does getting into a nationally or internationally competitive summer program like RSI, SSP, etc. count as a national award? will it be seen as such by college admissions officers? in short, how much will being admitted and attending one matter on college apps?
@researchscholar20 did you feel 4 weeks was enough to do research and finalize a project ready for ISEF? also do they have computer science research?
Acceptance to the very best programs does appear to carry some weight. However, it is not entirely clear just how much independent value the summer program has for the college admissions decision. Both the best summer programs and the most selective universities tend to look for the same qualities, so it may be that acceptance to the top summer programs should more properly be viewed as a “pre-read” of later college chances, rather than some distinction that would be looked at favorably.
I would put programs like RSI, SSP, MOP (math), TASP, and MITES (for URM primarily) in to the “first-tier” of summer programs. (There are certainly others that qualify, but these are the most prominent in my opinion.) If you can get accepted to one of these, your chances at a T20 school will be excellent.
@researchscholar20 please share your experience with iResearch Institute!
@OneMoreToGo2021 I recently got into a summer program at nasa with a 9% admit rate but the name isn’t as well known as like RSI or SSP…wud this be a problem or would it be looked at the same?
@geedubz895lma0 Congratulations! what was the name of the program and do you have any tips for applying?
That sounds great! And it is definitely an impressive accomplishment of which you should feel very proud. My best guess is that this summer experience will be valuable to the extent that it helps you show your interests and passions to an admissions committee. Just as with RSI and SSP, your acceptance to the selective NASA program says more about you than simply the name of the program.
I hesitate to say that it will be looked at “the same” as RSI and SSP - these programs are incredibly well-known and -regarded for a reason - but again as a means of showing admissions officers your passionate interests your acceptance to the selective NASA program can only help you. Best of luck, and I hope that despite COVID-19 you actually get to attend this summer (even if only virtually).
@palm12312 it’s called the nasa sees program and I think it’s usually hosted at the ut austin center for space research. I think my biggest tip is to emphasize your stem extracurriculars/ experiences as much as possible, whether it was being part of a club or interning at a lab. You can convey this thru your essays, which there are six of. If you have average stats, don’t worry too much. I think what they’re looking for are just very passionate students who’ve immersed themselves in science, engaged in their community, taken a rigorous course load in high school, and genuinely love stem. 
good luck if you plan on applying!
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@geedubz895lma0 Thank you so much for the detailed response! I really appreciate it