<p>Hey, I wanted to open a general thread for people who plan to apply to RSI for the summer of 2012. People can post either exact info or general descriptions of their abilities, as well as discussing the application itself. This is mostly intended for people who are not ultra-competitive about their application and wouldn't mind sharing ideas and tips, and helping others who are confused with the application process. </p>
<p>As for myself, I won't post my exact details, but I can say that my list of AP courses isn't nearly as impressive as others. I didn't take any APs in 9th grade because they weren't offered, and I'm only 3x advanced in math, rather than the 4-8x advanced that some others seem to be. I don't have perfect 240s on the PSAT, though taking it blind in 10th grade I scored a 211 with perfects in math and vocabulary, but reading comprehension based stuff killed me. </p>
<p>The only discernible bonus I can find in my resume versus that of others, is that I am incredibly creative in that I have conducted my own research independently of labs and mentors. The only reason I can consider this a bonus is because my independent research earned me a place as a finalist in the junior science and humanities symposium (JSHS), and a trip to day 2 at the regional ISEF competition. And in the coming year I will be entering another project (this one with a partner) into the Siemens and Westinghouse Science Competition. Hopefully I'll do well enough for it to help me. </p>
<p>Anyway, if anyone could give me advice on the application, or wants to post their own stuff, feel free.</p>