Frequently Asked Questions

Can competing in a high school science competition help me get into college?

Often, just competing is not enough to impress an admissions officer. However, if the competition is extremely selective or at a national or international level, you are sure to impress even if you do not win. For example, attending the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) or competing in the International Linguistics Olympiad is extremely impressive even if you do not win.

What are Olympiads?

Olympiads are team-based STEM competitions held around the country at different levels: invitational, regional, state, and national. The 12 international competitions cover the following subjects: math, physics, chemistry, informatics, biology, philosophy, astronomy, geography, linguistics, junior science, earth science, and astronomy and astrophysics.

How do students qualify for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)?

ISEF is one of the most exclusive high school science competitions in the nation. To qualify, students must compete in an ISEF affiliated science fair and win the right to attend ISEF. Each fair may send a pre-determined number of projects to ISEF to compete.