<p>For those of you who are familiar with the Siemens Competition and the Intel STS Competition (not ISEF, because that is for all grade levels), which competition is more prestigious or are they similar? </p>
<p>The Siemens Competition has an application deadline in early October. Semifinalists and Regional Finalists are announced at the end of October and the finals competition in DC occurs in early December. In other words, everything is finished well before Regular Apps are due. </p>
<p>The Intel STS Competition has a deadline in mid-November. In addition to a research report they ask for your HS Transcript, Testing Scores, and a bunch of essay questions. They don't even release Semifinalists until January 9 and the finals competition in DC isn't until March. </p>
<p>^That's just some info. I was wondering which would be more prestigious to do well in.</p>
<p>Seimens joint projects are not restricted to seniors.</p>
<p>ISEF results come out too late in the year to Impact admissions.</p>
<p>It is very very difficult to achieve recognition in ISEF, Siemens, or STS. Many entrants during their senior year do Seimens and STS - not because of prestige; rather these entrants love science. That said, as of today, Caltech, Dartmouth and Columbia have made ED/A decisions and Seimens winners have way more acceptances then rejections (FWIW).</p>
<p>STS isn’t announced til January (semis), but I know that STS semi status can really impact an application.</p>
<p>Doing apps, two science fairs, grades, and tests is tough but possible.</p>
<p>I would suggest anyone entering either (or both) try to get ALL testing done by the end of your junior year. Then work during the summer (or earlier) on your research while percolating essay topics.</p>