<p>Are we only supposed to include high school accomplishments? One of my ECs I’ve been doing since middle school, and I’ve only won one award since entering high school. T_T and it’s stem related</p>
<p>@quidditchcat I have written about an EC that I did in middle school; I tied it in to what I am now doing in high school and for the future. So if it does stand out to a certain degree and is related with what you are doing now, I think it should be fine. For example, I talked about the middle school experience (of research) as a “stepping stone” to my research in high school.</p>
<p>I know question length varies, but in general how long does everyone have question 4 at?</p>
<p>My #4 is only 8 or 9 lines. My #3 and #5 were easily the longest.</p>
<p>same here; my #4 is one of my shortest</p>
<p>@penguinlover2016: I personally would select the “B” but I highly doubt it makes a difference which checkbox you select.</p>
<p>@run1116: Don’t worry, everyone thinks they’re underqualified. Every Rickoid I talked to fully expected to be rejected.</p>
<p>@quidditchcat: Up to you whether you think a middle school accomplishment is worth mentioning. Just put down whatever you think will put you in the best light.</p>
<p>@Babolat1: My #4 was the shortest too.</p>
<p>Where are you guys buying postcards? I’ve never bought a postcard in my life, and I have never thought about where to buy one.</p>
<p>And how are you guys including the check? Are you just putting it in, or are you putting it in an envelope and putting that envelope in the big one?</p>
<p>@nkrish: try somewhere touristy, like a museum. I’m just putting the check in the envelope with everything else. I may paperclip or binderclip everything together though</p>
<p>Has anyone gotten feedback on where to attach the achievements list? (hope they decide to just drop this part of the application… i have like nothing on it…)</p>
<p>@any Rickoids on here: how much did you know about your field before you went to RSI? like I’m writing my essays on a particular topic, but I feel way out of my depth right now</p>
<p>I will just pay online. As far as a postcard, it’s unnecessary, but I think I might like to include one, to calm my nerves. I’m not exactly sure where to find them, but I’m sure they are fairly common and easy to find.</p>
<p>do you guys think that writing about having depression is too much of a risky topic?</p>
<ul>
<li>i mean I used to.</li>
</ul>
<p>Hmm… I don’t see exactly where you would fit that into your essays. For what question are you considering writing about that? I’m not sure if it would be a good idea, but if it supports your case, then it might be something to consider.</p>
<p>I’m using it for interests, to explain why I’m interested in neuroscience.
I mean, it’s not really the reason, but I can’t exactly say it’s because I think it’s cool that so much of the brain hasn’t been discovered</p>
<p>How significantly do grades and PSAT scores factor into selection?</p>
<p>so apparently i can’t edit, but i just realized that my previous post is not relevant for this summer program. We only have to come up with two questions for the subfields.</p>
<p>So then, what kinds of things are you supposed to write for why you’re interested in the main field?</p>
<p>@Experimental, sorry can’t answer that question.</p>
<p>Question for all applicants: have you all taken AP Calc and AP Comp Science?</p>
<p>Are those two courses basically requirements?</p>
<p>They aren’t required. I think one of the past years about 5 (not sure exactly) people who were accepted hadn’t taken Calculus, and I’m sure the same (probably more) goes for Computer Science. Personally, I’ve taken them, but if you haven’t, you’re not alone.</p>
<p>@researchin: I knew next to nothing about my research topic before writing my essays. Like you, I was worried that I’d be “way out of my depth.” As I mentioned previously, I chose my topics by simply opening up the latest issue of Scientific American and picking out two articles that looked the most interesting. I then read about the topics on Wikipedia and composed the first application essay based on that. If you go to RSI, you’ll read a LOT of background literature that will help you get up to speed on your research topic. I remember panicking along with everyone else at the beginning of RSI because there was so much to learn in so little time. But it all works out, so don’t worry! :)</p>
<p>@quidditchcat: I think it could be appropriate to mention your former depression if you clearly connect it to your interest in your research topic. Beyond that, though, it may not be a good idea to discuss it in detail. Since it’s kind of a risky subject, you may just want to avoid it altogether. Do what you think is best. Write honestly and genuinely to articulate your interests!</p>
<p>@Experimental: I can’t give you a very precise answer since I’m not on the selection committee, but grades and test scores are certainly an important part of the selection process. Lower grades or test scores must be offset by clear indication of science/math research potential, as exemplified through essays and recommendations. Do not let lower grades or test scores discourage you from applying, especially if you can effectively show your past accomplishments and future potential through your essays and recommendations.</p>
<p>@Agrasin: AP Calculus and AP Computer Science are not de facto requirements. Most Rickoids had taken calculus, but there were a few absolutely brilliant Rickoids who had not (one of whom was even among the “top 5” papers at RSI). AP Computer Science is not necessary either. Rickoids interested in programming had mostly taught themselves the languages. Java (the language of AP Computer Science) did not seem to be very popular anyway. There were also some Rickoids who had very little experience in programming.</p>
<p>Please advise :</p>
<p>In part V, I see</p>
<p>Part V – Please submit the release information online, print and submit completed release information signed by the applicant and parent/guardian with the rest of the mailed application materials, and save for your files.</p>
<p>I don’t see any place for applicant signature. There is one place asking for parent signature. Where’d I sign ? Please respond.</p>
<p>@numbersense: the [Part</a> 4/5 PDF](<a href=“http://www.cee.org/sites/default/files/rsi_2013_application_part_4_5.pdf"]Part”>http://www.cee.org/sites/default/files/rsi_2013_application_part_4_5.pdf) has a line for the applicant’s signature right above the section for the parent/guardian’s signature.</p>