There are so many research programs like HSHSP, Princeton’s LLP, RISE, RSI, Clark Scholars, SIP. What are the differences between these? Should I apply to all of them? (since some of these are hard to get into).
The facilities, professors, and types of other students will all be drastically different. Many of them will allow you to compete at competitions with the research you gain there, while others won’t. I would apply to programs where you feel you would fit in and enjoy the topics you study.