<p>Hi!</p>
<p>So I'm a high school junior with strong interest in math, and I was pondering MIT's RSI program. Normally, I think I would be considered a somewhat competitive applicant (4.5 ish weighted GPA, 5 on AP Calc AB, 790 SAT II Math Level 2). I'm also captain of my school's math team, heavily invested in extracurriculars and volunteer service, and I founded a volunteer organization that I have run for the last few years. I am currently involved in research at a local university. I am a very competitive pianist, as well, having won awards in classical music competitions at the local, statewide, national, and international levels.</p>
<p>My biggest problem is my PSAT scores. RSI recommends applicants have 220+, but I barely broke 210 this year (I did poorly on the critical reading section, but 99th percentile in the other two sections). Should I still apply? I think this program would be a great experience for my personal development, but I don't want to waste my time and get my hopes up for nothing, you know?</p>
<p>If you guys think I have no chance at MIT RSI, are there any other similar summer programs you think I'd be better suited for?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>It depends on your race and gender.</p>
<p>If you’re an Asian male, don’t bother applying.
If you’re a black female, you have a much greater chance.</p>
<p>If you’re somewhere in-between, determine which of the two extremes you are closer to.</p>
<p>Yea it sounds blunt but it’s the facts.</p>
<p>I am a Caucasian male. Does that mean I am closer to being an Asian male?</p>
<p>In that case, are there any similar programs that would be more appropriate for me?</p>
<p>ellegee is ■■■■■■■■. Race/ethnicity is not even asked on the RSI application. Students are selected for RSI “solely on the basis of academic records and their accomplishments.”</p>
<p>Moustache, I would definitely apply to RSI if I were you. Aside from the application fee (which can be waived if needed), there are no downsides to applying. Even if you get rejected, the time you spent on essays will not be wasted, because you’ll be able to use portions of your essays for other applications, and it’s a great dry run for the college admission process.</p>
<p>Honestly, I doubt that a single low test score alone would preclude your admission to RSI. RSI is not filled with kids who are perfect at everything. Rather, it’s a collection of intellectually diverse, curious young scientists eager to immerse themselves in intense research. From the description of your research and extracurriculars, moustache, it sounds like you have a solid basis for compelling essays.</p>
<p>Having said that, it’s always prudent to have backup plans. I would recommend checking out [Summer</a> Programs | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/summer]Summer”>Summer programs | MIT Admissions) for a list of other research programs. Last year, I applied to SSP, Clark, and HSHSP in addition to RSI.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, many Rickoids (including me) applied to RSI fully expecting rejection. The only way to have a 0% chance is to not apply.</p>
<p>Apply anyway! You never know what could happen.</p>
<p>As basketball coach says, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I would say it applies in this situation as well…</p>