<p>Hi, I am interested in applying to RSI next year and I am curious to know the credentials of acceptees. Is it necessary to have qualified to USAMO, USACO, and/or USAPhO national camps/semifinalist exams etc... I made several (silly?) mistakes that led to fail and not qualify for USAMO and the USAPhO Semi exam. I wasn't aware of USACO, but scored decently on the USABO Semi exam...though not making camp.</p>
<p>Otherwise, I have under my belt Google SciFair (at least) semifinalist, other state science research awards, and miscellaneous competitions. Taking multivariate as a sophomore and plan on finishing the AP Sciences next year. I haven't taken many standardized tests yet, but expect to do well, with hopefully good essays and recs.</p>
<p>Should I even consider applying, knowing that RSI people are like top-notch and (most?) of them went to an olympiad camp? What would be the chances, and have all the RSI people made it to an olympiad?</p>
<p>This year, the people who got in had almost perfect PSAT and SAT scores as well as several science subject scores (I know at least one who had 240, 2400, three or four 800s in subjects who did nt make it), had taken several AP exams by the end of sophomore year, at least one had an Intel 50k award, and most had USAXX participation/qualified or something.</p>
<p>There are a couple of long RSI threads on CC that you should be able to find using search button. It is always good to apply but know your odds are long irrespective of your credentials. Lot of the essays are reusable for other summer programs and even college applications and so it is a worthwhile effort.</p>
<p>I know of people who have made MOP or the US physics team who haven’t gotten in; on the other hand, people who haven’t made those have gotten in. Really, I don’t think it matters too much about your credentials (though it’s probably better if you’ve researched before).</p>
<p>It depends on the field to which you are applying… I’d say that if you have prior research experience that would help A LOT. There are lots of RSI threads on CC as well as a handful of Rickoids who would be able to help you far more so than us goofballs that live in the metaphorical doldrums that we so lovingly call HSL.</p>