Rsi 2010

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>Found out that there are many applicants here who want to take part in RSI 2010...well the 2010 application has long been closed, so my advice is to start preparing for the RSI 201 application.</p>

<p>I am a RSI-scholar-to-be; i.e. I will be taking part in this coming summer's RSI. Will keep you guys updated of any information regarding application, and I will try to ask the other USA RSI scholars how to qualify.</p>

<p>I am from Singapore, and went through an even tougher selection process than US applicants; not only must international participants get through the RSI application, we have to undergo our national application followed by two rigorous interviews by the Ministry of Education. The bonus is that we are not paying anything; airfare is covered by our government.</p>

<p>So my main advice to all the applicants for RSI is the following:</p>

<p>What is your Unique Selling Proposition? What makes you different from the thousand other applicants who are gunning for that spot? This year, we have 45 US participants from 29 states in the program. So what is the factor you have that makes you shine out?</p>

<p>Application essays, test scores, etc. are all a minor part of the application...as long as you have your Unique Selling Proposition, writing your essays and teacher recommendations will NOT be a problem at all, because you have in mind what you are selling yourself for (sorry to put it in this manner. ;P)</p>

<p>Also, although the RSI application asks for programming languages you know,YOU DONT HAVE TO LEARN/KNOW ANY PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE FOR RSI. Though knowing some languages might (notice usage of word MIGHT) give you an advantage, out of the Singapore delegation of 6, only 1 of us know one programming language; the rest of us are completely clueless...</p>

<p>Let me know if you have any queries/comments and I try to answer them.</p>

2

<p>Hi, I’m a hopeful for next year. I think my main selling point is going to math and computer science, but the main question I have is going to be any evidence of my interests. The competitions that many people participate in, like AMC are things that I had never heard of. I am definitely competing next year in AMC, Google Code Jam, and perhaps contribute to a few open-source projects, but as far as competitions I have won, or things I have done, I have nothing.</p>

<p>Also, a lot of what I learn is on my own and outside of school. I took computer science this year, but I am deciding to skip it next year since I have the textbook and can learn on my own, but on an application, it looks like I am not interested in the subject, which is the complete opposite. The same goes for mathematics… I’m taking a number of discrete maths, but I am not continuing on in multivariable calculus… because I pretty can learn it on my own instead of taking spots for other maths.</p>

<p>I’m not sure how I should approach the application. My biggest competitions is something I’m doing for the first time and I would not even have done it prior to the application deadline. I might be working on Siemens, but it definitely will not be finished until long after the application deadline. </p>

<p>I don’t think I have the credentials, but if they were to give a math test or ask for a mathematical proof or an efficient implementation of a method, that would be my forte. I can prove that I know what I do, but on an application, it doesn’t look that way… all it shows is that I’m competing in things hundreds of other applicants are. Do they test applicants like this in any way? </p>

<p>I have competed in things in the past, but have not done remarkably well. I did Science Olympiad, which isn’t very prestigious at all, and didn’t even go beyond regionals, and I have participated in a number of honor societies that did nothing. Should I keep going with these clubs even though it’s no longer my interest? I feel like I just have to have something to put down, even if it’s not something notable or even in my interest area. If I were not applying, I would just quit all these clubs and focus on the few competitions that I want to compete in.</p>

<p>Also, is it possible to apply as a senior?</p>

<p>Thank you so much and congrats on your acceptance!</p>

3

<p>Hey teddynuts! I’m doing RSI this summer also…on your Facebook wall, I’m the one doing mathematical physics that likes kaiseki :D</p>