<p>I've got a good answer to question 2. How ever, the questions I thought of posing are quite simple. Does simplicity = good? Or should I be trying to demonstrate my proficiency in the subject?</p>
<p>show an extensive knowledge of the field along with high level analysis, thats what gets you in</p>
<p>You want to show that you thought hard about the questions and in detail. Try to use sexual innuendo, i.e. "the polymer touches itself, and elongates before an electron burst."</p>
<p>(just kidding)</p>
<p>I've got no research experience, so I can't show an extensive knowledge of the field along with high level analysis.</p>
<p>For the people who got in RSI that did not have previous research experience, how did you compensate for this?</p>
<p>how large of a factor do the amc/aime play into the admissions? is the admissions process field-oriented or is it by general pool and then divided into separate fields? like would you have a better chance entering if you chose a particular field over another or would you have equal chance of admittance no matter which field you chose.</p>
<p>for math people, I don't know. However, I had no AMC or AIME, but I did bio. As for fields, chose the field you are most passionate in... it'll show up in your application and thus increase your chance of admission.</p>
<p>amc/aime prove are one way of proving competence in math. In all honesty, the admissions process is probably at least a little field oriented. However, putting a field down that you're not pasionate about will probably hurt your application more than the disadvantage of a field.</p>
<p>thanks you everyone.
natureme: (sry natureme... i don't know you by name) but when you mean you did do bio, does that mean usabo?</p>
<p>Hi, I have been a long time reader of this forum and have just now registered. </p>
<p>Anyway, RSI has been a dream of mine ever since I heard about the program last year. However, my stats are nowhere nearly as distinguished as many of the people on this thread. I have the standard awards at local science fairs (i.e school), I also have the grades, and a 5 on the AP Human Geo last year (that is the only AP I have taken thus far). I am afraid that my math skills are not up to par with most applicants, considering that I am taking AP Calc AB this year as a junior. Also, I have not participated in any math competitions. I have begun to do some research, which I will be entering in science fairs begining in March, and will keep up my grades, taking AP/IB classes and all that. </p>
<p>The question I have is this: I wont be taking the SATs until January (the results wont be in until after the application deadline), and I have not taken any SAT IIs and wasnt planning on taking them until May (so that I could study for them at the same time as APs, since I will be taking them in the same subjects), will this make a huge difference in my application? </p>
<p>Sorry for the super long post!</p>
<p>myriadp,</p>
<p>The January test day is fine. What day is it exactly? Last year, the deadline was extended to Feb. 9th, so that leaves the necessary 2 weeks for a rush report sent to RSI. Also, if you are good at math, you can probably ace the Math IIC on the December test day. Take some practice tests and find out. Also, I think the AMC 12A is held on Feb 1st this year (someone correct me if I'm wrong), so if the deadline gets extended again, that should be fine, and even if it's not, you can send RSI a letter/email telling them if you get something like 140+.</p>
<p>damn... that reminds me.... my amc/aime score records were drowned in that stupid flood. </p>
<p>well it seems i have a bit of explaining to do on college apps.</p>
<p>kirbywamu, sorry for being unclear. I meant that I my research field was biology. I didn't do usabo though.</p>
<p>cxc... they'll understand... at least i hope they do. If not, I'll come after them with a club. :-/ Btw... if I come to the xmas party, can I stay at your house for awhile?</p>
<p>thanks for the clarification natureme.</p>
<p>sorry if this is a stupid question but what is the aime/amc?</p>
<p>The January SAT date is January 28th, would that be too late even if RSI decided to extend the deadline? It doesnt give it two weeks for rushed scores</p>
<p>My $.02 : To get into RSI, you must</p>
<ol>
<li>Demonstrate you either a) have the knowledge to do well in your chosen field, or b) that you can learn fast, well, and under serious pressure. </li>
<li>Demonstrate a love and passion for your subject. </li>
<li>Demonstrate that you can bring something powerful to RSI. Not necesarily Olympiads or anything -- even a unique personality will do. </li>
</ol>
<hr>
<p>That said, I'd just like to let prospective applicants know that there is no way cosmology can match the mad planetary science. Sorry, Geeta. (Prepare for the field wars, part n)</p>
<p>AIME= American Invitational Math Exam
AMC= American Math Competition</p>
<p>correct me if i'm wrong though</p>
<p>JEN!!!! OF COURSE!!! please do.... DP every night at my place! seriously! caffiene keg! haha, only partially kidding about that one.... no, but really, it'll be a blast, and you can stay as long as you want... all our rooms downstairs are completely empty, no furniture or anything, so bring bedding, i guess. and if you want a ride to my house, ronald reagan national airport because dulles is on the other side of the river... i'll be explaining all of this by email later anyway...</p>
<p>Don't worry if you can't do the mathematics good, kiddos. I'm taking The BC Calculus as a Senior!</p>