<p>Woah, I came to this website last week when my friend advised me to check it out for college purposes, and VOILA I see a giant RSI thread thats longer than the story of my life lol.</p>
<p>Anyway, I spent basically all of the last two days reading the RSI 2005 and RSI 2006 threads and I must say that the Rickoids of the past are giving the wannabees quite a bit of baised and perhaps glorified information regarding the program.</p>
<p>Hello everyone, I attended RSI '05 and I must say it was one of the most undescribable experiences that I have ever had (that doesn't mean good or bad btw). Honestly, I don't know how I got in because the whole selection process seemed a little too elitist and arbitrary if you ask me. Nevertheless, I came to MIT with sky-high hopes and came away somewhat disappointed I must admit. the program seemed too good to be true at first and it turned out that it was in some respect. I didn't feel like my mentor was very focused on my personal research ambitions there and occasionally felt like I a mere lab rat. It seemed to me that the research that I did back at the local CC near home with a professor was much more detailed and fulfilling. My RSI mentor seemed too preoccupied with her own responsibilities and I felt that she could have paid a little more attention to my needs at least. I dunno, maybe I expected too much in this regard because RSI seemed to focus less and less on the research component and more on the "people" component. So please don't come into RSI and expect to walk out with an INTEL or SIEMENS quality project since there's not enough time and that kind of research takes A LOT MORE initiative.</p>
<p>Now about the people...</p>
<p>Every stereotype you've probably heard about Rickoids is true lol. The vast majority of the group was Asian and the so-called "ethnic" diversity was pretty much limited to that continent spare a few whites here and there. Now this wouldn't be so bad if they didn't make horrible inside jokes and they were not so socially inept, with a few exceptions here and there of course. <em>cough</em> Arun <em>cough</em>. Don't get me wrong, there were good times that I felt like I enjoyed with everyone like mountain hikes, random hotel parties, ULTIMATE, etc. All in all, I eventually adjusted to the group and had an enjoyable summer with regards to the social department. Although, I felt like shooting myself every time I heard the word "ricklet" and thought that the Purity Test was the most pointless piece of **** ever. I dunno, it just felt like a lot of the kids at RSI were immature and naive about normal teenage topics like sexuality, cars, etc. So, although I can attest to the fact that Rickoids are most definitely the most talented and gifted group of individuals I have ever met, they are by no means the "coolest" people ever as mentioned in previous threads. Rickoids are all kindred souls and that made hanging out my favorite part of RSI.</p>
<p>Anyway, my point in all this rambling is that RSI is not for everyone and there is no guarantee that all of you will enjoy or get as much out of the experience as others might. I would overall rate RSI as an awesome summer program but I think it is a ridiculous stretch to call it the most prestigious summer program out there since that's just the opinion of some. I honestly feel that I could have accomplished more quality research at Clark, Garcia, HSHSP, etc. However, the social freedom that RSI provides is amazing and it is definitely ONE way to perform some generally cool research over the summer.</p>
<p>For those of you who plan to use RSI to guarantee Harvard admissions, you will get rejected from the program faster than you can scream "Bloody Mary". If all you care is about how killer RSI will look on your resume, then you're a ****ing idiot. BTW, Harvard rejected 40 to 50 percent of us Rickoids EA so interpret that as you will. RSI isn't about college or prestige-it's about doing unique research with a bunch of awe-inspiring and unique people. All the Rickoids may not be street savvy but at least they are kind and generous people which is something about them that totally rocks.</p>
<p>My final advice to RSI prospects: Stop worrying about the app because it's out of your hands now. If you're truly interested in science, then apply to some other sweet science programs like SSP, HSHSP, Clark, and Garcia. Even if you do get admitted to RSI, still consider these other programs since they are perhaps tailored to more hardcore researchers. If you wanna chill and take it a little easy, then RSI is probably the best option. Finally, for the DEAR SAKE OF GOD DO NOT CHOOSE RSI OVER STUFF LIKE MOSP, US PHYSICS CAMP, US CHEM CAMP, ETC. The fact that you're that godly in such a subject is uber impressive and do not waste this valuable opportunity. RSI is an amazing research program but it doesn't compare to a subject-intensive camp which can validate all your years of hard work in that particular area I'm sure. Representing the U.S. national team in an olympiad is something that is ****ing amazing and may be a once-in-lifetime-thing. So, keep things in perspective and choose wisely!!!</p>
<p>OH YEAH,
SHOUTOUT to Vinayak, Pizer, Kim, Cindy, Cindy, Arun, Matt, and all the other Rickoids that frequent CC. I miss you guys a lot.:(</p>
<p>I hope I didn't offend too many of you Rickoids but I felt like this had to be said, besides you know you still love me if you figure out who I am.:) If not, then I guess it doesn't really matter lol. I wish everyone on this site good luck in all of their future endeavors in academia and beyond.</p>
<p>And so it goes.</p>