<p>I know RSI is very highly respected, and it's a great opportunity. But there's a few things that seem slightly fishy about it. For one, they emailed me to recruit me (I assume on the basis of the PSAT's Student Search Service?), but none of the other prestigious summer programs are out hunting like that, just like most of the top tier schools stay out of the fray. It seems like they shouldn't need to do that, especially if they're providing a free service. But then the application itself really rings alarm bells. Part V asks parents and guardians to sign that "If my child is accepted to RSI, I will urge him or her to participate in CEE activities through undergraduate and graduate years of study. I know parental support is essential. I WILL FINANCIALLY SUPPORT and consider volunteering for CEE on our child's behalf." (CEE is the group that runs RSI). Sorry for the caps, but I didn't know how else to emphasize it. You can download the app yourself to look if you don't believe me. </p>
<p>I don't really feel comfortable asking my parents to sign this. The problem is the phrasing: I WILL financially support and CONSIDER volunteering. Can anyone with experience weigh in on this? Any experts in contracts and law? I can't apply in good conscience without this knowledge.</p>
<p>I definitely agree that some of CEE’s publicity mechanisms and formatting of materials are pretty janky, but I assure you that CEE will never compel your parents to financially support CEE or to volunteer for CEE. Don’t worry.</p>
<p>Please feel free to PM me if more specific information would make you feel more comfortable.</p>
<p>You should let your parents sign it as this oppurtunity is once in a lifetime and if you get selected, then nothing like it.</p>
<p>Good on you for actually reading the statement in Part V! I’d agree with LuoSciOly, though, that you shouldn’t worry.</p>
<p>TASP sends recruitment emails, as well. For RSI and similar free programs, benefit > cost. For Harvard, not necessarily. Everyone has heard of Harvard, but not everyone has heard of RSI, so RSI is more likely to benefit from the emails. The emails will also more likely entice people to apply, since RSI is free. RSI loses little from the emails. On the other hand, Harvard loses prestige and benefits little from sending emails because interested people are already aware of the school and will apply anyway.</p>
<p>As far as I know, the worst you will get from CEE is strong encouragement to contribute financially.</p>
<p>CEE seems to place a lot of emphasis on building a community that lasts until well after the summer ends, which is probably why they ask for continued involvement throughout undergrad and grad school.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>