International olympiads, how advantageous?

Applying to College
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<p>Hi guys, </p>

<p>It’s my first post here. I'm an international from Singapore, I just applied to MIT for RD. I was just wondering how useful is an international Olympiad medal? I got a silver medal (31st place out of ~200 participants) in the 2005 Bio Olympiad. And the 2nd Gold medal in the Singapore Bio Olympiad.</p>

<p>I mean, in Singapore, the situation is really cutthroat. Only 2-3 people ever make it to MIT in a single year, and those that apply all have insane scores on the SAT and other tests. In addition, some of these guys I know have tons and tons of research experience. I’m really doubtful I’m going to get in with such overwhelming competition.</p>

<p>So basically does a medal really sway the ad com’s decisions? Thanks!</p>

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<p>US applicants with IMO and IOI medals when they apply to MIT (meaning they won as a junior or earlier) are going to have a huge advantage. I've heard of a couple who didn't get in, but most do. I would think IBO would be somewhat less advantageous, since it is new. </p>

<p>For int'ls, even having an IMO or IOI medal probably is not enough by itself, because so few int'l are admitted. Look at it this way - counting bronze, silver, and gold there are 150 IOI medalists and over 200 IMO medalists every year. I am guessing that the IChO and the IBO have similar numbers. Discounting the US students and the people who win a medal for the first time as a senior, that still means there are a few hundred internationals with Olympiad medals applying to college every year. I'm guessing that some pretty large number of them apply to MIT. So even though an Olympiad medal is a fabulous accomplishment, and will be viewed very positively by MIT, make sure you apply to other places.</p>

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<p>maybe you will of course need to have a try. hmmm...I know a student in we China won a golden medal in IOI and got accepted by Yale. not MIT. years ago also a few with IOI got accepted to MIT. but i don't think they can only show that they are the winner of the *Olympiad and will of course get accepted. they must also have some other advantages..anyway, the meda will help you a lot when applying. GL!</p>