<p>Intel STS is a science research competition. I can understand requesting SAT scores and transcript to "verify" the applicant is capable of doing such a project and that the mentor didn't do it for him or her. But according to the finalists' bios on the Intel website, many of them have perfect SAT scores and amazing unrelated extracurriculars.
Do you think that the judges use these factors to distinguish applicants, since most participants are very intelligent to begin with?
How much of a role do they play in semifinalist selection? What about finalist selection?</p>
<p>There are two intel science competitions, ISEF and STS. </p>
<p>STS (Science Talent Search) is not only looking at your research, they’re looking at your potential as a future contributor to the world of science. Your research is an indicator of that, so are your SAT scores.</p>
<p>ISEF [Intel</a> International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF)](<a href=“http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/competitions/international-science-and-engineering-fair.html]Intel”>Newsroom Home) is solely based on research.</p>