Hello,
RMP alumni here. I’m happy to answer your questions!
- The first stage of the process is submitting the main application. After you create an account, you will have the option to apply to the RMP application. Once you finish the application, submit a writing sample, gather teacher recommendations, and pay the fee it will take a few days for the main application to be processed. Afterward, you will be sent the link to the supplemental application in your email. You have to finish this application in order for your application to be fully complete. After 10-20 days, the committee might ask you for an interview. Don’t worry this is a good sign! Also, it’s best to schedule an interview quickly after you receive the request. After you complete your interview, you will get a decision in 1-7 days. It will either be a rejection or acceptance, very rarely will it be a waitlist.
*Note: UCSB RMP is extremely competitive to get into. Typically the acceptance rate is between 6-8% but last year it dropped to ~4%.
- If I had to rank this program, I would say it’s around the same caliber as BU RISE. However, the acceptance rate is notoriously low since the program takes the most accomplished students, so it might have the selectivity of SSP. You’ll also notice that a lot of alumni for RMP end up at Ivies and other Top 20 schools, so it does have high prestige. As for UCSC SIP, its prestige is lower than RMP but it could be a better fit depending on the type of experience you want. As an admit of UCSC SIP, UCSC does a better job of ensuring you have a solid foundation in research and the ability to form strong bonds with your peers. However, it’s less prestigious than RMP but longer, cheaper, and easier to get into. If you are a sophomore, I recommend doing UCSC SIP first and then trying for RMP afterward. You’ll have a better chance of getting into RMP and SIP has a higher acceptance rate for returning interns.
If you have more questions, let me know!