<p>But, still... I feel like I'm way behind on the intelligence level compared to the others who are applying. The only thing I feel is up to par is my PSAT score</p>
<p>I think that's how we all feel...
well at least I do in the I have noting spectacular about me way.</p>
<p>I know I'd be able to keep up with the work, and I know that I'd probably do okay in the research compartment as well, just I really have nothing spectacular about me that would indicate so. I kind of don't work up to my potential in the award category, having never heard of any of the olympiads until this year, and making a lot of stupid mistakes on the amc/aime, and whatnot (for some of the questions, I had answers that were off by 1...). It's just really frustrating to know that I haven't been working up to my potential and that there is no way for people to know what my potential is otherwise.</p>
<p>=( stop getting discouraged! just apply, and who knows- u might make it in!</p>
<p>Ok for the essay section of the application...only questions 1 - 4 are actual essays, right? Everything else is like a one-line answer? Are all 8 questions included in the 3-page limit thing?</p>
<p>er...and if i did AMCs and don't remember my scores...is that ok?</p>
<p>i only have one standardized test score, (psat) and I wasn't planning to take any others until march. is that ok?</p>
<p>Yeah I'm taking march SAT, and sometime ACTs... and I think the brochure specifically says that they don't expect us to have them. :)</p>
<p>Oh, btw I'm having so much trouble with number two... I have my first choice field and subfield down, but the second choice... I really don't know enough to think of good research questions.</p>
<p>Btw---
What fields are you guys applying to?</p>
<p>Math: Applied Math (Or Statistics.. I'm not sure)
Chemistry: Some sort of Physical Chemistry</p>
<p>ugh...yeah...number two is tough.</p>
<p>I'm doing:
Biology: Neuroscience
Chemistry: Biochemistry/Enzymes</p>
<p>wait...so are all 8 questions part of the 3-page limit? or just the first 4 questions?</p>
<p>I would think all 8... I'm not sure though.</p>
<p>What is #1 even asking? Possible schools I want to apply to? Possible majors? Careers?
Should #3 and #4 be essays, or bullet lists? It says describe, but how thouroughly?</p>
<p>Sorry for all the questions, but is it just me, or does this application seem extremely vague compared to most others?</p>
<p>I get the same feeling too...not sure exactly what we're supposed to write lol.
It seems like the only true "essay" is #2 - possibly #1 if its a lifeplan or something. The rest all ask for information that can be given in non-essay form.</p>
<p>so u should choose wisely on ur two recommendations... but let's say i bombed my PSAT verbal section and writing was crap due to the huge curve, and I want to prove that I'm a good writer (not that I'm not, really), can I use my English teacher as a resource and additional recommendation? I'm already using my physics teacher and two college professors as recommendation sources.</p>
<p>Does RSI prefer one test over the other? (ACT over SAT/PSAT or vice versa)</p>
<p>Because my PSAT was less than 220 (214) but my ACT was above their minimum.</p>
<p>About standardized test scores, I do not think the ACT is necessary. It would be nice to have your SATs and some SATIIs (I did), but I'm not too sure about their policy for having neither and only PSATs. </p>
<p>All of my responses last year fit into three pages. Of course, I pushed and squeezed them into there with little formatting tricks which I'm sure they noticed (small font, small margins, etc.). As long as you're not writing them a book, I don't think it really matters. Just don't make them bring out a magnifying glass to read your application.</p>
<p>The application is probably "vague" for your own benefit. Answer to it as you please. It provides some leeway for you to play around a bit. Don't worry too much about the formalities as long as you have the necessary information. </p>
<p>To MITdude, does that mean you're going to be submitting four recommendations? I think that's a little overboard. But of course, rules are there for you to break them. If you really really really want all four recs, there's nothing stopping you.</p>
<p>You do not need to have received a brochure/letter to apply. The application is completely online for anyone to download for that reason.</p>
<p>You cannot apply after senior year, I don't think. The program states specifically that it's for people who have completed their junior year. </p>
<p>I spent most of my time last year answering the first two questions. The words "most interesting" (for number 2) threw me a little, because I couldn't decide which ones I wanted to talk about "the most". I can't really give advice on this part, except for you all to answer how you see fit.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how you would write in a "formal" tone/research paper tone, since most of the application is centered around you: what are YOUR long range goals, what is interesting to YOU, etc. Unless you're talking in third-person, most of the application, I would assume, would have to be rather casual. Once again, if you can figure out how to write "formally"/"researchy" and if you really really really want to write your responses that way, there's really nothing stopping you from doing it.</p>
<p>Okay, I have a few questions:</p>
<p>First of all, my Scores are PSAT 219 with a 76 in math, (for some reason I bombed it... dunno why), SAT 2320 with 800 math, and SAT II Math I 750 and Math II 800. Are those good enough, because I've heard different things from different people.</p>
<p>Second of all, how good of an idea do you have to have for what you want to study. Because I have at best a vague idea of what I want to study. Like, should my research questions be stuff like "I want to develop a putty which can be used as a heat sink in computers" and "I want to figure out a method for growing plants in the dark?" (yeah, I know that sounds crazy, but whatever.)</p>
<p>The application requires an official PSAT report, can the psat report that was given to us by the counselers count? Also i got above the 220 mark on the psat but did not do so hot on the SAT, took it unprepared. Do i have to report my SAT score? I have not taken the ACT yet.</p>
<p>I think you have to report the SAT...someone back me up on that</p>
<p>Can you apply as a senior?</p>
<p>There is no such thing as a score that is "good enough" or not. Rough minimums would probably be 200/2000 on the PSAT/SAT and a 30 on the ACT, but I'm sure there have been people with lower scores that were accepted.</p>
<p>DON'T let perceived-shabby standardized test scores scare you away from applying.</p>
<p>DO let being a current senior in high school (class of 08') scare you away from applying, since the program is only for students currently in their junior year of high school.</p>
<p>I don't think there are any rules on the maximum number of recs you include (you need the two they ask for though). Feel free to send extras, although I would not recommend you send more than one extra, and only if its incredibly positive and important for you to send.</p>
<p>A-card: You don't need to request an official PSAT score be sent to CEE. The app says it should be included in what the school sends in. If you don't want to take any chances though, then also send in a copy of your score sheet, notarized by your bank (that's what we did--easy and no cost).</p>
<p>laststopforme: The app does ask you to list any SATI, SATII or ACT test scores, so you should list them. If you fail to mention any, CEE may see them anyway in what your high school sends in (and that would be bad). Otherwise they would have no way of knowing. Again, I would send in a notarized copy of these scores as it's more credible than simply self-reporting and shows you took the time.</p>
<p>When he applied, son's PSAT math score was low 70's, but SATI math was 800. IMHO, both don't have to be high, one is enough (and it can be either one).</p>