Chance me for RSI & essay tips?

Pre-College Topics Summer Programs
1

Before looking at the RSI application, I felt like I had a decently strong profile, but after reading through the different sections I feel really underqualified. I listed my stats/ecs below. If anyone has any tips I would really appreciate it. Thanks :slight_smile:

stats:

GPA: 4.0uw, 4.6w

Coursework (including this year): ap calc bc, ap stats, apush, ap physics 1 and 2, ap comp gov, ap lang, ap bio, ap csp

Dual-enrollment linear algebra and multivariable calc at state university

stem ecs:

  • Astrophysics research published in Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society

  • ISEF Finalist 2025 (no grand/special awards :frowning: but a few regional/state-level awards)

  • NASA SEES intern — research selected for presentation at the American Geophysical Union conference

  • Volunteer at local science museum and designed & built an astrophysics exhibit

  • Summer camp counselor at same museum

  • Participated in university math circle + took advanced math courses

  • Contributed to NASA citizen science astrophysics projects

  • Skills: Python, MATLAB, data/statistical analysis

other info:

I have no idea what to write for the essays, if anyone has any tips that would be amazing. Assume rec letters will be good but nothing outstanding. I have a couple non-stem ecs that I didn’t list above but that I’ll probably mention in my essays. I come from a semi-competitive state but not a competitive city.

2

You seem honestly more put together than some real college apps I’ve seen EC and Grades wise, I hope I don’t have to compete with you for a spot at MIT on day. Good luck. Mention your non steam ECs to seem rounded and not like a silver bullet or too on the nose, but if something else outshines that then go for it. I don’t know the essay prompts but I would recommend mentioning something that suggests a childhood or past interest in science research that would be conducive to your narrative, my buddy who is applying is doing a essay on how he build a machine to make mud pies with his neighbors as a little kid. I wish you the best of luck.