<p>I know this is perhaps not the right sub-forum to post about a competition, but I'm applying for the Intel STS and I just need a little bit of clarification. </p>
<p>So they ask for the most influential person in your scientific career. Now, that could be anyone; your teacher, mentor, parent, anyone. But they ask for contact information, so can I safely assume they are going to contact that person?
If that is the case, how do I go about picking just one person. I plan on picking my research advisor because he got me hooked on the thought process that goes along with research. But if I pick him for the "most influential person" do I also need a recommendation from him?</p>
<p>I posted here because I know so many people look at the HS Life threads so I thought I would get high quality quick responses. Thank you all for your help.</p>
<p>I would think not necessarily. If you were thinking of using others for your recommendations, all the better that you have another (your advisor) that they will be able to contact. It’s like having an extra recommendation, without using your advisor as a recommendation. But, you can always call Admissions and ask specific questions. Sorry could not be more help.</p>
<p>So, I was a finalist last year. Unless things have changed they want very specific types or recommendations. You can and should look at the rec forms that the providers must complete on the website. My most influential person was NOT my mentor and was not contacted for a recommendation. I believe this person is used for PR purposes only after the fact i.e. if you win etc. After talking with several readers at the banquet I believe the mentor recommendation is the most important - even more so than a teacher rec. I used a true project mentor who was very familiar with me and my project, a teacher, and my counselor - who knew me quite well. My mentor had recommended others for STS and was very familiar with the form. He asked me for specific information (dates etc) to help him be more thorough. Hope this helps!</p>