RSI recommendation letters – Research Science Institute (RSI)
RSI recommendation letters – Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is an extremely prestigious summer program, and getting into RSI showcases your academic capabilities as a student. Moreover, the letters of recommendation from your mentor is also an excellent value-add for your application.
Students that attend the RSI gain distinction, unique experiences, and hands-on knowledge from world-class faculty. Participating could help you get into top colleges, land a higher-paying job, and perhaps set up other research opportunities in the future.
What Is the Research Science Institute?
The Research Science Institute is an internship program that invites 100 high school students to participate in scientific research at MIT’s main campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The program is hosted by its large parent organization, the Center for Excellence in Education. The program is split into 2 components, where the first week is mainly experiencing extensive STEM classes conducted by accomplished faculty. In the latter weeks, you work on independent research in any STEM topic, under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers.
How Hard Is It to Get Into the Research Science Institute?
Looking at the RSI equirements, you’ll find that the answer is that it’s quite challenging. The limited number of students that are accepted each year makes this internship application especially competitive. 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 34. Lower scores must be offset by strong indicators of mathematical, scientific, and academic potential exemplified in recommendations, high school grades, and science activities. Kamerpower.com
Instructions about Submitting Recommendations and Transcripts
Please read all of these instructions before completing your recommender request on Slideroom. All recommendation writers and school officials who upload your transcripts must be listed as “reference” on Slideroom.
- Students should arrange for at least two (2) but no more than three(3) recommendations from STEM teachers, instructors, math or science coaches, academic directors, research supervisors, or other educators familiar with the applicant and the applicant’s scholastic or research record.
- At least one recommender, but preferably two, should be a STEM teacher(s) from the applicant’s current secondary school. Ideally candidates should have recommendations from one math teacher and one science teacher.
- Applicants who have participated in a substantial research project are strongly encouraged to request a recommendation from the relevant research supervisor. This should be someone who is familiar with your day to day research work on the project.
- Students should designate one (1) school administrator or other official who will upload a PDF copy of: all secondary-school transcript(s), and any college-level transcripts or online course certifications, for courses taken after primary school through Fall 2016.
- Your designated school administrator should only upload PDF copies of your transcripts. They should not submit a recommendation on your behalf.
- If you are having any technical issues with Slideroom (i.e. my teacher didn’t receive their email request) please contact Slideroom at support@slideroom.com. If you have questions about sections within the application, please read the FAQ document and instructions.
- If have additional questions about the Slideroom application please contact Heather Curry at hcurry@cee.org.
- If you have questions about the RSI program or eligibility to apply, please contact Maite Ballestero at maite@cee.org.
Recommendation
- Getting Into Research Science Institute (RSI Application Guide)
- 6 Sample Character Reference Letter or Personal Reference
RSI Admissions Guidelines
There are two types of applications, U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents and International Applicants.
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Applicants:
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. Many will have a lengthy record of participation in mathematics, science, and engineering competitions at the regional, state, and national levels.
Some will have completed university-level coursework, worked in a research laboratory, or conducted original scientific research. Others will have completed hands-on projects displaying significant ability in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics design, implementation, and analysis. Most will have been leaders in community and school activities.
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.
RSI application Requirements
Each student’s application must include:
- Recommendations by two teachers (Math/Science or a research supervisor) familiar with the candidate and the candidate’s scholastic record. 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 will accept a maximum of 4 recommendation letters.
- The applicant’s essay responses to the questions in the application. These should detail his or her goals in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- All scores from nationwide standardized tests. These include the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Students planning to apply for RSI are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT.
- The candidate’s official high school transcript.
