<p>If you are a sophmore, you have a year and a half ahead of you to work on your GPA. Upward trends are always better than the other way around.</p>
<p>A publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal coming out of a reputable biotech or academic lab (which are abundant in San Diego) is, in my view, a better indicator of one’s passion for science than a prize in a contest. However, adcoms might have a different opinion.</p>
<p>However, if your only goal in pursuing research is to get some personal benefits (admission to a “prestigious” college), you are heading in the wrong direction. Even in for-profit scientific organizations (ie biotech companies) scientists engage in research not only to deposit their monthly paychecks, but to create something of benefit for the entire humanity.</p>