competitions lies ISEF, Siemmens, ISTS, etc., it seems to almost be the new norm for admissions to schools like Stanford. </p>
<p>But is it really, or is CC just being unrepresentative? </p>
<p>Replies are appreciated.</p>
<p>On a related note, what portion of the student population would attest to competing successfully and National/Semi-finalist/invitational levels of any of the Science Olympiads?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>@DraconicSheep I completed a musicology/music history research project during 1st semester this year (senior year). I didn’t really do it for college purposes (just for fun…I know, nerdy haha) but it ended up being a great supplementary material. Whether it had anything to do with my acceptances I may never know. All the best!</p>
<p>For Stanford, research among applicants for science/engineering majors can be common, but I wouldn’t call it the norm by any standard. At a school like MIT? Yes, definitely. It can be good supplementary material but it is quite possible to do well at admissions without research. As for the Olympiad, I can only speak for accepted students I’ve seen but it looks like many of the science-y admits competed, however national level is a big deal anywhere.</p>
<p>olympiads can really boost your chances…research may but to a lesser extent…trust me after the MIT rejection…I feel just that:)</p>
<p>@QuiverFox</p>
<p>Is that from experience? Were you rejected, having research experience but without National Olympiad experience?
Thanks</p>
<p>Yeah, but his talking about MIT, as an international applicant.</p>
<p>I’ve done research and competed in major competitions, but no science Olympiads.
As far as I can tell from our EA Stanford admits group the majority definitely did not do research/olympiads (although there are a handful of both).</p>
<p>Personally, i’m from hawaii so i have been to many national tournaments: 2x Science Olympiad, 1x science bowl, 2x Lifesmarts, 1x CyberPatriots, 2x robotics, 1x orchestra, 1x cross country. However, I also have been to an international science exhibition and did an independent research project with a group of 4. That being said, my SAT is 2200 and my gpa is 3.6 (hence all the traveling takes a toll on gpa) but nevertheless, I was deferred from Georgetown and Michigan but accepted to U washington and olin college. personally, stanford is a mega reach but I think it is good to try.</p>
<p>Definitely not the new norm for admissions. While it is true that more and more people are getting involved in hs research as the college application arms race continue, it is in no way a prerequisite for admission. Colleges understand not everyone can afford or can get access to research opportunities so they definitely don’t expect it. However, if you get an opportunity in something that you are interested in, it definitely can’t hurt.</p>