<p>I also had no previous research experience. I must say, the most important skill one needs in order to get into RSI is the ability to BS. If you don't have that or amazing credentials, I'm afraid you may be out of luck.</p>
<p>BY THE WAY YOU CAN CHECK OUT TEKI'S STATS on his post in the CALTECH EA thread.</p>
<p>Also, MyMao is totally right about good looks being important. RSI is, above all, a program in eugenics.</p>
<p>Is there something like a list of possible fields to research at RSI? (as in more than just "Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology"; more specific subfields)</p>
<p>Portal:Science</a> - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>That should help.</p>
<p>So if I accomplish other stuff after the January 16th deadline, could I possibly mail/email them to the RSI offices? (research paper, tests, etc.) thanks!</p>
<p>do it as long as it's non-trivial. example, amc-12 winner isn't necessarily impressive but a 130 or 140 score is good; you might want to report that. also olympiad qualifications [like usnco or usabo] are after the deadline, you should send those in.</p>
<p>^would a completed research abstract be non-trivial? how bout good SAT scores? or usapho quarterfinalist/aime qualifier? thanks</p>
<p>
[quote]
Portal:Science - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>That should help.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Actually I used this: Fields</a> of science - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>Just avoid the social sciences.</p>
<p>Oh gosh, everyone! I remember exactly what this whole application process was like for me. Really, as an '08 Rickoid, the best advice I have for you is to relax. Okay, let's be real here. RSI is a crapshoot. For everyone. It's so ridiculously selective. Just give it a shot! If you get in, you'll have the time of your life. If you don't, and if you truly are passionate about math/science/etc., you'll find a way to pursue your dream. Seriously. This is coming from a kid in the middle of Kansas. If you want the chance to pursue research badly enough, you'll make it happen whether it's at RSI or not. </p>
<p>In response to the publication question, none of my RSI research has been published. Many Rickoids' RSI research has been published, however. </p>
<p>Someone said, "Your stats aren't making us feel very good about our chances at RSI." Numbers don't mean anything. Okay, that's a lie. They carry a certain amount of weight. But you guys have to realize that the way we CCers define success (on CC) is not at all like success is defined in the real world or in the college/RSI application process. On CC, a person with a 2200 SAT isn't as qualified as a person with a 2400 SAT. But really, how much do a few silly little questions matter in the grand scheme of things? (And year, in general, once you hit 2200, it's really only a few steps away from a 2400.) MYM (btw, how are you? I miss you!) was totally right in saying that the biggest thing RSI looks for is PASSION. Really, true PASSION. And that goes for things beyond RSI. Love what you do, whether it's school, sports, being a leader, you name it. Find your niche; find what makes you tick. Work to be the very best you possibly can. Laugh along the way. Have fun. Relax. </p>
<p>If RSI were looking for automatons who can crank really high test scores, why would there be an extensive essay section on the application? In fact, though I was really excited to get into RSI, I was a bit disappointed, too. I had a preconceived notion that the accepted students would be super smart geniuses with no social skills. True, there were a lot of super smart kids there. But these kids turned out to be cool, funny, outgoing, hardworking, ambitious, and quirky. So enjoy the process, really. Oh, and another piece of advice: Stop reading this thread if it's contributing to your anxiety! I'm serious. Feel free to PM me with questions, and I'll do my best to answer 'em. (I just emptied my inbox.) But the last thing you guys need is to interact with fellow applicants if it's making you feel more nervous.</p>
<p>I know you all want to get in. I remember how badly I wanted to get in. In fact, since the 7th grade RSI was something that was on my mind weekly. I know how badly you guys want it because I was in your shoes, and actually, I still am in your shoes with college applications. Try not to get too hung up in this process, though. Enjoy it. Be yourself in the essays. And most of all, if you are passionate, convey your passion.<br>
^That, ladies and gentlemen, is a LONG RANT. </p>
<p>Doesn’t worry about how you will look. Don't mind whether RSI will look favorably upon your university math classes or your summer volunteering at the humane society or whatever else you've done. Just stick it all out there. And be sincere. </p>
<p>HAHA MYM was jokin' about the good looks. Although Rickoids tend to be hotttt.<br>
RSI, Really Sexy Individuals, right?! :) Good luck you guys. Have fun.</p>
<p>3rd paragraph, year = yeah.</p>
<p>Hey guys, im a sophomore still trying to decide whether I should apply-judging whether I even have a chance. I am in 3 APs and do research however have won no awards yet. I have been published in 4 papers and 2 abstracts-not as leading author-but as a contributing author. I also got a 2260 on the PSAT (80M, 76W, 70C). I have not taken physics yet and have little to no experience in computer science in general. I have volunteered in three hospitals for 700 hrs and have shadowed a neurologist for 300 hrs.<br>
Chance me please.</p>
<p>If you're currently a sophomore, I wouldn't apply. I don't know of anyone who has gotten in as a sophomore, and I'm pretty sure that they will only select juniors (though I could be wrong). Just keep on doing impressive stuff, and apply during your junior year.</p>
<p>Lol we have less views than TASP 2009, yet 103 more post...</p>
<p>nmehandru.... really the program's for juniors. u should truly try to gain more experience and apply next year, but if u truly want to, give it a shot. at least ur probablity of getting in is great than 0 if u apply :)</p>
<p>Also, just a note: Potential was Rickoid of the Year this year. That award isn't given for being totally amazing at science (although Potential is), it's for being a thoroughly good person - the kind of person everybody at RSI likes to be around. And Potential is also right about passion. I can't remember a single comment from anybody at RSI over the entire six weeks that they were annoyed at their project. Maybe at their progress, yes, but at their project, no. Everybody there was like "I've experiments to run, there is research to be done" for the whole summer. (Well, not the math people. Math doesn't have experiments.) That's why RSI was a HUGE SUCCESS. I'm being so sincere right now.</p>
<p>Bonus points: identify the song referenced, the artist who wrote it, and the video game it appeared in. <- That was a joke, ha ha, fat chance.</p>
<p>But yeah, I did math work, and I'm still thinking about it almost every day and extending my results. Look at me still talking, when there's science to do.</p>
<p>Also, just a note: Potential was Rickoid of the Year this year. That award isn't given for being totally amazing at science (although Potential is), it's for being a thoroughly good person - the kind of person everybody at RSI likes to be around. And Potential is also right about passion. I can't remember a single comment from anybody at RSI over the entire six weeks that they were annoyed at their project. Maybe at their progress, yes, but at their project, no. Everybody there was like "I've experiments to run, there is research to be done" for the whole summer. (Well, not the math people. Math doesn't have experiments.) That's why RSI was a HUGE SUCCESS. I'm being so sincere right now.</p>
<p>Bonus points: identify the song referenced, the artist who wrote it, and the video game it appeared in. <- That was a joke, ha ha, fat chance.</p>
<p>But yeah, I did math work, and I'm still thinking about it almost every day and extending my results. Look at me still talking, when there's science to do.</p>
<p>Just wondering- how are you all distinguishing between each essay? Are you listing the number only, or the entire prompt, or integrating the prompt into the essay? Sorry if this question has already been addressed in previous posts. I try to not spend all of my time reading CC. :)</p>
<p>Teki, thanks for the compliments. You're the man. </p>
<p>@ Planithurthian: I applied last year and just listed the number then went on with my response. I don't think typing out the prompt is necessary. I trust the people reviewing our applications are aware of the prompts.</p>
<p>Haha, yay Still Alive! Super awesome.</p>
<p>Anyway, I think I've about perfected my application... should we include all 11 pages in the envelope or 8-11? It seems silly to include all of the extra information, but they seem awfully picky about what's included.</p>
<p>Even if I don't get in, I actually don't mind having put in all of the effort. Writing it kind of helped me sort out my own thoughts and get ready for college apps...</p>