I guess 2 - 3% is better than 0% 
my backup is an exchange program to Japan, lol, so I’m fully prepared for my rejection
The applications are up now. Did the applications always have a 60 dollar fee? I’m reconsidering whether I should apply or not.
You can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the fee. If you can afford the fee but you think it’s not worth the $60 to apply, you probably shouldn’t because can’t completing the application properly is a lot of work and not worth the effort if you were just thinking of taking a flier on the program because it’s “RSI”.
And so it begins. Good luck everyone!
Hey guys, how are you guys sending your SAT2 score reports? It only lets me send my scores to colleges.
@Emblem, @OneMata , (and everyone else), you might also consider this new summer research program starting up at Yale next year. The application is already up on the website: http://yspa.yale.edu
@magnetar22 Does the Yale program cost money?
@ilovebinary : yes, the Yale program is appx. $5,000 for 4 weeks.
I’m currently applying to RSI from OH as well! good luck everyone:)
hey guys, do you know if the teachers submit the recommendations after we submit our application? in other words, how and when do the teachers/research advisors get the recommendations? is it better to ask two or three teachers?
@ilovebinary, yes (http://yspa.yale.edu/apply ), but they do offer financial aid if you are admitted.
So does anyone know about the whole psat thing? Especially because scores are delayed this year…
If PSAT scores come out January 7th and RSI apps are due January 22nd, I think it should work out
@17isands Thank you. Also, do you know if we can submit just our SAT scores in lieu of our PSAT scores?
There are boxes for both on the application. I haven’t worked on the app for a couple of weeks, but I don’t think any test score was a required field. I’m not sure if they want the PSAT or if an SAT would work. They may make allowances this year because of the change.
@Emblem I’m mostly speculating though lol
Does anyone know if RSI counts legacy? My mom and uncle attended–does this affect my chances of getting in?
@eektam no legacy or AA. It’s a meritocracy.
Hi, I hope I’m not plaguing this thread with an unwanted chance request, but I wanted to know whether or not it would be worth it for me to even apply to RSI. I’m concerned that the application fee and the essays and having to ask my recommenders to write another letter (I’m also applying to Simons, Clark, SSP, etc.) doesn’t outweigh my chances.
I go to a huge public school where no one does research or anything, but I work in a lab and am independently entering a science fair this winter and presenting at a conference this spring (I just got involved in research this summer so I haven’t published anything yet). My only computing experience is with IDL which I use every day. I’m involved with lots of academic clubs and music with leadership positions and various minor awards but, again, have only recently become heavily involved in them. I’ve gotten 5’s on all my AP exams (3 of them science/math), 770+ on my SAT II’s, and a 33 on the ACT (just retook it).
I know that what sets someone apart in these applications is their passion for science and I know that I have that. I just feel like everything else is so mediocre compared to all other applicants, that applying would only be a waste of my time/my recommenders’ time/my money. Should I apply?
@coffeeaddicted , it might depend on your state. Having research presented at a conference could be/probably is very impressive (depending on the conference and the context).
I have a friend who worked in a lab the summer prior, didn’t enter any science fairs or present his/her research, but still got into RSI last year. The strengths were his/her very rigorous courseload and recommendations. Having research experience is a fantastic boost, particularly if you can get a good recommendation out of it (important, snatch one if you can), but publication isn’t always necessary. If there’s one part of your application that you know with 90% certainty that can outshine normal applicants, go ahead and apply. (If that makes sense.)
Good luck!
Thanks @ilovebinary ! Although the conference is somewhat minor, I know I’ll be able to get a great rec from my supervisor. My course load is also very rigorous too, so I may be in a similar boat as your friend. I’m pretty sure I’ll apply, but it depends on how well I did on the ACT and math II. Again, thanks! Even though I don’t have a good chance (who does anyways), this is encouraging that you don’t have to be a Siemens or Intel winner to get in.