Oh lols hahahaha.
There’s another olympiad also called USACO - the USA Computing Olympiad - it has the same abbreviation as the Chemistry Olympiad. To differentiate, I put USAChO for the Chemistry Olympiad and USACO for the Computing Olympiad.
And @Mahindra , I guess I just live in a real convenient area…with lots of olympiads around…
Oh lols hahahahahahha.
There’s another olympiad of the same abbreviation - the USA Computing Olympiad or USACO. To differentiate, I decided to write the USA Chemistry Olympiad as USAChO instead of its official abbreviation, USACO.
And…I guess…I just live in a real convenient area…with lots of Olympiads around…? @Mahindra
you’re leading a Chemistry Olympiad Club but got a 3 on AP Chem?..
Hey guys it’s not that deep. Stop bashing the person.
The official abbreviation is USNCO not USACO…
Exactly, usnco is wayyyy harder than the ap chem exam and its very unlikely that someone would get a 3 on the ap and pass the usnco local
So they don’t have the same abbreviation
Hi! RSI '17 here.
It’s difficult to say how good of a chance you have based on freshman year alone. The next couple years could dramatically change your application. However, based on your grades, you’re a very good student. Keep it up!
In terms of what you could do, I’d recommend trying to get research experience. Not to try to convince the RSI readers you’re more qualified, but in order to figure out if you really love research.
RSI is a spectacular experience, and I’d highly recommend applying if you love science. That being said, it is not the only wonderful thing to do with your summer. Nor is it a guarantee of admission to top colleges. Do not apply simply because it is selective, or you think that it will help your college app.
You may have seen this before, but I’d highly recommend reading it. http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways
It’s about MIT admissions, but I think it applies pretty well to RSI or any program. Honestly, in my opinion, don’t worry about RSI apps yet! Just have fun, and explore things you enjoy. And if that ends up being research, then absolutely apply next fall!
Good luck!
Kiwi
Does anyone know when applications open?
do I have a chance at getting in without research or olympiads? I’m trying to get involved in research but the closest thing I’ve done to it is ESAP last summer and an noncomp internship at LA biomed.
straight A in everything but 1 adv english and intro to MUN(I no longer do mun).
Extracurriculars involve music(lots of piano, started only a few years back) and some research(hopefully). I am asian.
800 of MathII and chem, 1480 psat sophomore, 5 on AP Chem(only AP Ive taken… RIP)
interested in microbio and medicine.
Taking Calc BC and AP Bio this year(and psych, but that doesn’t count).
1 pretty good letter of rec and one decent one. taking all AP/Honors this year except french 4 and orchestra.
Hello, I have just completed freshmen year at high school, but I am hoping to be accepted into RSI in the future and would like to discuss my current chances and what to improve.
9th grade “important classes”:
Algebra 2 Hrs. A+
Biology Hrs. A+
Computer Science A/A+
Future 10th grade important classes:
AP Computer Science
Chemistry honors
Precalculus honors
AP world history
Current test scores:
Sat 2 biology: 750(yikes)
Also, I am on track to get 12 varsity letters, am on my way to becoming an eagle scout, and do a variety of clubs including being a part of the jazz band
Do I stand a chance?
Before I say anything, I’m definitely not qualified to say this about RSI, but it is the best guess I have, based on what college applications seem to be like.
@Mahindra If you feel disadvantaged in your opportunities and circumstances, you can explain it in your personal statement. I feel like if you really show that you worked hard to pursue scientific studies and research, you might have a chance. So don’t give up! You never know!
@Biotype Ok thx. I really appreciate it
Applications opened today! I’m super excited 
gl all!
I just realized I cant apply because Im in 10th grade. Lol!
Y’all I feel really underqualified for this lol. Good luck everyone!
@ritikulous Same here! I’m staring to get worried because the deadline is approaching soon, and I’m not sure if I can bring enough to the table for such a prestigious program.
Yeah. I really don’t have much other than lab experience, which I’m sure many others have. I have a few poster presentations and a book chapter, but nothing too big. I haven’t done Olympiads (though I will this year). I have never participated in science fairs (also plan on doing so this year). I haven’t taken standardized tests, and I feel that my PSAT score is not gonna be very good. I am taking the SAT soon, but I don’t know how that will go. Whatever happens though, I’ll just take it as a sign that I need to move on lol. @RussianbioHacker
@ritikulous A book chapter, woah! That sounds pretty impressive. What type of book is it in? And I feel you, no one has everything. I have lab experience and science fair, but no olympiads or science/math league.
Also, question for everyone: When the application asks you to list your accomplishments, are they looking for an actual list, or sentences about the items?
@Radiant 4000 character limit makes it seem like they want at least a couple sentences per. It’s pretty explicit about listing and being concise so don’t write too much