<p>How big a deal is it to be one of the 200 who are semi-finalists for the US physics team? (The list was just posed today.) Is it comparable to being selected to take the USAMO, or is it less significant? And what about the combination of the two: My son took the USAMO last year, but didn't make MOSP, and he learned today that he's a physics semi-finalist; is this expected given he made the USAMO or does it provide an extra signal?</p>
<p>Those are both impressive accomplishments, even for Caltech. I didn't get either and I was accepted last year. Good luck to your son!</p>
<p>He's not sure if he should send in an update at this late date. Could Ben or anyone else with knowledge of the admissions process advise us on this?</p>
<p>It is a very late date, and it may not affect your son's chances, but I can't see any downside to sending an update. (Note that I am not a member of the admissions office, but I do have some experience with sending updates to them ;-) )</p>
<p>Aren't decisions already made? Can't hurt to send an update in anyways.</p>
<p>I guess that's right, but son says it's a pain to track down the identifying codes each school uses to track applications, and that decisions have already been made so why bother, etc.</p>
<p>If he happens to get waitlisted, then it's definitely worth the bother. But you'll have time for that after you find out.</p>
<p>Hey, good point, thanks! It makes me feel more comfortable with the "sit back and see" strategy, and it makes a lot of sense given his situation.</p>