<p>Ummm, people, we are researchers. Why are we not using the simplest approach is beyond me.</p>
<p>Numquam ponendo est pluritas sine necessitate.</p>
<p>Besides we find out in like 2 days anyway :p</p>
<p>Yeah, I was really excited when I found a big Intel envelope in my mailbox, and I was really annoyed when I saw that it was spam.</p>
<p>i think the semifinalist package is mailed according to the alphabetical order of your last names. my last name starts with Z, so i have not got mine yet, but i know people with last name of C got the mail on thursday postmarked 17th.</p>
<p>That could be. My last name starts with F.</p>
<p>OH. thats probably right, since we now know that they weren't all postmarked on the 18th, which is what I thought previously.</p>
<p>I don't see why this package thing is so important, though. You can find out your fate online at the Intel STS website. Plus, there isn't too much exciting stuff in the packet. There's a booklet that lists all the semifinalists and their projects, which is available in PDF form on the website. There's a letter, a certificate, and a form that you fill out so that you can notify your colleges.</p>
<p>I <em>did</em> get a letter from Eliot Spitzer about this for some reason (I'm in NY).</p>
<p>My last name starts with a B...no certificate here...so, hmm. But I also live in CA, which could be a factor. And, btw, I have one of the 2005 finalists' e-mail addresses, but I really don't wanna bug him.</p>
<p>There is only one choice of action...Avalon, bug him!</p>
<p>But he doesn't even know me! (He did the Stanford CCIS program the year before I did it, then he came and talked to my group last summer and gave us his contact info.) If you want, I can PM you his e-mail address, but no way am I contacting him about this!</p>
<p>Should we just call the intel people and ask them why some of us have not receive the certificate yet?</p>
<p>dude, i called the intel people, but they only have an answer machine.</p>
<p>Well that answers your question. I'm watching my mailbox like a hawk today and tomorrow. For all we know, there could be absolutely no rhyme or reason to the mailing, and it's entirely possible that finalists also get certificates.</p>
<p>Just got the mail, nothing from Intel.</p>
<p>I got the certificate today. I suspect that the variation is a result of the incompetence of the DC postal service.</p>
<p>Tupac, could also be that you have a last name with S. I'm starting to think less and less that the certificate thing means anything.</p>
<p>FWIW, my kid hasn't gotten hers either, but I don't think it means anything. Anyone have any idea if semi-finalist status is likely to increase her chances with Stanford, Rice, or F.I.T.? She is the first person from her school ever to make semi-finalist and our state does not produce many semi-finalists (some years, none at all).</p>
<p>ETA: And best wishes to all of you who are semi-finalists.</p>
<p>Semifinalist increases your chances anywhere ;) Mine came in, btw.</p>
<p>i now believe this theory is false based on the unregulated distribution patterns of the certificates and if the theory were true, some amazing projects (siemens finalists) would not make it to the finals round, which i believe is highly unlikely. hence, i say good luck to all of you and see I'll see you at the Nobel Prize ceremonies in ~30 years!</p>
<p>...for the official announcement, not the "well, I haven't gotten a call yet, so..." time.</p>
<p>Good luck to everyone! </p>
<p>Ah, the benefits of being a Rickoid... I know I'm going to be really excited for someone(s? don't wanna jinx anything) come Wednesday :)</p>