<p>Let the fun begin!</p>
<p>I think this is a bit too early… But I guess you can work on improving your application by taking the rigorous classes it asks for?</p>
<p>2014…I think…u want to say 2013 ?
Anyway…My friend went to the RSI 2012 and it was really an awesome program!</p>
<p>@sallyyang: Actually, I really did mean 2014! I suppose I’m preparing early, but like prototyped said, I’m working on getting the rigorous classes it requires, and I’m also doing some preliminary research. We’ve only got one year till admissions, you know, and I should be well into MVC by then.</p>
<p>Got it. Work hard, get a lot of things done and then wait to get admitted. Good Luck !
I applied for the 2013 RSI and am currently waiting for the result…</p>
<p>Are there any equally prestigious summer programs for high school students? I am planning to apply to TASP and RSI, but what other options are there? (I’m looking for something where it’s actually an accomplishment/semi-hook to be accepted–not just another summer camp.)</p>
<p>^ You’ll find this helpful: [Summer</a> Programs | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/summer]Summer”>Summer programs | MIT Admissions)
They’re all really hard to get into and you’ll have to get lucky to get into any so apply to a bunch next year to be safe! The others aren’t as prestigious as RSI and TASP but they’re still pretty awesome</p>
<p>Could winning a prize an ISEF or being named an Google Science Fair Finalist help with admission into RSI?</p>
<p>I will be participating RSI 2013 and will be happy to help you all RSI 2014 guys :)</p>
<p>@UnbanAgrasin </p>
<p>I would definitely suggest you indicate your passion for science in your application. A prior research experience would definitely help, but it’s NOT required or expected to have. I have very recently read a past RSI 2010 Scholar’s blog (sorry, I couldn’t find the link), saying he has never won any special merits or stuff. CEE gathers extremely experienced admissions officers and scientists who, I think, are capable of perceiving potential in the applicants. I think your essays play a tremendous role. Spend a lot of time on them. </p>
<p>You know CEE also asks for some extremely advanced courses in the application. I said “course not offered” to one of them, because the course was simply not offered in my school. But I was not rejected. As long as you push yourself and show that you did, you’ll do just fine, I believe. They would not penalise you from the opportunity you do not have. I would appropriately explain the case, that you mentioned above, in my application. However, do not give up seeking challenge. </p>
<p>I hope that helps.</p>
<p>For reference, the RSI 2013 decisions have been released! Best of luck to next year’s applicants :)</p>
<p>To those who were not admitted this year, don’t worry too much about it. There are simply too many qualified applicants these days. The good news is that there are many other research opportunities, and even then, you can still engage in scientific exploration on your own or at your school. :)</p>
<p>Honestly, the admissions processes at these programs are really difficult to predict, so don’t let any of them dishearten you 
Just keep looking for ways to pursue your scientific curiosity :)</p>
<p>Also, like Toughman, I will be participating in 2013, and I will be happy to try and help next year’s batch to the best of my abilities! :)</p>
<p>And, although I may or may not be participating in 2013 (alternate as of now), I would be happy to help with anything you need to know application-wise! If I were you, though, I wouldn’t worry about the application right now. Too much pressure. Rather, just keep doing what you’re doing right now - being passionate science students and pursuing your dreams.
SAT scores are not absolutely necessary, and neither is a lot of previous research experience: The important thing is a pursued passion for your field.</p>
<p>Hello UnbanAgrasin</p>
<p>Sorry for the confusion!</p>
<p>The best advice that I ever got from anyone, was from a high school senior during my freshman year. He basically told me two things. The first was that “less is more.” The second, is that whatever I did in high school, I should give a 110% to it. I can’t be more thankful for his advice, as it has really helped me streamline my interests.</p>
<p>Basically what I am trying to emphasize, is that people seem to believe that they have to do everything (Take part in athletics, be an amazing musician, be president of every club, etc). I do not believe in this philosophy. You should try new things and keep exploring, however, you should focus on maybe 1-3 activities and pursue them only for the purposes of self-betterment and self-fulfillment.</p>
<p>As for finding research opportunities, I started out by working on a project with a friend at my school. We were given sufficient room to make mistakes and learn new things! :)</p>
<p>I feel that if you are just starting out with scientific research, you should read extensively and narrow down your ideas to a particular interest. I profusely read about my intended area of study for like 5 months, to the point where my teacher-mentor told me actually stop reading, and start experimenting X) . Working with a partner really helps, because you are given the chance to bounce ideas off of each other!</p>
<p>Simply structuring your reading, using Google Scholar and a piece of journal software known as Mendeley, really helps with the process. Look up Mendeley in google, and you will find it. It essentially enables you to organize your articles, highlight, and annotate your papers. It is great for structuring your literature review phase, and collaborating with others!</p>
<p>Finally, I would suggest emailing professors regarding your interest, as long as you are somewhat proficient in their area of study and have a project idea in mind. </p>
<p>There are also a lot of summer programs that offer you the ability to conduct research as well. A simple google search will reveal opportunities (ex: UC Davis YSP, Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program, etc). You may have to spend some time looking up opportunities, but it is well worth the effort! Remember though, that the admissions processes are all very competitive, so apply to several of them :)</p>
<p>Hope some of these tips help :)</p>
<p>Also regarding the essays, several Rickoids of this year have posted reflections on their essays, in the 2013 thread on page 53: </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1385402-rsi-2013-a-53.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1385402-rsi-2013-a-53.html</a></p>
<p>It may be helpful to review, for next year’s applicants!</p>
<p>To all future applicants: Do NOT just apply to RSI. You have too low of a chance at getting in. Apply to many other programs that are as/nearly as competitive, and you will probably get into at least one, hopefully more than that. Look into independent internships at local universities or research institutes, as these are often more valuable than a summer program. Or you could take courses at a university. Or consider actually studying for national training camps for competitions like IMO IPhO IBO IChO IOI etc.</p>
<p>HereÂ’s a list of some opportunites (by no means exhaustive, and in no particular order). Some are more prestigious/worthwile than others (these are generally the ones that charge a fee, with the exception of SSP and programs like Simons which need to charge for room/board):</p>
<p>RSI
TASP
SSP
TTU Clark Scholars
SBU Simons SRP
SBU Garcia MRSEC
NIH SIP
SIMR
Jackson Lab
City of Hope
Rockefeller
Internships through NASA One Stop
COSMOS
UC Davis YSP
Perimeter ISSYP
HSHSP
Iowa SSTP
FSU SSTP
BU RISE
SUMAC
PROMYS
Ross
Canada/USA Mathcamp
HCSSiM</p>
<p>And then there are those bs scam programs like JSA, LeadAmerica, and university programs like Harvard SSP and Brown Summer College. I will tell you right now donÂ’t even bother. These programs are in place to make money and no, they do not impress anyone.</p>
<p>^ Looking back at that list, the first 12 programs definitely stand out and are undoubtedly better than the others in terms of prestige, educational experience, and value for the future, though COSMOS and Perimeter ISSYP may also fall into that category. Of course, even within those 12, RSI, SIMR, COH, and NIH are far more selective than the others, but it’s worth applying to many of these programs despite the low prospects, since their applications are usually fairly straightforward (RSI’s is markedly longer/more time-consuming than the other applications, but after you finish one you can adapt/recycle essays, letters of rec, etc.). And chances are that if you apply to a few and are well-qualified you will get into at least one, if not more (though maybe not your first choice).</p>
<p>I think you might have meant UF SSTP, not FSU. UF’s program is the one that goes by “SSTP” and is far more prestigious and historical than FSU’s “summer science camp”. Otherwise that’s a great list. Thanks!</p>
<p>I find it absolutely ridiculous that certain summer camps are “undoubtedly better than the others in terms of prestige, educational experience, and value for the future” than other camps in totally other fields of study. How do you compare the educational experience and value for the future of a humanities camp, an astronomy camp, and a math camp? Presumably a student interested in the humanities will find the first most valuable, a student interested in astronomy will find the second most valuable, and an aspiring math major will find the third camp most valuable. Maybe you can make some comparisons in terms of prestige but even that it won’t be very useful or informative.</p>