<p>Well the good thing about olympiads is that they show you have true merit and talent for solving scientific problems. What they may also show, is that you’re a good test taker. Both of these are good for BS/MD programs.
Many times research is done by a student who takes initiative and contacts a professor because they really want to learn more about science. Tbh, I’ve learned more in my time in the lab than at school.
Also, “uniqueness” is relative. Approximately 10,000 kids take the USABO tests (quoting you here, as I have no idea) whereas ~1700 kids apply for Intel STS and ~1300 kids apply for Siemens; i would say more than half of those submissions are overlapping. That being said, there is also a high level of uniqueness that can come from the type of research being conducted. What if someone discovered a cure for something? </p>
<p>So, if you’re looking to be unique, you’re high level of achievement in the USABO definitely helps you, but there’s no point in comparing one or the other. It’s like comparing a theoretical physicist and an experimental biologist. </p>
<p>Also, congrats on your achievements. I do think that you have a very good shot as one of 20/10,000, and I highly doubt research is a necessity for BS/MD programs.</p>