im starting to think a little early about my rsi app for next summer and the first essay question- about a question in your research field- stumps me. How specific do we have to be- it seems unlikely that they want to see scientific jargon in an application essay… is explaining the question as well as my general approach to research it enough?
@Dfalcon123 Sure – you’re applying for a HS internship, not some graduate student fellowship or what not.
Are you in the greater NYC/LI area? If so, let me PM you some leads for other places to apply.
Thanks @EIC2400 And no i dont live in ny 
I know there are a lot of great programs that cater to kids in that area.
I have no direct experience with RSI, but from previous discussions it seems like the essay questions are extremely important, as a way of matching applicants with potential mentors and for evaluating their passion and critical thinking. I would personally try to be as specific and detailed as possible.
This may be helpful:
http://semioverachiever.blogspot.com/2010/11/more-on-those-rsi-essays.html
There are also some good threads on CC from previous years where applicants discuss their RSI applications in detail.