RSI Internship Application Tips?

Hey everyone! I was looking into applying for the RSI internship, but I'm not sure where to start. Can anyone share some advice on how to make a strong application? Are there any specific skills or extracurriculars that would help my chances of getting in?

Sure, I'd be happy to help! The Research Science Institute (RSI) internship is a highly selective program, so you'll definitely want to craft your application carefully to stand out. Here are some tips to help you put together a strong application:

1. Emphasize your achievements in STEM: RSI is a science-focused program, so you'll want to highlight your accomplishments and involvement in STEM-related activities, like math competitions, science clubs, research projects, or programming competitions. If you have received any awards or recognition for your STEM achievements, definitely include them.

2. Demonstrate passion for research: Discuss any research experiences you have had and showcase your interest in conducting research in the future. By providing specifics on your prior research projects, achievements, or learning experiences, you can demonstrate your motivation and commitment in this area, as well as your readiness to take full advantage of all RSI has to offer.

3. Showcase leadership and teamwork: RSI values students who are not only strong in STEM but also able to work effectively in teams. Highlight any instances where you've taken on a leadership role in your STEM activities, such as serving as a club officer, team captain, or project leader.

4. Request strong letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your skills and passion for STEM. Ideally, these should be teachers or mentors who have witnessed your growth and can speak to your abilities in a research or academic setting. Note that they do have to be Math or Science teachers, or research supervisors.

5. Write a compelling personal statement: Use the personal statement to showcase your passion for research and articulate why you want to attend RSI. Talk about specific research areas that interest you, what you hope to gain from RSI, and how you plan to apply what you learn in the future. Make sure your personal statement is well-organized, thoughtful, and genuine.

6. Prepare a strong academic transcript, test scores, and AP scores: RSI is a competitive program, so your academic performance will be given a great deal of weight. Maintain a strong GPA, and excel in relevant standardized tests (SAT/ACT) and AP exams (especially those in STEM fields).

7. Maintain a balanced extracurricular profile: While RSI is focused on STEM, participating in a variety of extracurriculars can help demonstrate your well-roundedness. Being involved in different activities can show your adaptability and willingness to learn from diverse experiences.

Keep in mind that the RSI application process is highly competitive, so make sure to put your best foot forward and take your time in crafting a thoughtful, well-rounded application.

If you also want to check out some other research opportunities, I'd recommending checking out this list of reputable research competitions for high schoolers on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/10-science-research-competitions-for-high-schoolers/. Even for the most accomplished students, there are no guarantees with RSI, so you may want to cast a wider net to maximize your chances of being able to pursue your passion for research.

That being said, fingers crossed for you with RSI - believe in yourself, and good luck!