If you deeply love math, science, and/or engineering (which, since you’re reading this, we kinda assume is true), one amazing potential opportunity to dive further into those subjects is to apply to the Research Science Institute at MIT.
Unfortunately, many of the high school students who would most benefit from this program know very little (if anything) about it.
So if you’re a high-performing STEM-focused student looking to take your education to the next level, keep reading to discover what RSI is and how to apply for this life-changing opportunity!
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(click to skip ahead)What is the Research Science Institute?
The Research Science Institute (or RSI) is a summer program designed for high school seniors by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This is a six-week science and engineering program designed to help students conduct their own original research while preparing for college.
Only 80 students are selected for this competitive MIT summer program. About two-thirds of applicants come from the United States, with the remaining applicants coming from outside the country.
One amazing feature (of many): There is no cost to the program, making it a great choice for students from all economic walks of life who want both the incredible learning experience and the advantages that come from having the prestigious RSI summer program on their resume.
What does RSI look for in applicants?
One thing you should know about the RSI at MIT is that it is extremely competitive. Each year, less than five percent of applicants are accepted into the program. So if you’re interested in attending this MIT summer program, you need to know what RSI looks for in applicants.
For the PSAT:
MIT recommends that you have scores of 740 or higher in Math and 700 or higher in EBRW.
For applicants who have taken the ACT:
Ideally, have a Math score of 33 or higher and an English/Science/Reading score of 34 or higher.
Incidentally, if you’re on the fence about which test to take, MIT recommends taking the PSAT.
MIT also takes high school grades into consideration. They don’t recommend a minimum GPA or other grade requirements, but because the program is so competitive, it can be helpful to take honors and AP courses and be in the top five percent of your class.
As with applying to very competitive colleges, it can be helpful to have exhibited leadership in various extracurriculars (though keep in mind “leadership” doesn’t always come with a title) and to have your own research experience. If you can demonstrate STEM competition achievements and/or research publications, that will tend to give you a competitive edge over other students preparing their own RSI applications.
How hard is it to get into RSI?
Getting into the RSI is very difficult. As mentioned before, MIT selects only 80 applicants each summer. Less than five percent of those who apply will manage to get in.
But even if you don’t get in, the experience of applying for RSI can help you prepare to submit your college applications to similarly competitive institutions (like MIT itself, for example).
And keep in mind that there are many amazing options for extracurricular activities (see that guide for 400+ examples) and ways to spend your high school summer.
What do students do at RSI?
Students at the RSI take part in several different activities for the duration of the program, including attending lectures, working with mentors, and pursuing research projects and lab work. The evening lectures from leading figures in the world of science, engineering, and technology are a major component. Such lectures provide students with the opportunity to learn face-to-face with some of the most influential movers and shakers in these fields.
Those in the program also begin working with a research mentor in the first week, and that mentor will assign research projects. Starting in the second week, students will work in laboratories designed to help them complete these projects. Throughout the program, the students will prepare both papers and oral presentations, both of which are held to the standard of works presented at an academic conference.
Prospective applicants should know that the RSI isn’t all work and no play. Students will also take field trips to different areas around Boston, helping them experience both the culture and the beauty of the Boston area.
Should you apply to RSI?
High-performing students interested in science and technology should apply to RSI. Assuming that you meet the minimum score requirements recommended by MIT, since the program is free, there is no real downside to applying.
Obviously, the competitive nature of the summer program means that your odds of getting admitted are lower than with most other programs. However, the application process will give you the valuable experience of collecting test scores and letters of recommendation while assembling your academic and extracurricular experiences into a winning CV.
So even if you don’t get in, these experiences can help you in later college applications (particularly if you’re considering applying to Ivy League colleges and other “highly rejective” schools). This is particularly true for those who write letters of recommendation for your RSI application, as these same teachers and other mentors may be willing to provide others letters for future applications.
How to apply to MIT’s Research Science Institute
Filling out MIT’s RSI application may seem simple enough. However, the application has several different moving parts. Below, you will find more information about each step and how to maximize your own odds of getting accepted into the program.
RSI’s eligibility requirements
Applying to MIT’s Research Science Institute requires several distinct steps. The first step, of course, is making sure that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements.
For the PSAT, the recommended minimum score is 740+ in Math and 700+ in EBRW.
For the ACT, the recommended minimum score for Math is 33+ and English/Science/Reading scores of 34+.
Again, MIT recommends taking the PSAT rather than the ACT.
The RSI application
The next step is to fill out the online RSI application, a task which will take about an hour. Generally, the application will ask questions about your high school coursework and your extracurriculars.
Be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the application without any distractions or interruptions. This process will be much smoother if you already have your test scores, transcripts, and other academic info in front of you when you begin.
RSI’s essay questions
The application will also ask you to complete some essay questions, with the exact prompts varying from year to year. In style and format, these are very similar to supplemental essays for college admissions, and you can approach them in the same way: clearly address the prompt, use concrete examples and language to illustrate, and be as specific as possible. If you do this (and ideally throw in a bit of personality, maybe even humor—for ways to play with “voice” check out this guide), you can better convince MIT of what you have to offer. As an added bonus, completing these essay questions is an invaluable experience for the supplemental college essays you will soon be writing.
Letters of recommendation
The RSI also requires you to submit at least two letters of recommendation, and you can optionally submit a third. The letters must come from math or science teachers or a previous research supervisor.
When approaching teachers or supervisors to write such letters, ask far in advance and be specific with your request. Also, while you shouldn’t lay it on too thick, it doesn’t hurt to tell your teachers how much your time with them meant to you and why their recommendation would mean so much.
Transcripts
One of the application’s major steps is to send your high school transcripts and test scores.
Be sure to complete the entire application by the deadline.
Important note: The deadline is usually different for domestic versus international students.
Tips for building a strong RSI application
It’s an open secret that RSI is wildly competitive. If you really want to stand out from other applicants, you need to build the strongest possible application. Below, you will find a few concrete steps to help set yourself apart from other applicants.
Demonstrate the depth of your interest
Let’s face it: everyone getting into RSI is brilliant. Therefore, academics can’t be the only way you distinguish yourself from other applicants.
That’s why you should use the application essay prompts to show the depth of your curiosity and values, and how they relate to a particular interest or field of study. The biggest innovators in history have generally been people who are driven by deep curiosity and who pursue clear values—showing these things in the application is your chance to demonstrate you have the same potential.
Give yourself plenty of time to write and revise your essays
Again, the blunt truth is that most of those who apply to the RSI have top-notch test scores and a killer high school transcript. This is one case when simply having great grades isn’t enough to set you apart.
Because of that, you should give yourself plenty of time to revise your application essays (ideally several times). Don’t be afraid to get feedback from others on your writing so that you can submit the strongest possible essays.
Make sure you have strong letters of recommendation
Beyond your own academic performance and solid written responses, strong letters of recommendation can be super important. While you are a bit limited by having to get them only from research supervisors and math/science teachers, you should try to seek out recommendations from the most prominent and accomplished people in your academic circle, and people who understand and strongly support your curiosity, drive, and desire to explore.
Maintain solid grades + test scores
Even though high test scores alone won’t get you into the RSI school, low test scores are likely a quick way to destroy your chances. Make sure to keep your high school grades up and retake the PSAT as needed so that you can submit the highest possible test scores.
Recommended RSI application timeline
In most cases, the best way to create an RSI application timeline is to confirm this year’s deadline and work your way backward.
For example, if the deadline is December 13, it’s good to begin earnestly working on your application by October 13. This will give you extensive time to work on your written responses and to find teachers and supervisors to write your letters of recommendation. It’s also common courtesy to give these mentors at least one month to write the letter. If you are worried about RSI receiving your test scores and transcripts, you can also work on sending them very early into this process.
Final thoughts
As you can tell, getting into the RSI at MIT is very difficult, but it’s also worth it. Not only does this provide you with plenty of great experience ahead of your upcoming college applications, but it gives you a chance to gain admission to one of the most respected programs in the country.
That said, you have plenty of other amazing options for extracurricular activities and ways to spend your summers. If you want more information to help you brainstorm options, check out this guide next: How to Spend Your High School Summer.
Special thanks to Chris Snellgrove for writing this blog post
Chris Snellgrove is an English Professor at Northwest Florida State College who
specializes in literature, rhetoric, and business writing. As a freelance writer, Chris specializes in sales, marketing, pop culture, and video games. He has a B.A. in English from Troy University and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Auburn University. When he’s not writing or talking to others about writing, Chris loves reading books, playing video games, watching horror movies, and disappearing into a comic book. He currently lives in Northwest Florida and would probably rather be at the beach right now.
Top values: Diversity / Equality / Social Justice
