<p>My daughter is a sophomore and is very interested in science. She is looking at applying to some of these science programs. I've noticed that these two summer programs are the most discussed science camps on this board and I was wondering
1. Which one offers a better research experience?
2. Which one is more selective/prestigious?
3. Which one would help more on college apps?</p>
<p>In my completely biased opinion, RSI for all three.</p>
<p>bump bump bump</p>
<p>I'm somewhat biased as a RSI-applicant and worshiper... but I've been looking forward to applying to RSI since freshman year, and did not even hear about Jackson Labs until after the deadline this year..</p>
<p>That doesn't meant that RSI is better, just... more well-known? to me?</p>
<p>In my (pretty unbiased opinion... i think) the only thing RSI has going for itself is its prestige. Jackson Labs gives you $4000 (+), you live in a mansion (+) and you work with the top geneticists in the world. Although, I bet in RSI you also probably work with some of the top scientists in the world. In terms of prestige, I think that Jackson is pretty prestigious, especially if you're a high school student. They only accept ~10 high schoolers from an applicant pool of 400, which is about 2.5% acceptance. All in all, i think they're really close in terms of overall experience. If your daughter happens to get into both, I would say flip a coin (unless she has a preference towards one or the other). Good luck next year</p>
<p>"RSI has going for itself is its prestige."</p>
<p>Not true at all, IMO. The people are amazing.</p>
<p>I don't disagree that RSI participants are amazing but I would assume Jackson Lab participants are of the same caliber (remember we're comparing the two). Actually after going to their respective websites and looking at last year's participants for both programs it looks to me that:
1) RSI is much less diverse
2) RSI is full of asians (not a bad thing but I would prefer more diversity)
3) Jackson Lab participants are more attractive (in general)
I dunno, if I were going to choose between the two I think diversity would be a huge part of my decision (that's why schools like Harvard and Yale are so successful). I just wouldn't want to spend 2 months with a bunch of math loving asians.</p>