Which state are you guys applying from?
Also, if my subfield is rather uncommon, will they still try to find me a mentor, place me in a different field, or just reject me if they can’t find me a mentor?
My research is somewhat unorthodox as it’s music combined with science…
Does anyone have advice on what NOT to do on essays? Obviously, there is no formula for getting in, but I’m sure there are many formulas getting a rejection. I think almost every RSI applicant has the stats and EC’s to get in, but it’s really about the essays (just speculating, though).
I also have some questions about the essay questions:
- How specific should my answer to the “what are your interests in research” question be?
- Should I answer the prompts like how people answer common app questions (should I be telling a story?)
@Gamergirl23
They can definitely be more specific like Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Astronomy, Chemistry, etc
My subtopics are not super similar , but I think its fine if they’re similar
@PragerU
Missouri, I’m glad I don’t live in Texas anymore
And for the subfield, I think its fine because It shows what you like to do, and besides it is just one subfield
- I would be broad at first but then talk about a problem that is specific, and important to you, that way they don’t get “I like biology wow animals”
- I think it is fine either way. Just do what feels right for you. I wrote a couple versions and then chose which one I thought sounded best.
@Luna123LC I also saw on some websites forums that RSI also likes the see unique people (ex, some are great athletes, run their own business, etc). Obviously I didn’t do any of those things, but I do play the violin and tennis at a fairly low level (which isn’t super unique). Do you think most RSI people had something pretty unique about them?
Does anyone already know LaTeX?
I’m more of a humanities person but I’ve dabbled in STEM; is it still worth applying since I don’t have any national recognitions?
@highsckid yes, but if you want to apply, then you better start soon lol. the essays are super lengthy
@highschkid i’d also recommend applying to TASP if you’re more interested in humanities; it’s basically like RSI but for the humanities
How do they select people to make it past the first cut of the process? Do your essays get read regardless of whether or not you make it past?
My pure speculation is that they’re gonna toss out certain applications from competitive states (e.g. TX and CA) using some hard criteria (scores, GPAs, APs taken etc). For less competitive states with relatively low number of applicants, they probably will have more relaxed initial screening criteria.
@encrxpted
I’m applying this year and I play a lot of instruments including the organ, started and run a non-profit, 1,000 volunteer hours at a aquarium&museum. Other people have made non-profits or volunteer a lot. So honestly playing the violin and tennis isn’t super unique but like its not gonna kill your application especially when you have great stats and computer skills, robotic experience and math skills. so idk. again I’m applying this year too. I’ve just read a lot of forums and anything on RSI. Honestly, anyone has a chance, its just how you write the essay. So good luck!
When will we know if we’re in?
are we allowed to submit more than 1 act score?
hey does anyone know if the letters of rec are also due on 1/15 or do teachers / mentors get additional time to submit them?
How story-like are people’s essays? I notice college essays tend to all tell some sort of elaborate story with some deep extended metaphor, and the good ones sound really great.
Meanwhile, my RSI responses are looking kind of boring in comparison. Maybe it’s the prompts, I guess they don’t promote storytelling but maybe its also my ineptitude as a writer lol.
@9the0girl7
You will know for sure by March, but they start sending results out in February I think.
@tanphan3103
Yes, you can submit more than one ACT score.
@Moonknight123
Recommendations are also due to 1/15. To submit you have to have those.
@aptitudes
Mine essays are pretty storylike, but people have gotten in on all sorts of essays. Do what works for you. Their prompts do suck though.
I just submitted my application! Fingers crossed! Now we just have to wait!
I was wondering if they care at all about non-research related activities like sports that are important to us?
@mshoc17
They want to hear what we care about. If that’s sports, I would make it short because it is not STEM-related. They want to see what you’re passionate about, and if it’s STEM-related then your chances are probably higher. They want to hear what makes you unique. Whatever that means to you. (I would mention sports if it is a big deal for you, but not write a whole thing on it).