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Hello, this is GIRE!
Today, we would like to share helpful information with students or parents who wish to apply to America's top-tier Summer Research Program.

Many students and parents are often interested in and preparing for Summer Camp to have a more meaningful summer vacation. In the case of Top-tier Summer Camp, it is essential to prepare in advance because it is a competitive summer camp supported all over the world.

Today, we will introduce in detail RSI, Research Science Institute Summer Camp, one of the top-tier summer camps. 

RSI, held every summer, is known as the most prestigious STEM research program for high school students in the United States.

This program, jointly sponsored by CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE, a prominent U.S. non-profit educational institution, and MIT, aims to help high-achieving high school students who have demonstrated outstanding skills and leadership in science/technology fields become creators, inventors, scientists, and leaders of the 21st century.

This is a program that helps you challenge yourself as much as possible.

[Program Information]

A total of about 80 students will participate, and about 50 students from all 50 states and about 30 students from other countries (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS) will be selected.

The passing rate is known to be 3-5% on average, and competition is known to be very fierce.

[Support information]

RSI applications open in mid-December each year and close between January and February of the following year. You will receive your results in March.

RSI participants have strong academic abilities and backgrounds and are preparing for their final year of high school. Therefore, high school seniors cannot apply.

A PSAT math score of 740 or higher and an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 700 or higher are generally recommended. Alternatively, an ACT math score of 33 or higher and a verbal score of 34 or higher are recommended. If these scores are low, you must demonstrate academic potential in math and science through letters of recommendation, high school grades, and science activities.

RSI has two types of applications. As mentioned earlier, applicants are U.S. citizens/permanent residents and international applicants. For U.S. citizens/permanent residents, all U.S. students studying abroad may apply to RSI one year before high school graduation.

To be successful, applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance in mathematics, science, and language arts. Students must demonstrate leadership and potential in science and mathematics, both inside and outside the classroom.

For example, experience participating in math, science, and engineering competitions at the local, state, or national level; completing a college-level course; working in a research laboratory; or conducting independent scientific research; or, you may have completed a practical project that demonstrates important skills in technology, engineering, and mathematical design, implementation, and analysis.

For international applicants, each participating country has its selection process and timeline. Below are the participating countries.

In the application, 

'An essay in response to the applicant's application questions: Detailing the applicant's goals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.'

'Recommendations are requested from two teachers (math, science, research leaders) who are familiar with the applicant's academic record, or from a research leader for applicants who have participated in a research project for more than four weeks at a university or research laboratory' (up to three allowed)

‘Applicant’s official high school transcript’

'All scores from PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams' (PSAT recommended)

[RSI Program]

Through academic + corporate + government sponsorship, RSI provides students with the opportunity to engage in original, cutting-edge university-level research under the mentorship of leading scientists, engineers, and researchers in university laboratories, hospitals, and corporate research facilities in Boston, including Harvard and MIT.

Many RSI students have used their RSI research projects as the basis for science competitions and have achieved excellent results in competitions such as the annual Regeneron Talent Search and the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Some publish their names in journals as co-authors, and some rejoin the laboratory as undergraduate or graduate students after entering college.

[Tips for entering RSI]

First tip: Prioritize school activities to get good grades + letters of recommendation​

Getting good grades in school is most important. We expect participants in this program to be enthusiastic about their school activities, so a good report card will be very helpful. Additionally, because RSI emphasizes STEM, we recommend taking difficult courses in math, science, and engineering such as AP Physics 1/C or AP Calculus AB/B. Additionally, it is a good idea to maintain good relationships with teachers and receive letters of recommendation when applying. It is especially helpful to receive letters of recommendation for math and science subjects. We recommend that you ask your teachers for letters of recommendation at least six weeks before the application deadline.

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Second tip: Get a high score on the standardized exam

Although these tests are not explicitly required, getting a high score can greatly increase your chances of passing. If you take an AP class, try to get a 4 or 5 if possible. Also, be prepared to register for the PSAT. This exam is only taken once each year, in October, and can only be taken in Year 11, the last time before applying to RSI. So taking this in grade 10 may be helpful. SAT or ACT scores are not required, but a high score on these tests is also recommended.

Third tip: Participate in STEM-related competitions

Participating in STEM competitions is also very helpful. For example, you can join a local Science Olympiad team and highlight your skills in science by excelling at the local, state, and national levels. If you're interested in engineering, you might want to join your school's robotics club and excel in competitions and projects, or even win a medal at a coding competition like the United States Coding Olympiad (USACO). Competitions include the Chemistry Olympiad, Math Olympiad, USA Computing Olympiad, Regeneron ISEF, Harvard/MIT Math Tournament, and MIT THINK Scholars Program. Finding competitions that match your interests and performing well will increase your chances of acceptance.

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Fourth tip: Gain research experience

RSI will engage participants throughout the entire research process, but if you would like to participate in the study in advance, you may want to contact high school teachers, career counselors, or college professors who conduct research in your field. Very few high school students have research experience, but those who do are set apart and stand out.

RSI's favorite candidates are students with a deep interest in STEM. If you want to pursue college-level research or prepare for a competitive program like RSI, consider participating in GIRE's programs.