<p>@CalTechJPL: Still not quite sure what you’re asking, but I would say that anything you’ve done that you’re proud of or that you think is cool would be a good thing to talk about in your application. In my essays I just talked about some of the cool stuff I had learned about in Science Olympiad, the fun times I had in math team, how I love to play the piano, etc. I don’t think too much strategy needs to be involved here. Write essays that reflect what you truly think is cool and what you truly think is important.</p>
<p>@BurnOut: Yes, I think reading popular literature like Scientific American or searching Wikipedia are great ways to find something interesting. I really had no idea what I wanted to research when I was applying to RSI, so I just opened up the latest issue of Scientific American, picked two articles that happened to strike my fancy, and used the subjects of those articles as the two research fields for my application. I ended up getting a project in my first choice research field, and now, two years after flipping open that issue of Scientific American with no idea what I was looking for, I find myself working on a manuscript for a paper that we hope to submit to journals in that field. It’s crazy how things work out like that sometimes.</p>
<p>Hi everyone,
I am worried about the role grades and scores play in the admissions process. I have won several awards at ISEF, and I am about to publish a research paper in a journal but I have 3 Bs. 2 of them are in classes that aren’t math or science related. As you can guess from my previous post I haven’t taken the SAT or the Subject tests. Also, I am not sure about my PSAT performance. In practice tests I was scoring 220 on a good day.
Although, I know there is nobody but the admissions committee who can determine what my potential to succeed at RSI is, I am still curious.
There has been a lot of discussion on how extra-curricular activities play a role in RSI admissions, but how do grades and test scores affect the admissions of a potential candidate in a similar position as myself? I have spoken with RSI alumni from 2012 but I have yet to receive a conclusive answer to this question.
My reasoning is this. If RSI is looking to increase students access to scientific research facilities in order to inspire more top scientists, then wouldn’t they be looking for students with good grades and text scores- but without significant extra-curricular activities(e.g. ISEF)-because they show promise but lack facilities? Please don’t give the cookie cutter response that RSI is “just a place for really smart people to come together” or “there is a broad range of people at RSI”. Not that these answers are wrong but rather that I am looking for the reasoning.
Thanks,
Starchow
P.S. I apologize if I come off as cynical. I am just nervous.</p>
<p>Hi! I attended RSI 2013, and, as an international student, perhaps I can answer some questions in that respect! RSI is an absolutely wonderful experience, tremendously enriching both scientifically and socially… the friendships you’ll make will last a lifetime, and being a Rickoid is permanent (you cannot imagine what an active community RSI-alumni conform!).</p>
<p>The selection panel does a wonderful job at selecting superbly interesting individuals, so I suggest that you think deeply about what you love doing and express it clearly (imagine how many standard, high-level application replicates they receive). Remember that actions say more than words, and a seemingly queer interest may hint the panel about an attractive way of thinking. Remember that the admitted applicant will in fact be your application alter ego, but you’ll be privileged to attend on his behalf – do not deceive him.</p>
<p>RSI is a program that will push your limits, and the learning experience is immense. Explore what moves you and makes you happy, and try to shape your passions and understand the idea behind them. Writing applications can be an enjoyable experience; don’t try to predict what the selection panel wants, simply provide them with a clear and coherent image of yourself. Read a good book, listen to music, exercise, watch a Kubrick film (preferably 2001), visit a museum, write your thoughts and sleep – definitely useful to achieve a satisfying state of mind!</p>
<p>Again, this is my very personal advice, and I’ll be more than happy to answer any question on any other matter (if I can, certainly!).</p>
<p>Yes, it is possible to be selected without being at the recommended 220 PSAT score level. I knew a person last summer who had scored a 218 on the PSAT when they applied. As LuoSciOly has said on multiple occasions, Rickoids are very diverse in their interests, experiences, and accomplishments; however they all have demonstrated scientific aptitude and passion in different ways. CEE does a fantastic job at bringing together a very interesting and diverse group of students. :)</p>
<p>LuoSciOly or CompSciStudent, can you post the RSI essay questions, because whenever I visit the website, it says the application is being updates for 2014. Also, do you know if the essay prompts are the same from year to year, or whether they change?</p>
<p>Not sure CEE would like us to posting them here. Regardless, just google “RSI essay prompts” and click on the first result – they’re there. The prompts haven’t changed in the past few years, but I have no idea whether there will be changes this year.</p>
<p>How involved in research were most Rickoids before RSI? I’ve done nothing impressive but some coding work with an astrophysicist who is designing some data-processing software. Nothing cutting edge or interesting. Science articles interest me, but unfortunately doctorate level papers fly way over my head. How about you guys? Where did you stand with research in the beginning of junior year?</p>
<p>As I have stated in previous posts, the prior research experience of Rickoids ranges widely from having no research experience whatsoever to having conducted ISEF-winning-level or publishable work. While I would hazard an estimation that most Rickoids have had some sort of research experience, it is not rare for a student to have none. Though I don’t know the details of what you did, your coding work with an astrophysicist would put you ahead of some Rickoids in terms of research experience. Personally, RSI was the first time I set foot in a laboratory.</p>
<p>I don’t think that lack of research experience prevents any Rickoid from having a productive, successful, and overall awesome time at RSI. As one might imagine, though, students with skills gained from previous research experience are perhaps able to engage in more complicated projects. More complicated does not necessarily map to more successful, however.</p>
<p>It’s no shame that your have difficulty understanding advanced research science papers. RSI was probably the first time I had read a published research science paper in its entirety. I’m sure a lot of people are in the same boat as you. You will learn how to read research science papers at RSI. This year, they actually instituted an optional “journal club” at RSI to give students an opportunity to practice critically analyzing and verbally summarizing published papers.</p>
<p>@starchow, I don’t really understand what exactly you are asking. Are you asking us to speculate on what the selection committee is looking for? I’m not sure any of us are in a position to describe exactly what role specific factors (grades or test scores or extracurricular activities) play. Please clarify.</p>
<p>Yes, I agree with LuoSciOly - it is hard to understand what you are asking. If you are asking if academic achievement is considered, then yes. I knew Rickoids who had perfect standardized test scores and academic records. However, I think that is only one part of the application, as the people I’m mentioning also had other distinguishing experiences and interests. Like I said, I knew kids who had 2400s on the SAT and others who had below the recommended 220 on the PSAT when they applied. As LuoSciOly has mentioned, none of us can definitively state what exactly the selection committee is looking for in RSI candidates. The only thing you can do is try your best and apply.</p>
<p>I don’t like quoting overused statements, but: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”</p>
<p>Assuming you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident: “All U.S. students, including U.S. citizens studying at non-DoD schools overseas, with one year remaining before graduation from high school, may apply to RSI.” Thus, you would not apply as a sophomore unless you are going to graduate from high school a year early.</p>
<p>@CalTechJPL: I went to RSI this past summer. A non-DOD school is any high school out of the US. DOD is Department of Defense - it’s schools on US Military bases. </p>
<p>@seal16: No it’s only for juniors.</p>
<p>Also, if anyone wants me to take a look at their application, send me a PM and I’ll help you out </p>
<p>Proof that I went: i.imgur .com/Da3xOt9.jpg</p>