<p>Please see my post in the RSI 2012 thread (and geemunu’s post right below it) at this link: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1173767-rsi-2012-a-64.html#post14678602[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1173767-rsi-2012-a-64.html#post14678602</a></p>
<p>It is NOT NECESSARY to have crazy research/competition experience or a zillion APs or really any specific credential at all to get into RSI. What matters is that you love science/math and that you’ll take advantage of all RSI has to offer academically and socially. I had never done research, never participated in an individual Olympiad, and taken only 3 APs when I applied to RSI. Many, many people at RSI were in the same boat as me. What everyone had in common was a true love for discovery and learning about the natural world.</p>
<p>If you love science/math and truly want to spend 6 weeks in an incredibly intense and stimulating environment with some of the coolest people in the world, definitely apply. And to everyone else out there thinking of applying: JUST DO IT. Don’t be discouraged by what you might think is a lack of credentials. In fact, some of the most successful people at RSI were the people with little to no research/competition experience. Most people at RSI (including me) thought that they had zero chance of getting in when they applied. Good luck! :)</p>