PrincipalV

To be clear this is anything but an argument regarding prestige (or anything similar). I am only a sophomore, but I suppose my decisions this year will heavily impact my choices for next year.

It seems to me that RSI requires a much greater detail of focus than does TASP. I am not diluting the prestige of TASP while saying this. I am interested in math/science (with medicine being a very possible top choice), however I love the analytical aspect of humanities.

My point is, if I want to even have a chance in hell of RSI for Junior summer, I need to focus on that like a *****. For TASP, I need to keep doing what I do (to a greater detail, however). Analyze events at a high level.

They are probably both equally difficult to get into, but I want to know whether it is worth giving up a lot to go for RSI. Moreover, my indecision seems to hinder me. It seems like everyone who goes to RSI is born to go to Caltech or MIT (and I most certainly would not like to go to Caltech).

wombatsoup

I can't comment on RSI as a program. The indecisive nature you hinted at makes you seem more like a TASPer to me (though I am REALLY biased). It is possible to be a "science person" and do the amount of science it takes to be accepted to something like RSI and be a TASPer. We had many people who considered themselves as much science people as humanities people at our TASP (myself included), one of whom was also accepted to RSI. I also have to add that you shouldn't force yourself to do more science than you want to just to get into RSI, which I've heard is a huge crap-shoot regardless of your credentials (like most top schools).

PrincipalV

I already am doing a high level of science within a school environment, however I don't know if I want to push myself with science outside of a school environment. I am, however, working hard on Intel.

Thanks for the response, though. I really am indecisive, I feel like I can learn the same amount without giving anything up if I go to TASP, whereas if I go to RSI I may learn much more scientifically, but I give a lot up.

Thanks again...

1234d

can't you apply to both? get accepted to both then decide

BrookeWaggoner

Yeah, good luck with that.

1234d

Plus you're indian/international right? Good luck with that.