Olympiads or Science Fairs: What Will Help Me Get Into Top US Schools?

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The discussion centers on a high school student in India seeking admission to prestigious U.S. colleges like MIT, CalTech, and Harvard after completing grade 10. The student has a strong academic background, having studied advanced physics and mathematics, and is looking to enhance their profile through participation in olympiads or science fairs. A key point of debate is whether winning an olympiad gold medal or being a finalist in a science fair like Intel or Siemens holds more weight in college admissions. There is an acknowledgment that college admissions are holistic, meaning various factors are considered beyond just awards. One participant shares their experience of gaining admission despite not winning a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad, suggesting that both achievements can be valuable and encouraging the pursuit of both options for a well-rounded application.
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I am a high school student in India . I finished grade 10 this year . I have completed phyiscs upto the level of RESNICK HALLIDAY , i learned all high school mathematics and Single variable calculus . I want to go to US for college . So i want to get into schools like MIT/CalTech/harvard etc . But as these schools are very selective one needs to be highly accomplished to get into these schools .

I want to do something more than school stuff so i want to participate in olympiads or science fairs .

So i want to know which candidate will have a better chance of getting in , one with a olympiad gold or someone who is a GOOGLE/INTEL science fair finalist .

So give me some guidance​
 
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I feel as though it's less competitive to be an Intel/Siemens finalist than it is to win an olympiad gold medal. Though the question is, are you sure that you can do either? And why can't you pursue both options?

By the way, I got less than a gold medal at IPhO, and I still got into every college to which I applied. College admissions are holistic.
 
Yeah thanks man...anyone has any other opinion on this...please help
 
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