<p>Anyone on the waitlist heard anything from them? I’m not quite sure if I should send in updates or not.</p>
<p>I am really looking to apply for RSI next year.
Do you guys have any tips as to how to get in?</p>
<p>Previous posts of mine will reveal that I was not selected to attend RSI 2012. Below I shall list some of the things that I believe were detrimental to my application: </p>
<p>-Although my class rank and experience in STEM-related activities were comparable to that of other applicants, my English test score was below the recommended minimum, and, even though I received a perfect score in math section, I believe that my application may have been immediately discarded. If not discarded, I’m sure that it was appropriately given less consideration than the others. With the passion and effort that I put into my essays, I truly believe that I would have been accepted into RSI if I had scored higher on my ACTs.</p>
<p>-I did not have as many extra-circulars as many other applicants, and, like MIT, I believe that RSI seeks out “well-rounded” individuals.</p>
<p>-Most of my AP classes were taken junior year, so I was not able to include many of my scores in my application.</p>
<p>-Some of my classes were taken as independent studies, and, although my school awarded credit for these, RSI has no way of verifying this.</p>
<p>Using personal experience and knowledge of this year’s acceptances and rejections, I have complied a short list of advice for future applicants:</p>
<p>-Get research experience NOW–if you can’t work with a professor or at a university, do it independently.</p>
<p>-The main focus of your essay should be the topic you’re interested in researching; your topic should be unique. The second focus should be your experience–make it passionate and enthusiastic.</p>
<p>-Seek to become that “well-rounded” individual by participating in various extra-circulars.</p>
<p>-Participate in any and all STEM competitions that you have the opportunity to.</p>
<p>-Begin working on your application early and submit it early.</p>
<p>-Take all the AP classes you can regardless of whether or not they are STEM. Take classes at a local university if posssible.</p>
<p>-Be a female from a “under-represented” state. :P</p>
<p>And finally, remember that no one deserves to get in–nothing entitles you specifically to a spot at RSI. This type of thinking can only lead to disappointment. Be humble; work to better yourself; have faith…just don’t get cocky. (<em>cough,cough</em> RSIuser <em>cough,cough</em>)</p>
<p>If anyone else has any advice for future applicants, please comment below.</p>
<p>Is it really an advantage to be a female from an under represented state?
And is it true that they’ll discard your app if you say that you are interested in something other than science?</p>
<p>cottoncndy writes “And is it true that they’ll discard your app if you say that you are interested in something other than science?” – Just curious, but where did you hear this from? If true, it just might explain why some people who have
A M A Z I N G credentials didn’t get in. (Frankly, I always thought it was good - not bad - to have “multiple interests”, especially if your are strong in one or more of those areas. </p>
<p>What else are you interested in besides science that you are concerned might not be liked?</p>
<p>Have any of the alternates received notice from RSI yet?</p>
<p>I asked, and they said that nobody had dropped out.</p>
<p>bump,</p>
<p>lifelearner: "cottoncndy writes “And is it true that they’ll discard your app if you say that you are interested in something other than science?” – Just curious, but where did you hear this from? If true, it just might explain why some people who have
A M A Z I N G credentials didn’t get in. (Frankly, I always thought it was good - not bad - to have “multiple interests”, especially if your are strong in one or more of those areas. </p>
<p>What else are you interested in besides science that you are concerned might not be liked?"</p>
<p>That’s just the gist of some of the stuff I’ve read on random RSI threads- I don’t know if its true or not. I’m also really interested in economics and business in general, but I want my career to be a combination of both business and science because I love them both.</p>
<p>I’d wager that you have to be interested in science/math to get into RSI; otherwise you wouldn’t be applying in the first place. But many people who go to RSI have diverse interests beyond science, so they’re not going to “discard” your application simply based on you mentioning those other things as well. In fact, one of the essay questions specifically asks about the things you do that are not related to science/math.</p>
<p>Please chance me (rising junior):
PSAT 2011: 240 (will take it and SAT I officially Oct. this year)
SAT II: Math 800, Chem 800, Physics 800
GPA: 4.65 (weighted out of 4.8)
6 APs (5x5, 1x4)
2012 Physics Olympiad semifinalist, Bio Olympiad semifinalist, Chem Olympiad national exam qualifier
Researches in bio and physics
EC: Science Bowl, JETS, debate, orchestra, swimming, dancing, tutoring, etc.</p>
<p>@cottoncndy</p>
<p>It is called Research SCIENCE Institute so it would be logical for the admissions officers to not pay much attention to the subjects that encompass the program in the first place. Just like a highly exclusive Arts program would not accept a candidate who does not have experience in art!</p>
<p>
To be clear, it’s not necessary to be uber-experienced in science research or competitions to be admitted to RSI. Lots of people here have no research experience or little to no competition experience. What’s far more important is that you truly love science and/or math, that you truly want to experience the thrills and frustrations of lab work independent of whatever padding the program might add to your college r</p>
<p>I would say that the true probability of getting into RSI is negatively correlated to your estimated probability of getting in. Almost any RSI alumnus (including some of the most accomplished) will tell you that he/she had no idea why he/she was selected. </p>
<p>There is certainly no single factor that will get you in or not get you in to RSI. There are people who get into RSI w/out taking the PSAT, and there are even more people who get rejected w/ perfect test scores. I would echo LuoSciOly… they can somehow tell who is genuinely in love w/ science and who will be able to handle the absolutely insane workload.</p>
<p>My thoughts exactly…I got in (still don’t know how or why). Be humble, apply to other internships as well. (I still feel there is some chance involved, and that many sets of 50 could be chosen in any given year). And in your essays try to convey your genuine passion for exploring, for science…The Rickoids this year (and I miss you all <3) came from many backgrounds, and with various accomplishments. The passion for science that everyone shared was probably the only thing we all had in common. But apply for sure—RSI was truly the best 6 weeks of my life.</p>
<p>Pokemon14 your credentials are great (a ton better than mine, and I got in) so definitely try. See above three comments for guidance.</p>
<p>Pokemon14, you’re definitely going to get rejected.</p>
<p>loljk you’re fine.</p>
<p>Hey does RSI like to get students from every state? It seems like they tried to get representatives from all 50 in 2011 but only kind of in 2012.</p>
<p>
Actually, more states were represented in 2012 (35) than in 2011 (32). RSI tries to achieve geographical diversity, but not all 50 states will be represented because the most populous states often get more than one selectee.</p>
<p>@LuoSciOly Ohh shoot really? I was just wondering since no one from my state did it last year. I don’t think they ask for too much right because I’m a junior. I self-studied AP Chem the month before the test (got a 5 and 800 on SAT Chem; got 5 5’s now) but prob should’ve studied it before USNCO. I got Mathcounts #1 in my state in 8th. I had an internship at a hospital. Does that matter? Do they look at stuff like that? I have some other things but unless you can chance me…? (rofl I have no one I know personally to ask)</p>