<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>
<p>Based on what I have seen, SAT scores seem to play a significant role which is unfortunate.</p>
<p>I could see them playing a small role for picking 40 of the 300 semis. But even for semifinalists they look at it?</p>
<p>Sure, all that is needed is more manipulation and paint-by-the-numbers “research” applications. ;)</p>
<p>Hi everyone. I was an STS finalist this year (awesome experience…definitely apply), and in talking to some of the people who read the applications, I learned that they look at all parts of the application both when picking semifinalists and picking finalists. So yes, they do play a role in the selection process. However, from what I’ve heard, it’s a very holistic reading, so a lower SAT score will not necessarily discount an application. While many of the finalists did have perfect scores, equally many did not!</p>
<p>@Sheam13,
Wow…that is amazing! Congratulations (for the 1000th time, I assume). Just another question for you: There are certain categories, like biochemistry, animal science, physics, etc. Are there quotas so that there are a certain amount of projects selected?</p>
<p>(In each category)</p>
<p>Is this to imply that with a fairly good SAT score (say between 2100 and 2250) and a decent GPA (all A’s, occasional A-) but not a stellar courseload (a few honors courses here and there, no AP before sr year), am I at a huge disadvantage no matter what the project is?</p>
<p>@science2014, you meant category, where do you see that in the online form?</p>