Research Science Institute (RSI) 2009

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
41

<p>
[quote]
Hmmmm, I'm worried about the fact that it seems that you need to be ISEF or USAMO to get into RSI at all... or is this just a false impression?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>False impression! Sure RSI has some USAMO, Siemens, ISEF, etc. veterans, but the vast amount of Rickoids are just passionate about math/science. Just because you're good at USAMO, etc. doesn't mean that you are passionate for math research, since math research is completely different than math competitions. Same goes for science.</p>

42

<p>Alright :) That's good, because I'm afraid that although I am seriously passionate about my science and math, I would get discarded due to the superiority of those applicants (no ISEF or USAMO :\ ). So if you can convey that level of enthusiasm for what you want to do, that can be as good as having USAMO or ISEF, etc.?</p>

43

<p>Yeah, that's right. In fact it may be better than USAMO, etc.. The key is to make this show through your essays.</p>

44

<p>Cool, 1 month until apps should come out.</p>

45

<p>two or three weeks! surprised that this thread isn't receiving more interest</p>

46

<p>can someone give me the link that has the apps when they come out?</p>

47

<p>When are you guys sending your apps out? Soon as possible? And are all your recs from math/science teachers?</p>

48

<p>So I know this RSI summer program is hard to get into, but exactly how hard? Statistically? I haven't done any research, however, I am really interested in math/science, and have done a math/science summer program, AMC, Science Fairs, along with others. I just haven't done any research...</p>

49

<p>^^^ How did you do a science fair without any research?</p>

50

<p>Ok fine I admit it it was a crappy science fair project that is not even worth mentioning.</p>

51

<p>I see. Well, I'm really looking for an answer to my question earlier: are recommendations supposed to be from math/science teachers? Or is it good to have a science and a humanities teacher?</p>

52

<p>If I remember correctly, I think the application specifies who the recommendations need to be from (and I think it was one math and one science). As far as acceptance rates, the domestic rate is somewhere around ~5-10%. Assume 900-1000 applicants, and 50 attend. Seriously, though, don't let that be a deterrent to applying - most of us weren't expecting that we'd get in. And I'd suggest taken your time on the application, especially the essay questions.</p>

53

<p>And you guys all met the PSAT requirements and stuff?</p>

54

<p>PSAT requirement is 220+ right? And ACT is 33+ ? I think. I have a question though- I'm currently taking both a college math class and a college science class (physics), and I was wondering if it was possible to get recs from the professors? If they're willing to of course. But, would they allow that?</p>

55

<p>
[quote]
And you guys all met the PSAT requirements and stuff?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>No, not all of us, at least I didn't, my PSAT was in the 210s.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I see. Well, I'm really looking for an answer to my question earlier: are recommendations supposed to be from math/science teachers? Or is it good to have a science and a humanities teacher?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yeah, for the official recommendations should be from math/sci teachers. You can attach supplemental ones, most likely good ones (most useful ones) would be from previous research mentors. Although I don't see any harm in asking a humanities teacher, because he/she will write about some different non-math/sci aspect of you.</p>

<p>
[quote]
PSAT requirement is 220+ right? And ACT is 33+ ? I think. I have a question though- I'm currently taking both a college math class and a college science class (physics), and I was wondering if it was possible to get recs from the professors? If they're willing to of course. But, would they allow that?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yeah, but as above the 220+ PSAT is just a guideline, I'm sure I wasn't the only one who didn't pass that mark, and I'm not great at competitions (no IMO, etc.). PSAT is the only required test, but ACT, SAT, are optional, and if you did better on those, submit them also. ACT is 34+ on Reading and 32+(? not sure) on Math.</p>

<p>Yes you can ask your professors to write a recommendation, they allow that</p>

56

<p>OK, I found my old application with instructions. I'll type some useful stuff here:</p>

<p>-Recommendations by two teachers familiar with the candidate and the candidate's scholastic record
-PSAT math >= 75, Combined >= 220 (good luck tomorrow!)
OR
-ACT math >= 33, Reading >= 34</p>

<p>Remember, don't let lower scores prevent you from applying, the chance of not applying and getting in is 0%, but the chance of applying and getting in is at least positive.</p>

57

<p>ok thanks gblob! hopefully I did not mess up on math today for the PSAT...2 mistakes and I'm out...</p>

58

<p>Do they really care that much about the PSAT? I took the SAT already and scored above all the corresponding levels, but there's a slight chance I might have missed the PSAT requirements yesterday...also I got an 80 on math last year, but might have gotten below a 75 this year, would they superscore it? lol</p>

59

<p>
[quote]
Do they really care that much about the PSAT? I took the SAT already and scored above all the corresponding levels, but there's a slight chance I might have missed the PSAT requirements yesterday...also I got an 80 on math last year, but might have gotten below a 75 this year, would they superscore it? lol

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Not sure but the PSAT can only tell so much, I'm sure long term interest in math/sci is much more important. That said, when filling out the app, I think you should still put the PSAT score on (the most recent one, I'm not sure if they superscore or not...), and then make sure you put the SAT score on. You should be fine substituting lower PSAT scores with a higher SAT score.</p>

60

<p>Hello everybody!</p>

<p>I am a junior and i am looking forward to applying to RSI. </p>

<p>i have an INTENSE passsion for math and Biology, and I would like to do research at RSI in one of those areas. </p>

<p>Does RSI consider individual circumstances when making decisions? Here is my case:</p>

<p>Until two years ago, I was extremely economically challenged. My house had 6 people in it, and our annual income was about 10,000 dollars. Since then, our lives have improved, and there are now 4 people living in our house with an annual income of 25,000 dollars. My mother is a single parent who struggles with alcohilism and mental illness, and our economic and social challenges have prevente me from doing a lot of the things I wanted to do. Additionally, we live in a very rural area in FL, so there are no Olympiads, or local universities, etc.</p>

<p>However, I have tried my hardest to make do. here are my stats:</p>

<p>rank: 1/478
GPA: 4.78w, 4.00 UW
SAT: M720, CR740, W740 (that was freshman year so it will improve by teh time I apply)
Ap's only 1 during soph year 9 that's all my school allows), however, I am taking 9 during my junior year
awards:
---only freshman in 2006 to compete in state commisioner's academic challenge, finalist in that competition
---School awards for excellence in Maths, sciences, English, and foreign language
---I always win an annual regional math competition in my county. It is typically a team competition, but I compete by myself
---best research paper at competitive science summer camp</p>

<p>EC's
---President of Mu Alpha Theta
---Captain of school academic team
---President of Key Club
---Founder of Anti-poverty club at my school
---Independent Research with anaplastic protease inhibition at University of Florida
---I will be entering science fair this year, and will probably get an award at state (probably not much more, though, because it was a minor project that I did over the summer)</p>

<p>I have no international recognitions for anything. Do you think that RSI admissions committe will understand and take into account my circumstances?</p>