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Okay, I am interested in RSI, and I am also interested doing research with a professional doctor who graduated from Harvard. There is one problem: they take place next summer! IF I get in RSI, I can't do both. So which would get me a higher chance of getting in H: RSI or research with a doctor?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 02:01 pm: Edit

RSI

in 2003, out of 50 rickoids, approximately
(= means matriculated)

11 = Harvard
4 = Caltech
3 = Stanford
1 = Yale
3 = MIT

By Smartgirl (Smartgirl) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 02:13 pm: Edit

So RSI gives an applicant more boost than professional research.

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 08:11 pm: Edit

Either could help you greatly. It depends on what exactly you do with the experience and how you present the experience on your college application.

My suggestion is that if you are fortunate enough to have both as options, figure out which one would help you best meet your learning objectives. Pick that one.

Since you are black/female/deaf, you already will stand out as a very underrepresented minority. Doing anything unusual extra (RSI or the internship) will be icing on the cake. As long as you don't sleep walk through the experience, either could help boost you in.

But do pick the experience based on what you want in terms of your career/research goals, not which one you think would look best to Harvard. While RSI is very prestigious, it's possible that an internship with a doctor still could do a better job of helping you get the experiences you want for your academic/vocational goals.

By Smartgirl (Smartgirl) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 08:30 pm: Edit

Thanks for your advice!

By 1moremom (1moremom) on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 12:20 pm: Edit

I think there is more to it than picking the one that best meets your learning objectives. My son went to RSI last summer and the research oopportunities are just one part of the experience. My son made incredible friends and had experiences I doubt he will ever forget. There is also an ongoing relationship with the organization (CEE) and other alums. I'm sure Static will agree with me on this one.