The Research Science Institute (RSI) is one of the most prestigious summer programs for STEM research.

Many students who get into this program go on to make waves in their respective fields of study. If you’re interested in applying to RSI, here’s everything that you need to know, including the application process, the deadlines, costs, and decision dates.

RSI Application Process

All RSI participants, or “Rickoids,” share the same passion and drive for STEM research, regardless of what field they choose to pursue.

The RSI application is your way of telling the program committee why you would benefit from participating in this program. Here are the four key things that you need to include in your application.

High School Academic Record

Rickoids are exceptionally talented academically. They can maintain a competitive GPA and are skilled in math, science, and engineering courses.

You must submit proof of your academic excellence in the form of a high school transcript. You can request this from your counselor or academic supervisor. Successful applicants will have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement in mathematics, the sciences, and verbal arts.

Standardized Testing Scores

Along with your academic record, RSI requires all of your standardized testing scores. This includes the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and any AP tests.

RSI strongly recommends that you take the PSAT. To remain a competitive applicant, you must have obtained at least one of the following test scores:    

• PSAT: 700 R&W, 740 Math   

• ACT: 34 English/Science/Writing, 33 Math    

• Extracurricular Activities/Awards: RSI requires you to concisely outline your major activities or awards in STEM. These can range from winning math olympiads to publishing in science journals. Even leadership in STEM clubs or hackathons can count. They want to see that you have taken an initiative towards your passions in STEM.

In addition to these extracurriculars, they also want to see that you do more than just STEM.

The RSI application includes a section dedicated to non-STEM extracurriculars, from sports teams to poetry clubs.

Letters of Recommendation

RSI requires three recommendations from a math and science teacher, a research supervisor (if you worked with someone) or an endorsement from a person who can attest to your leadership.

While you can go on and on about how good you are, it helps that you have other people to vouch for you as well. This is why it’s important to build strong relationships with your teachers and anyone else with whom you may work.

Essays

Perhaps the most important, the RSI essays allow you to showcase who you truly are and your STEM goals.

Your essays are also an assessment of your writing abilities: scientists must be effective at communicating their results to the scientific community.

Deadlines and Decisions

Generally, applications for RSI are due at the start of January for students in the United States. International students might have different deadlines, depending on the country. Decisions are usually released in March.

If you are accepted, congratulations! You are now part of a group of dedicated student scientists who will go on to change the world. Some notable RSI alumni are Fields Medal winner Terence Tao and CRISPR/Cas9 developer Feng Zhang.

Life at RSI

RSI is hosted at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Students stay on-campus, so they get a taste of college life.

RSI Program Timeline

The RSI program lasts six weeks, from late June to early August. Here’s a rough breakdown of what your experience would be like.

• Week 1: You will begin the program with a week of seminars highlighting current STEM research topics.

• Week 2-5: Alongside accomplished research mentors, you will work on your scientific research. You are provided with the tools needed for your research project, including databases, labs, and cutting-edge technologies.

• Week 6: You will spend the final week of the RSI program preparing your paper and presentation. Academic and corporate scientists will then select the five best papers and presentations at the RSI Symposium.

What Do You Study at RSI?

After your week of seminars on research topics, including biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and humanities. You also get the opportunity to meet face-to-face with science and technology leaders such as Nobel laureates and technology entrepreneurs.

Then, you start your research project assignment with your mentor. You’re matched to your mentor and project based on your interests, background, and research areas. You focus solely on your project until the last week, when you present your research.

You also do field trips throughout RSI to cultural attractions and to science and technology facilities in the Boston Area.

How Much Does RSI Cost?

There are no costs associated with the RSI program except transportation to and from the program. This is also a major contributor to why RSI is such a competitive program.

FAQ

How hard is it to get into RSI at MIT?

RSI has an acceptance rate of 2-5%. It is a very prestigious program that has a high number of applications and a tough selection process.

How prestigious is RSI?

RSI is one of the most prestigious summer programs in the United States. It is an in-depth research program at MIT.

How competitive is RSI?

RSI is very competitive. It receives around 1500 applications and only chooses 100 students per year.

What SAT score do I need for RSI?

RSI recommends a PSAT Math Score of 740 or higher. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score should be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33, and verbal scores at least 34.

Does RSI only happen at MIT?

There is also a six-week RSI program in Bengaluru at the Indian Institute of Science from the end of May to the start of July.