<p>I'm really worried that I could have jeopardized my opportunity to get into a good summer program due to my low PSAT and SAT scores. On my PSAT, I received 80W, 68M, 65CR. However, on my SAT, I did even worse (640M, 680W, 630CR). Honestly, I don't know how I could have done so badly in math on both my PSAT and SAT; on my SAT, I remember that I was able to do every problem. Are my chances for acceptance into a program like YESS and RSI completely slashed? </p>
<p>Some extra info: My GPA sophomore year was 4.57, and this year, I'm taking 6 weighted classes (AP Calc, Honors Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Language, AP US History, AP Java AB).</p>
<p>EDIT - Oh, and the programs I'm applying to are YESS, RSI, TASP, SSP, and some others I can't remember right now.</p>
<p>I'll be perfectly honest- you're not going to get into RSI unless you're basically a published researcher, and even then, those scores would probably kick you out of the running. This is, of course, based purely on personal experience and knowledge I have of kids both accepted and rejected, but put it this way- a kid I know who is likely to be AP State Scholar of Ohio was waitlisted last year.</p>
<p>Why exactly are you applying to all these programs? What are you trying to get out of them? Answer that, then we can discuss this issue further.</p>
<p>RSI doesn't admit people purely based on test scores. Actually, SAT only offers one evaluation of your abilities and RSI will look at your entire record. My friend with 236 PSAT, 2400 SAT, 800*4 SAT II got rejected by RSI. I think the essays and past experience with research matter much more.</p>
<p>In my opinion courseload and transcript are more valid indicators of academic capability than those silly standardized tests :p Anyways, just worry about showing them that you can do research.</p>
<p>Oh, Tong, I wasn't suggesting that. I'm just saying that (a) they'd have to have outstanding research credentials to get in and (b) have nearly perfect, if not perfect, standardized test scores. I'm not sure whether your comment was directed at me or not.</p>
<p>I know that I certainly won't get into RSI, but I'm interested in science and want a program -- any good program would work -- I can spend my summer at. Basically, I'm just worried that my scores will ultimately pull me down.</p>
<p>You have to think about what you want in a summer program. TASP is heavily humanities. SSP is a good science one, and there are many other good research programs out there. MIT's website used to have a list of them, one of which was HSHSP (High School Honors Science Program) at MSU, which I attended and had an awesome time at. Best 7 weeks of my life so far. I think the Clark Scholars Program was another one, as well.</p>
<p>Also, I just looked up YESS- considering it's at CalTech, and CalTech tends to be much more numbers oriented than a lot of schools of its caliber, you could run into some trouble there.</p>
<p>If I were in your position and wanted to attend one of these programs as badly as it appears you do, I would spend the rest of this holiday break studying for the SAT and sign up to take in ASAP in January. Plus, if you ace it now it's a load off your mind when you start thinking more seriously about college later this spring.</p>
<p>Ah, I'm doing my SATIIs in January and probably won't retake the SAT until March. Not to mention, the Jan scores won't be released until after the deadlines for most programs. So, whatever, there's no harm in applying. Thanks for the advice, ducktape and everyone else. :)</p>
<p>No matter which program you choose, it's better to go to a summer program with a competitive application process, as opposed to one that you can go to if you can pay the tuition. My son contacted Matt at MIT Admissions, who specifically suggested this; Matt also has written about Summer Programs in the Admissions blog (check the Archives). My son then applied to three programs: RSI, Young Scholars/FSU (I personally know two kids who went here and are at MIT now), and the Univ. of Florida's Student Science Training Program (SSTP). He was rejected at RSI, waitlisted at another, and accepted at one. Regardless, he was accepted EA to MIT. RSI takes about 100/year; MIT 1100.</p>
<p>The most important things about the summer program you choose is, IMO, the experience you get in research, and the experience you get in life. My son came home able to navigate dorm life, entertain himself, and travel alone. Maybe many if not most of you have these skills and experiences already, but as a parent, it's reassuring and gratifying to know you kids are functionally independent when you leave the nest!</p>
<p>And following neuron's advice, I highly suggest you check out HSHSP. It's more competitive than a lot of colleges (<20% admittance), and as with RSI or MIT the applicant pool is already rather self-selecting. Additionally, there are only around 20 kids accepted (our class was pretty big with 27 or so, I think...), and you really get to know everyone.</p>
<p>As for the experience, we had a bunch of kids make Seimen's Semifinalist with their projects, and I know of a few other kids who are continuing their research long distance through colleges closer to where they live. As for our acceptance track record, here's a short list of just early acceptances: 4 MIT, 1 Stanford, 1 Yale, 1 Caltech, 2 Cornell, and 1 Brown. And that's just off the top of my head.</p>
<p>This is, of course, a shameless plug, but it really was the best 7 weeks of my life and the people you'll meet there you'll keep in touch with even after the summer. Check out the HSHSP '07 facebook group if you're not convinced- we're cool people.</p>
<p>Best of luck, and hope you find a program that suits you.</p>
<p>Dude, just go to MITES. I got into both RSI and MITES and I went to MITES (I know, I know; my GC was shocked too but w/e). We stayed in Simmons hall with the RSI kids; a lot of those kids aren't like real social or anything not too mention half of them were international students whose English wasn't the greatest (and I'm not trying to talk about stereotypes or anything, I'm just talking about what i saw). I mean if thats for you than go ahead, but like MITES just seemed more fun and it was probably the best 6 weeks of my life. </p>
<p>After all the rigor is unlike anything you've ever experienced, its a known program to the elite schools, its just as selective (maybe a slightly a little less) than RSI, its free so its obviously something to be accepted, they're both at MIT in the same dorms, and of the people who applied EA this year all but 4 or 5 got into MIT and the 4 or 5 got Deffered. And three of those that got deffered got into caltech, and the other two Princeton through questbridge. So its a pretty sweet deal. </p>
<p>Like ducktape said check out the MITES 07 facebook group if you wanna see more. All sixty-four of us are always talking through facebook and AIM or on the phone, its like they're part of my family now lol. But in the end good luck with w/e you decide to do. And by the way i think there were two lucky people at RSI with hardly any experience just to give you some hope :-D.</p>
<p>RSI for internationals?? thats nice! could someone be more specific as to how internationals can get it?
i know this is off track... but i have to say it
@akybaky... you are right... some internationals cannot speak the best English.
It usually depends on their schooling. Public schools have local teachers and may not know very good English themselves. However, those who are fortunate enough to attend International schools are eloquent. (just from my experience). Often you may find that they are smarter in science/ math. As to the problem of socialising... well duh! they are new to the place and its human nature to feel reserved. Its more like our duty to make them feel at ease and make sure they have a good time.
So much for proving that a bunch of internationals should NOOOT deter you from applying to RSI.</p>