How do summer programs like RSI, SSRP, etc. distinguish students? I’ve been writing about what I’m passionate about, and I’d say I have decent ecs, so I just don’t know what else to do. tbh im more worried about how I’m gonna fare in college apps next year since summer program apps haven’t been stellar, but im also just annoyed and lost between getting rejected from programs 2 years in a row and half of the ones I applied to getting cancelled because of funding uncertainty
These programs are tiny. Do not conflate getting rejected from a summer program with getting rejected from college next year!
Like every other student, you will need sure bet/safety schools in addition to match schools and possibly a few reaches. This isn’t possible with summer programs- you apply, and you’re either in or out. There is no “safety school” analogy to RSI!
Relax. Get a job this summer- nothing beats work experience. Or volunteer for a cause you care about in your community. It doesn’t need to be “impressive” in order to be impressive. Surely you can put your skills to good use in a way that doesn’t require an official program!
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I wouldn’t over think it. My junior has gotten rejected by bu rise and broad so far and ghosted (likely rejected by) Duke star and a local one. 1520 psat. 1550 SAT (790 math). Prior research identifying gender inequities in cardiovascular system at ivy med school. Did a selective hospital volunteer program (assigned to chemo patients). 700+ hours in Public Health Service including a local internship for two years, selected for statewide leadership team for two years, introduced and advocated for a bill in our town that bans tobacco sales (it passed). 3.97 uw gpa. Did a rotary exchange and is fluent. USSYP finalist (didn’t get that either).
I think she has too much policy work and lacks AP sciences (her school limits the
to senior year). She also doesn’t have a bunch of science or math competitions but she’s in BC calc with an A. Maybe she’ll snag a leadership or public health program bc the STEM programs do not seem to be a fit. She’s fully capable but she’s not what they are looking for.
But here’s the thing. She has a story. She really does care and she’s going to keep on doing her thing. I just put a senior through the admissions process and the small moments and efforts matter. It really doesn’t need to be a big grand thing. College admissions will take a more holistic view. She knows a girl that was off the charts amazing but didn’t get one of these things and two weeks later got into Princeton. Don’t get discouraged!!!
My son was rejected at Purdue STEP. Then appealed with a higher ACT that came in and got in.
I agree, not to correlate this with future college decisions - and highly unlikely the same folks are even reviewing. Or that available spots and expected yield are the same, etc.
As far as your worry about faring with college apps, people who don’t do well with college apps didn’t have a solid application strategy.
No one should struggle application wise - but too many do struggle because they built their list on big names, vs. the right names for their profile and their strengths and desires.
Whether you’re a 2.5 test optional or a 4.0 with a 36 and ECs galore, there’s a right way (or several right ways) and a wrong way (and many wrong ways) to build a list.
But if you do it right, you’ll fare just fine.
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thank you all for the reassurance! i’m hoping that it really just is the limited number of spots available at these programs, but i wish they’d give feedback so i know what i’m doing wrong before college apps. definitely agree with a range of safeties/targets/reaches, as well as with just doing my thing for the things i care about. we’ll see how it goes!
No feedback needed. Not enough spots. They took who they felt fit better.
Get a summer job. It’s a better look for your resume anyway.