I did RSI (Research Science Institute) at MIT, and it was one of the best experiences of my life!

Do you want to get into Research Science Institute, and do research over the summer, getting help with experienced mentors directly from MIT?

If you said yes, then the Research Science Institute is perfect for you!

While it is a high selective program, it is a prestigious cost-free summer program hosted by MIT which ensures participants get to explore all the aspects of research and science projects.

If you really want to get into RSI, read this blog to learn more about the tips and tricks to getting accepted!

What is the Research Science Institute?

RSI is a 6-week residential program that takes place on MIT campus in Cambridge.

Depending on your research project, you will do your research in MIT labs which will give you a chance to do what you love with experts using the best possible resources.

Approximately 80 students are accepted each year all around the world with an acceptance rate of about 5%.

Being an RSI alumni will also boost your chances in getting into MIT and top-tier colleges like the Ivy League.

Application Requirements Students who are entering their final year in high school may apply, essentially students can apply in the middle of their junior year of high school.

High school seniors are not eligible to apply.

It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score be 700 or higher.

ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 3

4. Don’t you worry if you have low score, students with low scores must show strong indicators of mathematical, scientific, and academic potential exemplified in recommendations, high school grades, and science activities.

Two Types of Applicants U.

S.

Citizens and Permanent Residents: All U.

S. students, including U.

S.

Citizens studying overseas, with one year remaining before graduation from high school, may apply to RSI.

U.

S.

Citizens and Permanent Residents applications are submitted directly to CEE.

Students are not nominated or selected by their schools.

Successful applicants will have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement in mathematics, the sciences, and verbal arts.

They will have shown the potential for leadership in science and mathematics through their activities in and beyond the classroom.

International Applicants: Each participating country has its own selection procedure and selection schedule.

Please contact Ms.

Maite Ballestero, Executive Vice President of Programs to determine if your country participates.

If it does, her team will put you in contact with the appropriate representative at the agency conducting selection for your country.

For more information, click here.

What must the application include?

Essay responses to the questions in application.

These should detail his or her goals in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics Recommendations by two teachers

- preferable Math/Science or a research supervisor Applicants who have participated in a research project of 4 weeks or longer at a university or a laboratory should request a recommendation from the research supervisor.

CEE only accepts a maximum of 4 recommendation letters Official high school transcript All standardized test scores Tips for Getting into RSI: RSI will be very hard to get into, but with the right planning and preparation you can show them that you are committed to the field of STEM https://www. youtube. com/watch?v=5upW1YuHZIo&t=875s But before we get into the tips, Watch my video on How I Got Into RSI!

Tip #1: Start as Soon as Possible The RSI application is as in-depth as a college application so you are gonna have to plan accordingly to give yourself plenty of time to build your extracurriculars and research.

If you are reading this blog in middle school, you are in a great position since you have so much time to prepare.

DO NOT waste your time doing things that are not valuable to you just for the application, show your personal interest.

If you really want to get into RSI, show the passion, hard work, and dedication from this instant.

Do you best, and the rest is history.

Actionable Steps to boost your application: Get involved in research with a mentor.

Check out my comprehensive video that outlines the exact steps to effectively do this: How I Got a Research Mentor for Science Fair (ISEF Winner) Tip #2: Achieve high standardized test scores Achieving high test scores whether it be the ACT or the SAT is crucial to show your academic ability.

If you also have taken AP classes, be sure you receive 4s or 5s if possible.

I have complied a full playlist helping you in ACT/SAT Studying Tip #3: Participate in Olympiads and STEM competitions Every application is very diverse.

My application was filled with science research whereas my friends were filled with top-level olympiad such as IMO or USABO.

Find your STEM interest and give it your all to excel at the competitions, GOOD LUCK!

STEM competitions such as ISEF will definitely boost your application, so I made a video outlining the Blueprint to winning science fairs with my friend Shriya who won 1st Place in Microbiology BACK TO BACK.

Tip #4: Get involved in the Community: Volunteer Work + Athletics & Clubs Be sure to show a difference in your community by volunteering at multiple organizations or at a since organization which you should be committed to.

Also commit to a club or activity to show dedication.

General Bonus Tips: Start your application as early as possible.

The earlier you start, the more time you'll have to perfect your essays, get strong recommendations and add new experiences.

I started my RSI application in December, and I submitted it in early February.

Get strong recommendations.

When choosing who to ask, make sure to ask people who know you well and can speak to your research abilities.

For my app, I asked my research mentor and science physics teacher.

Get more bonus tips like these in my video on How I Got into RSI

- My approach to the application What to Do if You Don’t Get Into RSI As noted above, getting into RSI is very competitive, and not everyone who applies gets in.

If you fall within that group, you can also explore other research opportunities to boost your college applications.