<p>For all of you who know what this competition is, I was wondering, how prestigious is it to be ranked as a semi-finalist? Will it really help your chances at some of the top schools?</p>
<p>I'd like to know if being a Siemens semifinalist is given much value by the more /highly selective schools, or if it boosts chances of getting merit scholarships at schools that do offer them.</p>
<p>Semi-Finalist+ is considered a MAJOR factor in admissions, as told to me by an MIT-Admissions Director.</p>
<p>For what it's worth...</p>