freshman11

Have any of the alternates received notice from RSI yet?

conquerer7

I asked, and they said that nobody had dropped out.

PVmusicmom

bump,,,,,,

cottoncndy

lifelearner: "cottoncndy writes "And is it true that they'll discard your app if you say that you are interested in something other than science?" -- Just curious, but where did you hear this from? If true, it just might explain why some people who have
A M A Z I N G credentials didn't get in. (Frankly, I always thought it was good - not bad - to have "multiple interests", especially if your are strong in one or more of those areas.

What else are you interested in besides science that you are concerned might not be liked?"




That's just the gist of some of the stuff I've read on random RSI threads- I don't know if its true or not. I'm also really interested in economics and business in general, but I want my career to be a combination of both business and science because I love them both.

LuoSciOly

I'd wager that you have to be interested in science/math to get into RSI; otherwise you wouldn't be applying in the first place. But many people who go to RSI have diverse interests beyond science, so they're not going to "discard" your application simply based on you mentioning those other things as well. In fact, one of the essay questions specifically asks about the things you do that are not related to science/math.

pokemon14

Please chance me (rising junior):
PSAT 2011: 240 (will take it and SAT I officially Oct. this year)
SAT II: Math 800, Chem 800, Physics 800
GPA: 4.65 (weighted out of 4.8)
6 APs (5x5, 1x4)
2012 Physics Olympiad semifinalist, Bio Olympiad semifinalist, Chem Olympiad national exam qualifier
Researches in bio and physics
EC: Science Bowl, JETS, debate, orchestra, swimming, dancing, tutoring, etc.

moose97

@cottoncndy

It is called Research SCIENCE Institute so it would be logical for the admissions officers to not pay much attention to the subjects that encompass the program in the first place. Just like a highly exclusive Arts program would not accept a candidate who does not have experience in art!

LuoSciOly

To be clear, it's not necessary to be uber-experienced in science research or competitions to be admitted to RSI. Lots of people here have no research experience or little to no competition experience. What's far more important is that you truly love science and/or math, that you truly want to experience the thrills and frustrations of lab work independent of whatever padding the program might add to your college résumé. If that describes you, I would definitely apply to this amazing program. RSI is one of the first places where I've felt a true sense of belonging. These have been the most exhausting weeks of my life, the most memorable weeks of my life, the most fun weeks of my life, the best weeks of my life. Right now we're deep into "hell week" - the mad rush at the end of the program to wrap up experimentation, write up a paper, and prepare a presentation. Sleep is a rare commodity these days, but the frenzied excitement is wonderfully exhilarating. I'm immensely sad that it's almost over.

geemunu

I would say that the true probability of getting into RSI is negatively correlated to your estimated probability of getting in. Almost any RSI alumnus (including some of the most accomplished) will tell you that he/she had no idea why he/she was selected.

There is certainly no single factor that will get you in or not get you in to RSI. There are people who get into RSI w/out taking the PSAT, and there are even more people who get rejected w/ perfect test scores. I would echo LuoSciOly... they can somehow tell who is genuinely in love w/ science and who will be able to handle the absolutely insane workload.

EldrWnd

My thoughts exactly...I got in (still don't know how or why). Be humble, apply to other internships as well. (I still feel there is some chance involved, and that many sets of 50 could be chosen in any given year). And in your essays try to convey your genuine passion for exploring, for science...The Rickoids this year (and I miss you all \<3) came from many backgrounds, and with various accomplishments. The passion for science that everyone shared was probably the only thing we all had in common. But apply for sure---RSI was truly the best 6 weeks of my life.

EldrWnd

Pokemon14 your credentials are great (a ton better than mine, and I got in) so definitely try. See above three comments for guidance.

pakkingpalb

Pokemon14, you're definitely going to get rejected.

loljk you're fine.

Whatdoyouthink

Hey does RSI like to get students from every state? It seems like they tried to get representatives from all 50 in 2011 but only kind of in 2012.

LuoSciOly

Actually, more states were represented in 2012 (35) than in 2011 (32). RSI tries to achieve geographical diversity, but not all 50 states will be represented because the most populous states often get more than one selectee.

Whatdoyouthink

@LuoSciOly Ohh shoot really? I was just wondering since no one from my state did it last year. I don't think they ask for too much right because I'm a junior. I self-studied AP Chem the month before the test (got a 5 and 800 on SAT Chem; got 5 5's now) but prob should've studied it before USNCO. I got Mathcounts #1 in my state in 8th. I had an internship at a hospital. Does that matter? Do they look at stuff like that? I have some other things but unless you can chance me...? (rofl I have no one I know personally to ask)