<p>I really want to apply to Stanford SCEA because I lwould ove to go there. But I will be submitting a research paper to the Intel Science Talent Search Competition, which gives out its results in January and that's too late for SCEA decisions. Though chance of winning semifinalist or anything is small, it will definitely boost my chance if I do win.... and Stanford rarely gives "Defer" so if I'm rejected it's over... </p>
<p>So do think it's better to just apply SCEA anyway? Or apply regular and wait for the Intel results (and other science research competitions) to come out? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>If you feel you have a good shot at making semifinalist, I'd wait for RD. Otherwise, if Stanford is your first choice, apply SCEA.</p>
<p>Hm. I'm not sure if making semifinalist in Intel is going to change your decision from Reject to Admit and since the chances of you making semifinalist in Intel is admittedly slim I would advise you go SCEA. Unless you're pretty sure you'll make Semifinalist I'd go SCEA if Stanford is your first choice.</p>
<p>Well their app is due before STS results are released, so it's irrelevant. </p>
<p>However, Siemens releases results in Oct/Nov (one of them), so in that respect, it may be worth applying RD if you think it will boost your app significantly.</p>