<p>How much time is needed to do proper research for the studies these fairs' finalists complete? My school is starting a 3 year program next year to prepare rising sophomores until they are seniors for the Intel competition, and I have a good idea of what I want to do for my project too. (I can't join the program since, yes, I am a rising junior...)</p>
<p>Some spend years, while a vast majority only do research over the course of a single summer vacation.</p>
<p>I think advancing to Finalist status depends more on other factors than on how much time you've spent on the project. Of course, longer time does affect certain aspects of your research, such as how much in terms of good results you've been able to collect.</p>
<p>I know many people with just summer research and attain Semifinalist standing. Some do research over a year and decide not to do the competition since they don't reach any positive conclusions. Although technically I don't see why you can't submit research that says something -doesn't- happen. A finalist I know did exactly that: she didn't get the significant results she expected so instead reported on how there was no correlation between the certain factors she was researching.</p>
<p>Another finalist (and placer) I know probably didn't spend more than a summer (at most, a year, but I don't know this for a fact) but obviously did great in the competition.</p>
<p>As for your school doing this research prep course, that sounds nice! Although I don't think the school should be hyped up over actually pairing its students up with concentrating their high school career on such a time-consuming (albeit worthwhile) project. Especially since doing well in these competitions is no guarentee of getting into your dream school but merely a supplement to what you have already proven yourself capable of.</p>
<p>Oh, and Intel also takes into consideration how promising you are as a science student when choosing (semi)finalists. Siemens doesn't.</p>
<p>what are the main differences between the siemens and intel sts competitions....</p>
<p>bump bump bumpitty bump</p>
<p>Some take a year...some can do it over the summer, like the others said.</p>
<p>Siemens is purely a research-based competition, but Intel STS involves potential for a science research career. So, the committee looks at GPA, test scores, activities, and your research.</p>