<p>How much will 4 National Competitions improve my chances?</p>
<p>2nd Place - National Science Bowl</p>
<p>National Science Olympiad
National History Day
Future Business Leaders of America</p>
<p>Those national competitions still need to happen, but my school is usually top 10 for Olympiad and California tends to do okay for History Day and FBLA.</p>
<p>Well, it depends on how you do in them, what your grades and SAT scores are, and what other activities you’ve participated in, as well as your essays and teacher recommendations.</p>
<p>However, if you are shooting for the top schools, competing and winning at least some academic honor is almost mandatory nowadays–so participating in activities similar to the ones you mentioned will help you in your application to the schools.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>P.S. 2nd place in National Science Bowl is a BIG accomplishment–congratulations.</p>