Hello! I was wondering if anyone had any idea how much the following recognition from Intel ISEF would help when applying to top schools. (NOTE: Intel ISEF is not Intel STS).
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Finalist (Qualifying for Intel ISEF)
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Special Awards (Awarded by judges sent by various sponsor companies)
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First, Second, Third, or Fourth in your category
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Best in Category
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First, Second, or Third OVERALL
How much is each of these a boost in college admissions to top schools? Also, please provide some sort of explanation as to your reasoning/how you know.
Thanks!!
In general colleges like science fair awards because it legitimizes your research - to be able to stand out from peers and get the approval of scientific experts speaks to the quality of the project. That said, it’s hard to quantify exactly how much of a boost each recognition will give you since admissions is a fairly holistic process. Obviously the better the award, the more favorable the perception. I’d say qualifying/special awards show some level of achievement and interest in science but a placement like best in category or first/second/third overall could actually tip the scale and get you through the door by itself. A lot of these winners end up going to the Harvards and Stanfords and while many of these students would’ve been pretty well-qualified otherwise, winning one of the most prestigious scientific distinctions probably has a good amount to do with their college admissions successes.
Thanks, @dblazer! I’m asking because I have (1), (2), and (3), and I wasn’t sure how much they ‘counted’ as a nudge, esp. as I’ve never won Best in Category+.
@Anonymoose3 congrats on your achievement! It will certainly add some value to your application and validate your scientific pursuits. Be sure to look out for Siemens and Intel STS when they come up.
1, 2, and 3 are good enough to give you a significant boost at practically any top research university for the reasons dblazer outlined.