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i checked the application and it says it's due sometime february 1. i would love to attend this program (i'm a soph right now), but i plan to take the new SAT in march 2005, after the application deadline. On the application, it asks for SAT scores. How many of u took the SAT before u applied for RSI.

on a sidenote, if u can post stats that would be great

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:16 pm: Edit

I took the january SAT when i applied for RSI. But frankly, SAT scores don't really matter.

Stats:
SAT 1310
SAT II MATH IIC: 750, BIO M: 740
ranked 3rd out of 282

if there's anything else you want to know, i'd be happy to tell you.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:25 pm: Edit

1600 freshman year... never had to take it again until senior year (for Presidential Scholars), when I fortunately managed a 1600 to qualify.

Don't stress about SAT's You should take the SAT's anyways around the fall of your junior year, just so that you know how you're scoring, and to get familiar with the test, but don't worry about them. Also, stats... stats are silly. Rickoids don't have stats. We laugh in the face of stats.
Let's just say, if you're concerned about stats, you won't get into RSI. You just have to be confident in yourself and in your love of research.

By Wishful_Thinker (Wishful_Thinker) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 09:04 pm: Edit

i just found out about RSI 2 days ago and went ecstatic...i really want to do this

okay so stats really don't matter in RSI, correct? are they looking for really good topics and like, good essays? showing passion, etc.?

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 09:07 pm: Edit

I'm not saying stats don't matter... certainly if you've done nothing, you won't get in. I'm saying that you shouldn't worry about stats - RSI'ers, as a whole, have *incredible* stats. But we're not the type to discuss "stats" or "how many EC's we have" - If you're RSI material, you do that sort of thing because you love doing it, not because you want to build up some sort of laundry list of credentials.

By Wishful_Thinker (Wishful_Thinker) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 09:19 pm: Edit

okay...well i definitely want to do this NOT because it's another thing on my application. i want to do it for the experience and just because i love the atmosphere in a place where i could do my dream's desire for a summer with smart kids...which...well at my school, we don't really have smart people and i miss it.

anyhow, my point is....i really want to get in because it's perfect for me. but i don't know what i'm missing (besides the SAT score...but i'm working on that) my EC's are in good condition, so should i just have really good topics and write a good essay?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:02 pm: Edit

i think what got me in was the ideas I had to offer to them. They'll ask you to write about your field of interest and you'll have to state 3-5 more interesting problems or questions and why they interest you.

My 1st choice field was Biochemistry, and I talked about telomerase as a way to stop tumor growth and cancer, histones tails activation to program apoptosis of the cell, and the molecular mechanism in which salmonella attack the body and how we can stop it more efficiently.

2nd choice was Developmental Biology, and I just talk about regenerative medicine, reversine, and the future of stem cell in curing disease.

You have to show a real passion for science, and an ingenuity for solving problems. I think RSI slogan should be "Create rather than regurgigate" because that's the type of people they want. They want potential!

Paul aka memememe said:
"Don't try to figure stuff out. In the words of one of the tutors: If you try to do stuff to get into RSI, you won't get in. Lot of kids just applied and got in. Be one of those people. Don't try to figure it out. And one more thing: RSI doesn't make Intel winners. You do.If you knew about RSI more than a week before the deadline, you're not getting in. (We're master procrastinators). It's not about research. It's about 53><, and LaTeX. And partying. If you enjoy your sleeping hours, you're out. "

I think that's true because i knew about RSI a week before the application was due.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:04 pm: Edit

hey ecismyhome,

after all of this time, i still don't believe i got into MIT. I think i'll wait until the tangible acceptance letter is in my hand. Until then, i just have to hope for the best!! I think i'll definitely apply EA to MIT in the Fall.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:09 pm: Edit

The stuff that's done here isn't done anywhere else in the world. Period. What matters here is what you can do. MIT students pride themselves in their independence and initiative.

The research that goes on here is astounding. The guys that invented the world wide web and TCP/IP, those that discovered quarks and developed the theory of quantum chromodynamics and the MIT-bag model of quark interactions, those that seqeuenced a huge portion of the human genome at the Whitehead Institute, and one of the developers of the Black-Scholes equation in economics, they're all here. No matter what field you go into, you'll run into people who invented it. Seven of the people who won Nobel Prizes in 2001 studied or instructed at MIT. Stuff happens here, and it happens fast. And it's a pretty exciting place to be. And that's pretty cool.

People always told me that knowledge made here, created here but I didn't realize it. And now that I'll be going there this summer, I'm excited about the things that will go on around me.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:37 pm: Edit

"Seven of the people who won Nobel Prizes in 2001 studied or instructed at MIT"
-In fact, Dr. Wolfgang Ketterle's (Nobel laureate in Physics for his work on supercool physics and Bose-Einstein condensates) son, Jonas Ketterle, was at RSI my year. I last saw him at Christmas. Great guy.

The point is? RSI is awesome Just don't get too, too over-confident, Nghi, and make sure you don't get arrested or start failing classes. Heh.

By Avatar56 (Avatar56) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 11:06 pm: Edit

For the original poster:

I hadn't taken the SAT's (at least in high school) when I applied. I took them in March, which was fine (1600). Like everyone has said, it's not necessarily about scores - RSI probably gets tons of applicants with great scores. As ecismyhome said, the people that get accecpted have the scores, but they don't get them in by any means. As to what RSI does look for,I think Nghi (static) has written quite a bit about it, here and elsewhere. Good luck!

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 11:56 pm: Edit

1380 in 7th grade, 1500 in 10th grade
223 PSAT in 10th grade
231 PSAT in 11th grade

Studying for things you aren't passionate for == destruction of the mind.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 11:57 pm: Edit

yea score schmore...

Lyn and I are living proofs that you don't need to score well on the SAT

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:06 am: Edit

i'll cut and paste what other alumni said about the program

RSI is the Research Science Institute. It is a program sponsored by MIT (and this year, CalTech), and the Center for Excellence in Education, fully residential, and research-based. It accepts 30 international students and (pertaining to this discussion) 50 national students every year. Applications usually number in the 1500-3000 range, from what I can ascertain. It is very highly selective, as you could probably deduce ;) It is 100% free and, in fact, I earned money this summer.

Entry into RSI generally means the following: $720 in TECHcash, redeemable at the campus stores and whatnot, plus a $180 stipend for travel and lunch if you have an off-campus mentorship. The quality of the staff and mentorship is *very* high... I, personally, was counselored/tutored by a Rhodes scholar, an Intel grand prize winner (#1 in the world), received technical assistance on linux and LaTeX from a 3-time Putnam medal winner, etc. etc. In addition, Linda West (an RSI alum from '03 like me) just won #3 in the Siemens-Westinghouse science competition with a project based on her RSI research. This closeness to MIT also means that, out of the last 20 years of RSI, only one alum who applied to MIT has gotten turned down, and that was because he really ticked off the administration. Somewhere in the neighbor hood of 70-80% of the RSI alums who apply to Harvard also get in.

And oh yes. the research. You're placed with INCREDIBLE mentors. I got to do research in a neurology lab at the Massachusetts General Hospital, sponsored by the Harvard Medical School. The other RSI person in my lab (a polish girl) and I worked with one of the two or three leading experts in our field (neurofibromatosis-1,2, and schwannomatosis) and Harvard grad and undergrad students. I did work that most kids aren't doing until at least sophomore or junior year in college.

Basically... RSI is the summer program you turn down other summer programs for. This year, 80 students were accepted to RSI. 79 of them came. Only one kid was accepted and turned RSI down, and that was for a place in the IMO. Considering that RSI is considered the most prestigious summer program in the world (possibly), its no wonder that it attracts only the best.

In the words of a famous man, mein freund, "You better believe/the hype is real," for RSI is no-holds-barred, 24/7/42 exposure to the Cambridge/Boston/White Mountains area. You are given full access (and full responsibilities, as well) within the city and surrounding areas. The Kendall T-stop is within 5 minutes' walking distance, and *everything* in Boston is within distance of a T station. Literally, if you want, you do not have to sleep. Literally, if you want, you do not have to go to your room. Literally, if you want, you may go to mentorship and bedcheck and then *disappear* all night. Just please, please, do not turn up dead.


HOPE THAT INSPIRES YOU

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:16 am: Edit

Wrathofgod64:

SAT 1600, PSAT 238

I took the SAT in January before the app was due, but the scores came out after the deadline, so I sent a new score report.

I confirm everything above about stats - any logical admissions officer should realize that standardized scores are as indicative of a person's desire to learn as his toenail length. Lynwood and Nghi are brilliant, brilliant scientists, and even if they don't have the best scores of the applicant pool, they evince a genuine love for science.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:25 am: Edit

thanks allen, appreciate it! lol
lynwood is the coolest. so is allen!
you guys are all cool
i hope we all end up at MIT

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 01:41 am: Edit

No SAT yet but PSAT high enough to qualify for NMSQT Semifinalist. Oh yeah, 800 Math IIc and 800 Physics.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 01:53 am: Edit

yea you shouldn't worry about stats. try finding a job at a lab, or build laser like lyn in your spare time, if that bores you, write a novel like lyn is doing! daymn it lyn! hahaha

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 03:20 pm: Edit

anyone received the 2nd package yet? Lyn asked Matt and he said that we should be getting it either Friday or Monday.

By Crazycyn (Crazycyn) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 05:56 pm: Edit

Stats? i had 1600/240! but at the time of application, it was only a 1570. anyway, from reading this, i gathered that some of you are implying that enough ec's and research experience will make up for a not-stellar score. well, I don't totally agree, because everyone i talked to at rsi last year did have stellar scores. So, i think that in order for the other stuff (ec, research) to make up for a not-stellar score, it needs to be pretty incredible. A little bit of research won't cut it.

Stats are important, i think, so propective rsi people should continue to work on that. I do commend the 1300's people, though, because you must have had some amazing research or ec's! =)

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 06:05 pm: Edit

aww Cynchi Being so nice... That's why I love ya Do I still get to sleep under your bed? hehe.

Yeah. Last year's RSI class had amazing stats, overall... Which just means that, if you got in with less-than-stellar scores, you've got an amazing background. It's not impossible, but just difficult, and good so-called "Stats" certainly help out the overall strength of your application.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 06:13 pm: Edit

i don't know, my "stats" are in the 1300s, but I don't think I have amazing research or ec's.

I was shocked, amazed, and astounded, when my mom told me it was a big envelope from CEE. I found out during the beginning of APUSH, and I couldn't sit still for the rest of the class. I ran around the hallway, I did cartwheels on the lawn, and I went in to thank my recommenders and counselors with THE BIGGEST SMILE and the BIGGEST HUG.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:00 pm: Edit

Awwww thats so nice what you did! All my counselors hate me because they think I forgot to tell them I got in. I found out the week of graduation exit exams, and all the counselors were all over the school-never in their normal spot. I told all the teachers who recommended me. One of my rec teachers was also my test adminstrator, so I ended up telling her first and she was crazy excited. So excited that in 10 minutes everyone in the school knew. She had known what RSI was and how big-deal it was. She told every teacher she saw and every one of her classes. By time I found the councilors, the entire school knew so the counselor assumed I had known for a week-thoguh I had only known for a few hours haha.


Also, Nghi, quit making me sound like a freaking genius science god or something. You make me sound like people should prostrate themselves before me, though I would appreciate that very much if I could get some nice shiny things out of the deal, but seriously, I am not all that great. I am a normal student at the suckiest school in the country reduced to rummaging through junkyards for spare parts.

You are the master cool guy with the awesome research chances. You wrote a grant and got it! You are awesome.

You are the true science wizard. Infact, RSI should change its name to Hogwarts.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:15 pm: Edit

RSI is RSI ;) Hasn't changed in 20 years and, hopefully, shan't!

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:21 pm: Edit

Pharaohl97:

That's pretty cool. I told my recommenders and they didn't even blink. In fact, one of them even asked, "What's RSI"! Oh well.

By Mahras (Mahras) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:21 pm: Edit

crazycyn,

"i had 1600/240! but at the time of application, it was only a 1570"

LOL. DO I need to say anything!!!Only a 1570.
I feel so sorry for you. Poor honey ;)

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:30 pm: Edit

Hey! Only I get to call cynchi honey :-{
But yeah. Most rickoids have 800 quantitative by senior year, easily - the only variance is in verbal.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 12:52 am: Edit

I took one of my professors who wrote a rec for me to a fancy dinner at a restaurant on the hill above the university. He had never been there, neither had I. It was great.

I didn't even tell my teachers I'm going to RSI. They don't know what it is. I just told them that I'm going to do research at MIT or Caltech for the summer.

I went to a math colloquium talk last week at the university where I take math. Dr. Catalin Zaraspoke on Momentum Polytopes. It was a great talk. I told him that I was going to RSI because I knew he had gone to MIT and might know about the program. He immediately became interested and told me that he had also gone to RSI.

Wow! Too cool!

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 05:45 pm: Edit

Hey, that is sooo awesome!

ManyHats, do you have AIM screen name...been seeing you on CC and you are probably the only CC rickoid whose screen name I don't already have.

mine is the same if you want to reach me.


Ecmyhome....are you sure that, that safety school MIT thing even works for nghi and I. We aren't the normal Rickoids.....We don't have the 800M...not even close. I know I said I believed you and I should and I partially do. I am just going to quit the stupid doubt thing. You are going to jump nghi and I in an MIT alleyway aren't you hahaha.

Ecmyhome...message me on AIM as well...My screen name for CC is the same as my screen name on AIM.

By Sirhcv (Sirhcv) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 05:46 pm: Edit

I had NO SAT score or SAT-II scores when I applied; all I had was a pretty good PSAT score. I included some stuff I've done in the application though, that might have helped, then again they might never have looked at it. It seems to me no one will ever truly unravel the mystery of RSI admissions. :-)

I told one of my teachers I got into this program at MIT this summer and not only did she not know what RSI was she asked me where MIT was... But hey I'm going to it for myself, not to tell someone else about it.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 06:13 pm: Edit

hahaa, if it was a program at Notre Dame she would have known where the program was located. Damn High School football obsessed freaks!

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 06:48 pm: Edit

What high schools do the RSI04'ers on this board go to?

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 07:14 pm: Edit

Hahnville High School, the suckiest high school in all the land. I have a few really good teachers who really are preparing me for the future, but most aren't. AP is nonexistant because academics means nothing. Football is all that matters!

God Bless the Football Team. I am suprised we aren't pledging allegiance to the football team every morning.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 08:11 pm: Edit

Pharaohl97 - Haha. You've been talking to me on AIM for weeks. I consider you one of my closest friends when we get to RSI. You just haven't made the connection yet. Funny how the internet works.

If you haven't figured it out yet here's a hint - I'm flying home from NCUR tonight! And don't let the SAT thing bother you. Turn all that misguided energy into what you do best. That's what will get you to MIT.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 08:30 pm: Edit

No way! You joshing me! This is my buddy [beep]! My viking buddy hahaha. Well, Glad I recongize you now hahaha. Well, sorry we wont be in the same time zone anymore :-(....You HAVE to tell me how it went. I want to know EVERYTHING!

o wow, i hate when that happens haha...dont recongize people with these different names.

By Crazycyn (Crazycyn) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 11:19 pm: Edit

wow, pharaohl97, you have all the rickoids' screennames? you kids are silly =). but you don't have mine. i donno if i count, though, cause i'm a counselor this year.
well, i hope when you get to rsi you're at the same campus as your buddies.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 12:08 am: Edit

I don't know...I may have your name. Theirs a counselor on my list who I haven't spoken to yet. IT may be you hahaha. Give your screen name. Im the Rickoid social guy this year I guess hahah. I am never this social...I think im possessed!

I hope im at the same campus as my buddies too. Hopefully MIT. ----or i will hold my breath.

By Wrathofgod64 (Wrathofgod64) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 03:14 am: Edit

wat's rickoid?

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 03:33 am: Edit

That's a secret only the initiated get to know ;)

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 07:28 pm: Edit

Funny Ecismyhome

site locations about to come out.... dum dum dum dummmmmmmmm

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 08:37 pm: Edit

Any news on a more exact date?

By Perale (Perale) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 08:41 pm: Edit

tomorrow by e-mail. We will get forms as attached documents in our e-mail and we have to send them back with our photos by April 30th or so. I talked to Mr. Pasc?? on Thursday

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:21 pm: Edit

Woohoo! Can't wait! Now to find a half-way decent photo. Haha

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 12:04 am: Edit

yay i'm back!

By Firebird12637 (Firebird12637) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 12:15 am: Edit

research experience is definitely weighed much more heavily than SAT scores...

no research, rejected w/ a 1580, 800/800/790

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 02:24 pm: Edit

I broke down and called today (Mon afternoon) to see if I could get dates. They confirmed that date/location assignments will be going out by email, but fudged on exactly when. They would only commit to "this week".

By Perale (Perale) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 05:32 pm: Edit

No e-mail yet. When I called them on Thursday I was told that the e-mail would be sent out either Friday or Monday. I guess we have to wait. I am eagerly waiting......

By Bigsteo (Bigsteo) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 05:36 pm: Edit

Isn't it a win/win situation? (SoCal vs. great city)

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 06:04 pm: Edit

Yeah, it's a win/win. It can't get any better than Caltech/MIT.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:08 pm: Edit

not for me, I've been in CA for half of my life (the other half in vietnam cuz i'm an immigrant), and I've never traveled before. I really want to get out of CA, and enjoy the culture and weather of the east.

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:41 pm: Edit

How about me? I live ten minutes away from Caltech. In fact, if I get to work at Caltech, I can probably drive my car around, maybe even go home for dinner :-D.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:44 pm: Edit

Yea, and I lived at Caltech and worked in Caltech labs last summer. I need to go to MIT this year to see the campus. Its my dream school and its the only way I can afford a campus visit. I didn't like the Caltech atmospher, though it would be cool to see some of my friends from last year again. MIT is new, and I never travelled to New England before.

Not a win/win situation.

By Perale (Perale) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 09:33 pm: Edit

I am more curious to find out my mentor/lab. I have friends at Haavard so it will be nice to see them. I don't think I will go to school in CA so it will be good to spend some time there. I am OK either way. Just getting into RSI was the greatest thing. I am greatful for that.

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 09:52 pm: Edit

the email with campus assignment just arrived here. Check your inbox.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 09:59 pm: Edit

I was just about to send that same post TExas hahaha

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 09:59 pm: Edit

I was just about to send that same post TExas hahaha

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:15 pm: Edit

whoo hoo I'm going to CAMBRIDGE THIS SUMMER!!!

yeaaaaaaa yuuuuuuuh

it's going to be tightness!!!

RSI @ MIT

By Crazycyn (Crazycyn) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:26 pm: Edit

haha.. you guys said you got the email but didn't say what campus. where's everyone gonna be?

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:33 pm: Edit

MIT Babeeeeeeeeeeee

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 11:31 pm: Edit

Caltech for me. This is my mixed rxn face: :-/

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 12:22 am: Edit

Now that I think about it, what dorm are the MIT rickoids in? Apparently CalTech rickoids will be at Avery House.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 12:34 am: Edit

MIT for me.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 12:35 am: Edit

we'll be in Simmons Hall

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 01:59 am: Edit

MIT!!!!!!!!!

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 09:35 am: Edit

Simmons Hall - "the computer chip laying on its side". How can such a new building not have air conditioning?

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 09:41 am: Edit

What is our schedule? Can a counselor or Rickoid tell me. Apparently, we are having humanities lectures. What else do they have in store for us? I think they are teaching us LaTex, is that correct? I didn't think I'd have to do humanities over the summer (yuck) although, I would like to read Frankenstein.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 09:47 am: Edit

Wow, I just found photos of Simmons. What a cool place. http://www.zingtech.com/features/mit/simmons.htm

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 11:57 am: Edit

>" Simmons Hall - "the computer chip laying on its side". How can such a new building not have air conditioning?"

I wondered the same thing. And what's with the "bring money for a fan" business? Does the dorm rent them? Does the bookstore sell them? Are they going to bus everyone to Wal-mart to buy them? Do the windows even open?

By Legionaryobelus (Legionaryobelus) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 03:45 pm: Edit

The letter said so, therefore I am going to Boston. QED.

By Crazycyn (Crazycyn) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 04:18 pm: Edit

To manyhats: the first week is a little different-- each day you guys will have humanities and LaTeX/athena lectures and 2 other lecture classes based on what you signed up for (math/phys/chem/bio). In the evenings you'll have guest lectures. The rest of the weeks you basically do your research and have a few evening lectures during the week. of course, this just covers the academic, not social, side of RSI.

I didn't have a big need for a fan during rsi. yes, they sell mini ones at the campus bookstore. You can buy bigger ones at the mall, but the trick is in getting them back. they do have a shuttle to the mall, but it's still a trek back to the dorm. one guy managed to bring an ac unit all the way back from the mall, so i'm sure you'll manage.

By Senoritacatbert (Senoritacatbert) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 04:30 pm: Edit

I'm going to Bastan!

Wicked.

By Fairyofwind (Fairyofwind) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 05:27 pm: Edit

What's the deal this year, you have to bring your own money? Lol I thought they gave you a mealcard that you can spend however you want?

By Crazyjulie (Crazyjulie) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 06:19 pm: Edit

Your mealcard will only work at food places like the dining hall in Simmons, La Verdes (the grocery store), and some other random restaurant type things. If you want souveneirs or to eat around Boston, you need your own money. And Boston has got some great restaurants...

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 06:28 pm: Edit

Texas - By the look of the photos (above), the windows look as if they barely open. I looked at the average temerature of Boston and it was around 89 degrees average. If it gets hotter, how can these kids sleep/work/think? One of the photos had a small fan near the window. We're from CA, we're used to AC as I'm sure you are.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 06:30 pm: Edit

Crazycyn - AC unit?

By Crazycyn (Crazycyn) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 06:47 pm: Edit

yea, this kid thought he'd die without air conditioning, so he bought one of those window AC units from best buy. there was a shuttle that brought him near MIT, but he still had to carry that thing through campus. i have no idea what he did with it after rsi.
don't worry about the heat-- just get fans at the mall. and if it really is too hot you can always go in one of the other buildings or the athena labs or something.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 03:31 am: Edit

"Mr. Pasc??"
-Paschke.

Cyn, you're talking about Shane, of course? And hey! I noticed you NEVER SIGNED MY SUMMERBOOK.

The athena labs are always pretty well-cooled. W20 in particular will be pretty popular during the hottest days, I have a feeling.

And guys - anyone who's going in with the attitude of "oh man, humanities are gonna suck" is going to be quite surprised. It's not like your typical humanities courses, but instead is actually rather fun. Then again, I'm the rickoid who's going to Yale and majoring in poli.sci. :-P The point is, there's *very little* at RSI that's not at least enjoyable, if not outright fun.

By Sirhcv (Sirhcv) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 08:18 pm: Edit

I'm going off to bwaston too! The whole no AC thing might be a bit tough, but hey I'll get used to it...I hope...

By Haha00 (Haha00) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 08:20 pm: Edit

caltech.

Upsetting only becuase us RSI-caltechers probably won't get an edge when applying to MIT.

and becuase I was really looking forward to a lecture by Noam Chomsky (I'm a big fan- and have read all his works)...oh well!

By Avatar56 (Avatar56) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 09:56 pm: Edit

Yep, Caltech.

I'm pretty excited anyway, and I'm sure we'll still get the same benefits that the rest of the bunch gets when it comes to applications (Axline scholarship maybe?)

By Haha00 (Haha00) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 10:05 pm: Edit

supposedly there are only going to be ~35 of us at caltech (as opposed to 75 at MIT). I wonder if thats a good thing?

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 10:23 pm: Edit

Yup. There will be, I hear, around 30 RSI04-West, and about 80 (50 nationals + 30 internationals) at RSI04-East.

By Haha00 (Haha00) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 10:30 pm: Edit

so..there won't be any internationals at caltech?

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 11:00 pm: Edit

I was under the impression RSI04Caltech would have 35 total - 25 domestic/10 international

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 11:27 pm: Edit

Ecismyhome - I have a question I'm hoping to ask you (or Paul) off-list. The email address in your profile doesn't work. I've put my email in my profile temporarily. Would you mind emailing me?

By Crazyjulie (Crazyjulie) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 03:08 am: Edit

Hey everyone. For anyone who doesn't know, I'm one of the counselors for RSI 04 at MIT. As far as the division of MIT/Caltech, it's about 80/30 and there are international kids at both campuses. If you have any questions, feel free to email or IM me: Julie1126F@aol.com

By Chatterjoy87 (Chatterjoy87) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 08:03 pm: Edit

RSI...I hope I can get in...

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 10:27 pm: Edit

I have some questions about that new batch of forms.

First, what's with the science classes during the first week? Participants are supposed to choose 2 out of "mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics". What level are these classes? If you choose 2 things you like but already know a lot about, is the class going to be too elementary? Should you choose the 2 things you know the least about even if you are not particularly interested in them?

How about this question: "If you were given a preference, which computer language would you learn?" Does this assume no prior knowledge of a computer language? What if you're already highly proficient in one of them and have not felt any particularly need to learn a new one? Should you put down the one you already know, or a new one?

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 12:52 am: Edit

Ahhh, we had the exact same question about the science/math classes. My son chose the classes that he likes best. Second question - My son knows basic, C, C++, java, and others. The language he is now teaching himself is LISP. So, that's what he put down.
We called CEE to find out what these forms were for, since they ask many of the same questions we already answered. They told us that these forms would be of use to the mentors and also helpful in making the press releases.

Hope that helps.

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 03:08 pm: Edit

I'm proficient in C and C++, so I just put down Java as what I wanted to learn. Besides, I'll be taking AP Java next year.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 07:35 pm: Edit

I am going to put down Visual Basic because I recently started learning it and I want to become good at it. I am already fairly good at C++ but I find it boring. Visual Basic is so much fun. I guess I will put that down.

Also, I will probably choose chemistry and physics since I will most likely use both of those in my physics research. Also, I don't care all that much for biology. I just like the genetics neuroscience parts of it. As for math, my school sucks and I am far behind everyone else in it. Haven't had Calc yet. I would rather not show everyone how stupid I am.

I know they cannot tell us who our mentor is, but I just wish they would at least give us a general idea of what we will be researching. That would allow us to prepare or think about the stuff prior to RSI.

By Worried1 (Worried1) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 08:34 pm: Edit

Manyhats- What about Parents' Work Histories, etc? Any idea what that's about?

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 10:27 pm: Edit

>" Manyhats- What about Parents' Work Histories, etc? Any idea what that's about?"

I'm not Manyhats, but I wondered the same thing. Seems kind of intrusive to me, with no explanation of why they want all that parental info.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 11:18 pm: Edit

I don't know about the parents forms. Interesting though.

We just came home from buying a suit, ties, shoes, socks for 3x's/week. Didn't do too bad, $450. My husband is upset about the cost. What are you all going to do for the formal wear for 3x's/week? Is there dry cleaning? laundry? I'm sure most kids only have one suit/sports coat, if that.

Now I have to get photos. Wonder where I can get them? I may have to take the photo myself.

RSI is coming up fast. My son has end of semester tests, and finals. Then one week off. Then RSI!!!!!!

Oh, did anyone receive an invite from West Point's Academic Workshop?

Did you get your NMQST letters yet? I think our school must be sitting on them.

-Manyhats Mom

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 07:37 am: Edit

O, My mom keeps talking about that Westpoint thing >.<

She keeps wanting me to do everything I don't want to do.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 01:02 pm: Edit

Formal wear? I only brought one change of formal clothes, and that was more than enough. The formalities are only for the first week and the Tuesday-Thursday lectures, and then at the very end, the closing. There's plenty of time to wash one set of clothes.
Keep in mind: RSI is at a college campus. This means that there are accommodations as befits a college campus - laundry/dryer/haircuts/etc. My parents had me pack a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and sent me off.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 01:44 pm: Edit

Is each of these lectures coat and tie? I was planning to bring one coat, and maybe 3 ties and shirts, and possible 4 dress pants. How did you make it with only one set of dress clothes Ecmyhome? Dry Cleaning is expensive! My dad already is talking about cutting down on how much green he is sending me there with after he found out about that whole $ 700 MIT card that can be used on campus. My mom wont let him shortchange me though lol. Now, I am guessing its wise to tell them to also keep in mind dry-cleaning when I get my travel money.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 01:47 pm: Edit

Definitely coat and tie. Mrs. D is a stickler for appearance, and I remember the counselors saying that she once chastised a boy for wearing white socks with their formal shoes. You NEED to make a good impression on her.
I made it through the 6 weeks by coming home from the lab early, changing into my clothes, leaving lecture asap, and coming back to the dorm and changing into other clothes.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 02:15 pm: Edit

Another Rickoid04' was talking about how a research paper is to be written as boring and concise as possible. I was wondering, why would anyone write a paper like that on something they are certainly passionate about? I am sure that this is just how he was taught to write a paper because they are regional differences in various forms of literature. I have noticed where many research papers from the northern areas have come close to making my eyes roll back into my head and teeth to cringe in the agony of boredom, while most southern papers enhance the marvels of the actual research with good writing. This parallels much of US literature. I think the puritan influence is just stronger in the north-the whole simple style.

I don't know. I just refuse to write a boring paper. I think its like doing the research an injustice. Why work 4 weeks on a project, come to love it, and then tell the whole world its the most boring piece of crap ever devised- that’s blasphemy!

I am not talking about going around and using similes and metaphors and all these literary devices. Not talking about any, “ I filled the test tube with lighten speed and the precision of a hawk, blah blah blah” crap. I am talking about just having good diction and using proper analogies, if your project calls for you to explain why something is happening in a way those who are not familiar with the topic may understand.

I just think how you present something is just as important, to the reader, as what is actually said. I know that’s not how it is suppose to be (information for the sake information), but that’s how the mind works. Our ability to comprehend and enjoy something depends on how it is written. IF your first impression is boring, chances are, you won't get the most out of it. You will be quicker to open and more ready to cherish a present wrapped in beautiful paper than you would one wrapped in torn-ugly newspaper.

I am going to be excited about my research so I am going to find the right wording to make sure that all the information is presented as best as possible, but also that the readers will be in that "wow" stage and, in turn, read more closely and get a higher understanding of the research project in general.

Why teach people that science is boring when it is just so much fun! Its not a secret club that we are trying to keep all for ourselves.

I don't know. Sory. Just ignore the artsy ranting guy.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 02:24 pm: Edit

Also, does that mean she gets angry if it is not all-conservative black and white penguin attire? I don't like wearing black suits so I haven't since like 1999. I have a very dark complexion so I usually go with browns, tans, and subtle grayish-greens. Blacks don’t compliment dark skin! I am not doing a research project on invisibility to the best of my knowledge lol. I don't wear anything tacky or ugly, mind you. But it just deviates from the standard black/white/grays. Should I be worried?

Which, if she does get angry, I am not quite sure of my reaction being that I am usually a strict nonconformist. Thoreau and Emerson have had quite an affect on me. Yet, then again, I wouldn’t want that to keep me out of MIT either.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 02:26 pm: Edit

Oh no no. Basically... if you wouldn't wear it to a formal dinner, don't wear it, but generally suits are fine. My friend Jesse always wore a cream suit with a pretty pimp hat, and that was fine. He was a sharp dresser, though.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 02:32 pm: Edit

Ok, thats good. That sounds like the type of stuff I wear. I like to wear the old 1920s bebop hat but I dont wear it indoors and usually cream color suits also. Jesse souds like a sharp dresser. Ok, so I am fine-no worries.

However, I have been guilty of the white sock thing a few times lol. But only at 7h00 in morning Sunday Mass when my dress socks were nowhere to be found and I didn't feel like searching for them. I pretty much said screw it, I am wearing a big white robe over it anyhow.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 02:32 pm: Edit

Yeah. That's almost exactly how Jesse used to dress

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 02:43 pm: Edit

Hey ECMYHOME, do you think i would be approaching the paper badly. Writing something boring is just not me yah know. I would feel bad having so much excitment and then taking the dullsville route.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 02:52 pm: Edit

Just write how you would normally write. There's a ton of peer and staff editing, and if you've done something egregriously wrong, they'll let you know.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 03:16 pm: Edit

Hahaha Pharaohl97 You make me laugh out loud. If you don't mind, can I use your thought, "I filled the test tube with lighten speed and the precision of a hawk." Ha,that's a great one!

Last year guys wore suits and sports coats in all colors. You'll be fine. -you have 4 pairs of dress pants? wow

About the research writing styles - This is what I've found out. I've submitted my research for publication three times. Each time the editor wanted a different writing style. For my university pub., they wanted extra plain vanilla. For NCUR they wanted something more. The national publication I submitted to, just e-mailed me and they want it personalized so readers can be drawn in and excited about it. So, I think you can write in most any style and it'll be fine.

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 04:25 pm: Edit

The westpoint thing isn't free, though... :-/

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 04:33 pm: Edit

Ya, you have to pay for everything with the Westpoint thing. YAYYYYY, I will pay you to yell at me all day-no thanks. I could never join the military. I always have to ask why- I am not a follow orders never ask questions type. And anyone who invades my personal bubble with in-yo-face spitty-showers and dangerous decibal level screams is going to leave the experience with about 5 teeth fewer than they came with. I guess the WEstpoint fee can cover the dentist bill.


O thanks Manyhats...its strange...you people are the only people who ever think im funny. I like it. I like it alot :-D

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 05:03 pm: Edit

Oh, I think the fee is just $300. isn't it? I think that is just to make sure people show up. I though that this might work out well with RSI being a half a week later. I have a friend in ROTC and I think he might of rubbed off on me a little. But no I'm not into yo-in your face-"spitty" thing either. Hahaha

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 05:08 pm: Edit

300 is a lot of money.

Its not all the military. The airforce is pretty laid back and cool. I did JROTC in airforce for two years. I absolutely LOVED IT. The instructors were great. I talked to them all the time. One was this really really conservative guy and he and I would argue every class about politics. He would call me a knucklehead I would call him an idiot. It was just soooooo fun. I really miss that.

I miss those people so much.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 04:37 pm: Edit

What two schools are you listing for NMSQT?

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 08:29 pm: Edit

Only 47 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:18 pm: Edit

Heheheh...

I listed MIT and Caltech. I dunno if it has any effect at all but they are really my top two choices (also interested in Stanford, Berkeley, CMU, Purdue, Olin).

By Dreamergirl05 (Dreamergirl05) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:22 pm: Edit

what is rsi?

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:29 pm: Edit

Goto http://www.cee.org/rsi/index.shtml to find out.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 03:59 am: Edit

"what is rsi?"
-How many times has this been asked, now?

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 10:23 am: Edit

I really would like to stay in CA. So I'm thinking Caltech and Stanford, but what if I really like MIT?

Gottagetout - Why CMU, Purdue and Olin? What attracts you to these schools? I've researched Carnegie Mellon a little. Great computer science department.

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 11:36 am: Edit

Olin is free!

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 04:31 pm: Edit

All Olin students get a full ride. Olin is project-based engineering. Good school. New school.

CMU has a great CS department and is generally a good school (although not one of my top choices).

Purdue is a very good all-around public school. Good engineering. Good aero/astro (a lot of astronauts). Nice town (West Lafayette, IN). Oh, and my parents went there :-P. (mainly a back-up)

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 06:39 pm: Edit

Lets Charge everyone 5 dollars who ask to know what RSI is and is too lazy to either read a few post or google it.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 11:49 pm: Edit

anyone started Frankenstein yet?

I don't want to read it again, but ironically, it's my favorite book in terms of theme. I hate romanticism, and Mary Shelley was definitely a romantic author. =(

By Varr (Varr) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 09:43 am: Edit

Hey guys, first of congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! im so glad you all made it into RSI!!!

I'm a current sophomore ( Female, International from Mexico) and I just told my parent about RSI and they support my decicion of applying!!!!!!

(I thought they would say "Why would you want to go?", but no they were happy to see how much I wanted to do, since we were planning on going to Europe again that summer.)

However I do have a question:
Im about to move to the US, so I will take the PSAT, although I wont have time to prepare for it since Ill be taking the SATIIBilogyM in October and the SATII Chemistry in Nov, And the SATII Spanish ( just for fun, I know I wont benefit from it but I want to see just how hard it really is)
I will not have NEW SAT score by the time I apply for RSI, since Ill be taking it in March 2005.

From what I have heard, one must show real passion for science, thats great I have that in the bag, I was just wondering about the test scores.

Oh guys would you please mention other programs similar as RSI??

Thanks,
Varenka

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 12:13 pm: Edit

do a forum search for RSI or "summer programs" and you'll find a bunch of previous disussion of alternatives to RSI. There's one at MIT specifically for girls called WTP (Women in Technology Program)that sounds good. Here's a link to a list of math camps:
http://www.ams.org/employment/mathcamps.html

Someone has previously posted a link to a similar site with science camps.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 06:28 pm: Edit

Living proof that scores aren't everything

Rickoid04'

--1310 here

Just do your best, wish you all the luck. :-))

_____________________________________________
Nah, I haven't started reading yet. I have about 19 books to read before I get there. I guess maybe I should move it up on my list-don't know yet.

I haven't even filled out the paperwork yet. It ask for so much junk that I don't even know what to do. Most of the crap has already been sent in with the intial application.

BTW, has anyone here ever read the short story Jonny Pye and the Fool-killer. I seriously suggest it to everyone. It is THE BEST story II have ever had the pleasure of reading.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 06:38 pm: Edit

No, I just ordered it. Right now, I am reading "Illium", another good book.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 07:26 pm: Edit

In the last 24 hours, I have read The Pocketbook of modern american short stories, shenadoah 1992, road to self discovery, and i am about to start reading shenadoah 1990.

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 10:50 pm: Edit

You can read Frankenstein online -- for free. Check out the RSI info center website. There is a link there to the University of Virginia's etext project that has been approved by Paschke et. al.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 12:28 am: Edit

i'm reading NATIVE SON by Richard Wright, omg what a disturbing BOOK!!!

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 12:17 pm: Edit

What is everyone doing this summer other than RSI? I am going to work on my physics research a bit. Go to the beach a lot. Well, a lot for me. Read great books. Maybe I'll try out some of the books mentioned above.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 12:50 pm: Edit

Oh man. I loved Native Son when I read it! Great stuff.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 09:34 pm: Edit

I am going to read and sleep. That's about it. I will only have 20 days of summer before RSI. Thats enough time to do all my homework. School starts about a week after RSI ends.

so...preRSI=summer homework time. O, I will also start working on my application material.

I am such a boring loser boy

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 11:08 am: Edit

Is anyone planning to bring a laptop even though it is "discouraged"? I guess a couple of students brought them last year. Some students were talking about having a lan party this year. Surely this is not on Linux/Unix. I am doing computer science/computer vision. I don't see how I can do this w/o my laptop.

Ecismyhome or Me^4 - The students who brought laptops last year, were they doing computer science? Also, what book did you read last year?

By Crazyjulie (Crazyjulie) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 03:42 pm: Edit

I can answer both of your questions Manyhats:
VERY few kids (like maybe 3 out of 79) brought laptops last year. And I actually don't think that any of them were doing CS. I also don't know of anyone who spent the summer wishing they had brought a laptop. The clusters are always open, and they have everything you need. There's also a social scene going on at the clusters, so you should be spending some time there anyways. The biggest reason not to bring a computer is that it has a good chance of being stolen, which sucks, and RSI will not be responsible for that. My advice: don't do it. RSI has been doing this a long time, and if you actually needed a computer, they would tell you intead of actively discouraging it.

Just about a month and a half more till MIT!! Can't wait to meet you all!

By Crazyjulie (Crazyjulie) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 03:43 pm: Edit

Oops! As for book, we read The Great Gatsby.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 05:20 pm: Edit

Crazyjulie - Thanks for answering. Yes, I can't wait either.

I was planning on programming in C++ or Perl. I have no idea how to program in Linux. If I have to learn Linux well enough to program my research, I may just about spend my 6 weeks learning Linux.

Crazyjulie - Where are you going to school in the fall? What is your major?

Boy, very hot day here. 105 degrees!

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 10:45 pm: Edit

Hahaha... it's amusing. Paul hasn't been around for MONTHS, and yet people still reference him. Heck, I'd do the same.
The students who brought laptops were previously told by their mentors that they would need them, I believe. (Jul & Cyn - Connie used hers as an intrinsic part of her research... I'm guessing she knew beforehand?)
Uhh... Manyhats, you know, Linux is an OS, not a programming language. You can program in Perl, C++, Java, php, etc. on a Linux box. I, personally, would not bring a laptop. There will be plenty of computer access.

By Crazyjulie (Crazyjulie) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 12:24 am: Edit

I second what Jason said about Linux...you still will be using C++ or Perl to program. In fact, those are the two most commonly used ones for RSI projects I'd bet. (Perl more than C++ though)

And I'm going to Stanford. Go Cardinal!! When it came down to it, Stanford was so much more...me...than MIT.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 03:41 am: Edit

not a lot of rickoids are going to MIT. =(

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 03:45 am: Edit

what did you guys do with Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby? Discuss themes, style, characters?

I think the book this year is more fitting for a science program.

Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. Lots of morality and ethics concerning the boundary of science in it. Read it in 10th grade. Love it ever since. Great book.

Why did you choose Stanford over MIT Julie?
and i love writing in fragmented sentences =)

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:57 am: Edit

I guess I should probably talk with my mentor.
When do we hear from RSI again concerning mentors? Does anyone know?

Crazyjulie - I would also like to know why you choose Stanford. Right now Stanford is my #2 school. I toured it last summer. I spoke to a couple of math/science professors. It was great!

By Crazyjulie (Crazyjulie) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 05:17 pm: Edit

For me, the main pulls of MIT were location and people I already knew. Boston is an amazing college city (the only negative is that it gets so cold ). And there are a TON of rickoids in the area.

But ultimately, I realized that those were really the only pulls for me. I can do research at Stanford as well. The student body is more diverse, both socially and academically. I can study math/cs like I want to without completely giving up humanities stuff like international relations. Also, I REALLY want to study abroad, and Stanford has great programs for that and really supports it, whereas MIT is a little lacking in the area.

What it came down to in the end was the people and the atmosphere on campus. Now, I totally do not believe that admit weekends are a good measure of college life, but it does give you the chance to meet a lot of people. And don't get me wrong--I love my RSI friends at MIT. But the rest of the people I met at Stanford were just a little more me...more laid back I think. And that's true of the campus atmosphere as well. MIT is very intense--both in work and play. I'd be fine with that, and a lot of people love it, but Stanford is way more chill and laid back. You get a great education AND you have fun doing it. What more could I want?

Side note--according to everyone I meet, I'm VERY California.

Alright...I'm done.

By Crazycyn (Crazycyn) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 10:48 pm: Edit

I second that... Julie is VERY California. She was meant for Stanford.

About the mentor question (manyhats):
You may or may not hear from your mentor before RSI starts. It is totally up to the mentor whether or not to contact you, and they usually only contact you if they want you to bring or read something. But, don't count on them contacting you. In fact, I think sometimes mentors aren't even lined up for everyone up until RSI has started. I know sometimes it's nice to know beforehand... I wish my mentor had contacted me beforehand so I could have prepared for some of the background info. Oh well, you'll still have an amazing research experience.

All this talk about MIT and Stanford... what about interest in Harvard-- where I'm going!

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 11:43 pm: Edit

Julie is Stanford's archetypal student (hot, smart, Californian. Female.).
What about interest in Yale, yo?
Err. I suppose I'm an anomaly. The whole Political Science thing (Deberg, anyone?).

(If thoughts appear disjointed... I was just playing some Unreal Tournament vs. superlative bots)

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:02 am: Edit

jeez lol all of you rickoids are soooo intelligent.

cynthia at harvard
jason at yale
julie at stanford
paul at MIT(?)

By Crazycyn (Crazycyn) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:18 pm: Edit

paul's at harvard
and arup's at MIT

but you know, you and all of the other rickoids '04 will be getting into the same schools.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:27 pm: Edit

[-o< praying that is so

Nothings wrong with political science. I am not a pure science guy either and would never want to be. World is so much more interesting when you can have a passion for knowledge whatever form it takes.

Also, Yale kicks bass

Its my #3 choice school

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 12:36 am: Edit

13 more days of school
3 more finals
2 more SAT II's
1 more ap exam
1 more ACT
..and then it's Boston and Las Vegas whoo hoo

lyn, stop hating on columbia =)

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 03:51 pm: Edit

not hating on columbia. columbia is great. Its just not MIT


J'adore MIT

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:01 pm: Edit

11 days of school
3 finals
4 more end-of semester tests
1 biology essay and presentation
2 English essays
1 SAT
(darn it Static-now I'm depressed, I've got to get off of here and hit it)
but then....Summer and RSI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Static - Las Vegas? Holiday?

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:12 pm: Edit

Here, all my work is done and I am looking forward to a stress-free week in portland oregan away from parents, schoool, and work.


Don't ya'll all hate me

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:38 pm: Edit

haha i sure do lyn =)

Manyhats, i'm going to las vegas to celebrate my older sister's graduation. She's getting her pharmacy degree.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:38 pm: Edit

haha i sure do lyn =)

Manyhats, i'm going to las vegas to celebrate my older sister's graduation. She's getting her pharmacy degree.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 08:29 pm: Edit

Static - Congrats to your sister.
Pharaohl - School is over for you? Wow. What are you going to do n Portland? Sounds great!

By Kinglz (Kinglz) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 09:12 pm: Edit

I'm assuming he's going to ISEF, woot 2 more days before departure.

By Pariah_Papaya (Pariah_Papaya) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 10:11 pm: Edit

Quick question for all of you; which computer language would be a good one to choose?

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 10:00 pm: Edit

C++!

I don't know much about Java, but C++ is less cumbersome than C and just as powerful. I've also heard that Java has a lot of hindrances (no passing by reference, etc.).

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 07:50 am: Edit

I like C++...I want to be better at it but I also want to learn perl so on my paper i put both

I am thinking about doing some AI work oneday so i figured that I would have to learn PERL.


Manyhats, school hasnt' ended yet. I have 3 weeks left. Its just that ISEF is allowing me a week off which is awesome! Then I just have to come back to school for one week and then the final week is exams. So stress-free next week. whoohoo.


I am just so happy to get away from the craziness at school, with exam cramming from students and teachersl and my parents breathing behind my neck 24/7.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 10:31 am: Edit

I put LISP because I taken classes in the other languages except PERL, which I am teaching myself now.

Pharaohl97 - Are you entered at ISEF? Or just observing? What did you enter? Are you going with your school/alone/parent? I don't know anything about ISEF as no one at my school has ever entered. Their web site is complicated for someone without prior knowledge.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 02:33 pm: Edit

O its nothing big just a science fair. You do a project, you enter it, and you compete. If you win a first or second place overall at your regional fair, you get a free trip to internationals, usually. Its an awesome fun time. No parents, no teachers, just a drunk chaperon who lets you go wherever you want and do whatever you want. I am competing....WEll, I am losing to be more exact. I won't place but it is fun just the same.

I entered that diamangetic levitation device I told you about.

You will enter next year definately. Its really just a standard fair.

Standard display board presentation.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 03:26 pm: Edit

I would like to enter Intel's contest. How does it work? You probably all think I'm insane asking but my school doesn't have a science fair and I have no idea how it all works. Also, Intel's site seems to be written for people who know something about the fair. As far as I can make out, from Intel's web site, the student must first enter a local or state science contest. You probably entered one from your school or district. Then the top 2 winners go to Intel. Is this correct? Is there a better chance to win if you enter different fairs? How do you get into a local contest. We have a county contest that starts with registration in Feb. then awards in May. If you don't know that your a winner until May, how can a student do Intel the same year?

Pharaohl97 - This means you won 1st or 2nd place at a fair - GREAT JOB! Have fun, wish I was going.

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 04:30 pm: Edit

Manyhats - my son is in the same position (knowing nothing about Intel, ISEF, etc). There are probably a lot of people going to RSI who have not participated in anything like a science fair before. I've been assuming that everyone would learn something about the contests while they are at RSI. RSI alumni, is that a safe assumption?

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 06:52 pm: Edit

I assume that most students know about Intel years in advance from high school. I want to know what's going on before I get to RSI, to be able to "keep up".

Texas - What have you worked out from their web site?

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 07:10 pm: Edit

I assume that students have *heard* of all these contests, I'm just not assuming that they know the particulars of actually entering. Many students attend high schools where no one does those sorts of competitions.

I would like to hear from some of the RSI alums on this, but I think part of the purpose of RSI is to make sure everyone knows the particulars and to give them assistance in packaging their projects with these contests in mind.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 09:43 pm: Edit

So will someone please answer my questions?

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 12:29 am: Edit

Ahhh, I got the info. Cancel the last question. Much thanx

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 03:07 am: Edit

bringing the RSI thread back to life!

so who didn't turn in their 5/7 requested info?

i didn't =)

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 10:54 am: Edit

Static - Why not?

Only 40 days to go. Massive amounts of work in the next three weeks...but then...

CAN'T WAIT!!!!

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 12:13 pm: Edit

Manyhats - did you see this post from Vector on the MIT forum? In case you wanted more info on the competitions (and hoping Vector doesn't mind).....

"siemens is due around oct. 1 and intel science talent search is due around nov. 15, so brum I'm afraid to say you have absolutely on chance of doing a project.

the two main intel competitions:

Intel Science Talent Search (formerling the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, first beguin in 1942): http://www.sciserv.org/sts

Do a research project, complete an application that's more comprehensive than most college applications, send that in along with the paper, and cross your fingers (<--- the most prestigious high school sci competition in the world).

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair: http://www.sciserv.org/isef. Do a sci research project, no paper, relatively simpler application, present at regional competitions, if you win in your category, you go to the national (err sort of international) competition somewhere in the U.S. to present your project. Poster presentation


Siemens-Westinghouse Competition: http://www.siemens-foundation.org/

Westinghosue sold the Science Talent Search to Intel b/c they were going bankrupt, but after doing that, they were like "DAMN WE'RE STUPID". Westinghouse was bought up by Siemens AG (based in Germany) and Siemens used the Westinghouse name to start another science competition that's pretty prestigious. Do a research project, write a paper, VERY simple 1 page application, send the paper and application, keep fingers crossed. If you become a regional finalist, go to your regional competition (held at one of 6 universities, MIT being one of the hosts), and if you win your regional (1 out of 6 people for individual, and usually 1 out of 3 teams for team projects), you advance to nationals.

Because Siemens results come much earlier, if you get regional finalist, you're basically guaranteed admissions to MIT (also b/c MIT is one of the host regional host universities), as was my ticket in"

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 02:14 pm: Edit

"Because Siemens results come much earlier, if you get regional finalist, you're basically guaranteed admissions to MIT (also b/c MIT is one of the host regional host universities), as was my ticket in"
-I disagree. Siemens reg. finalist doesn't *guarantee* MIT admissions... it'll definitely help, but your overall package still has to be somewhat strong. National finalist may "guarantee" admissions, but that's only because the national finalists are a very well-selected group, and it's difficult to reach that level without being well-qualified.

By Yazabanza (Yazabanza) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 03:08 pm: Edit

hey, RSI '04 at Caltech here
just found this board and decided to say hello
Counting down the days to CA!

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 06:31 pm: Edit

Yazabanza - Welcome. So you're going to RSI Caltech - cool! What are you researching?

Texas - Thanks. Yeh, I saw that. What does vector mean by "...so brum I'm afraid to say you have absolutely on chance of doing a project"? None of the RSI students have started their projects. Does he mean Brun doesn't have a chance of finding a project, finding a mentor, working on the project, and submitting it because of time constraints?

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 06:39 pm: Edit

So Pharaohl97 - How'd you do at ISEF? It's been pretty quite here with you up in Portland.

By John314 (John314) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 08:55 pm: Edit

Hey all - I just found this place too.
I'll be at MIT this summer. Can't wait to meet everyone!

By Yazabanza (Yazabanza) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 09:42 pm: Edit

yep, i'm heading to Caltech. i'm not exactly sure what i will be researching but (if my app and info packet get me anywhere)i hope to work at the nasa jet propulsion lab. Who knows though. I wonder how RSI Caltech will compare to MIT? I think it will be great but I guess we'll have to wait and see....

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 10:15 pm: Edit

>"What does vector mean by "...so brum I'm afraid to say you have absolutely on chance of doing a project"?"

Oh, the original post asking about Siemens was from someone doing a non-research program that was going to consume most of the summer. Shouldn't apply to RSI people.

By Pippin1 (Pippin1) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 10:32 pm: Edit

manyhats i'm so happy someone finally mentioned LISP, it is a powerful, perhaps the SINGLE most powerful language for programmng AI.
I use C++ mainly for encryption

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 10:35 pm: Edit

ooh.
Encryption I have a good friend who's done some very fun stuff with elliptical curve crypto.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 11:17 pm: Edit

Yazabanza and John 314 - What did you put on your RSI ap for your primary field of interest. I put AI/computer vision.

Pippin 1 - I started to do research on computer science/encription but it ended up to be applied mathematics. Weird huh!

Yazabanza - I've been to JPL several times. You are gonna have a great time! Are you from CA?

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 12:52 am: Edit

Pippin1: What are you talking about?!?! bf beats any dialect of LISP any day at AI. I could code a Bayes net in (many hundreds of) seconds in bf!

Come on, acknowledge the other great AI languages!

Also, anyone who is interested in applied mathematics in computing, check out UC Davis. Their applied math department is really up and coming especially with quantum computation and crypto.

By Yazabanza (Yazabanza) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 01:53 pm: Edit

manyhats- i put aeronautical/chemical engineering as my primary field of interest. I basically requested Caltech b/c I think researching at JPL would be so awesome. I also haven't been to SoCal before; I go to the arkansas school for math and science and the farthest west i've been is Las Vegas. Definently looking forward to spending 6 weeks under the CA sun though. Even though there are less people, I think RSI Caltech will be as awesome and rewarding as MIT. CANT WAIT TILL JUNE 27!!!! AOL SN is yazabanza if anyone wants to chat...

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 03:47 pm: Edit

I may come to RSI Caltech (after MIT) sometime during the last week, to meet some of you RSI-techers.

Yazabanza - What do you think you'll be doing with aeronautical/chemial engineering? Have you already done research in this area before? Sounds interesting!

You are going to have a great time in CA! I've been to Caltech many times, JPL as well. Do you know in which dorms you be staying? I think the Caltech group will get very tight as they are a smaller group. I've never been to Ark.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 04:15 pm: Edit

Haha...
Keep in mind that during the last week, people will be INCREDIBLY sleep-deprived and insanely busy. You'll understand
That said, it's always nice to meet rickoids.

By Texas137 (Texas137) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 04:37 pm: Edit

Manyhats - the Caltech rickoids will be staying in Avery.

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 04:48 pm: Edit

This occurred to me a few months ago, but I didn't think anyone would know:

RSI is old enough so that, conceivably, the first of the second generation Rickoids could be of age to attend RSI. Have there been or are there any 2G rickoids of which anyone knows?

By Pippin1 (Pippin1) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 05:35 pm: Edit

"Pippin 1 - I started to do research on computer science/encription but it ended up to be applied mathematics. Weird huh!" Not really... crypto is a lot of math....

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 07:38 pm: Edit

retook the SAT scores, and it raped me... =(

I don't think MIT will be too pleased with what I got.

Its average is 1470, I am about 110 pts below.
Wow. this blows.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 09:13 pm: Edit

heh.
My freshman sister got a 1420. Just found out today on CBoard online.
Then again, she has good genes ;)
Too bad she's busy competing at ISEF right now, or I could tell her how well she scored.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 10:59 pm: Edit

hey jason, should i keep the score? or retake it in october? I'm too dejected to retake it.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 11:05 pm: Edit

Blah! I was only kidding... I would, however, re-take it. If not for MIT, for my own dignity ;)
I'm j/k again. But seriously, there's a lot of reasons to re-take it. I would.

By Webhappy2 (Webhappy2) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 11:31 pm: Edit

What's your breakdown? If you really have been in a tough family situation w/ very little time for recreational reading, then verbal is quite difficult to bring up in one summer.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 12:33 am: Edit

MAY SAT: 1360
M 710
V 650

=(

I'll be doing RSI this summer, so I don't know if I have time to prep for the SAT. Plus, I have 2 books to read for AP English Lit over the summer(Brave New World and Amadeus). Then when Fall begins, all of those science and college applications to fill out and enter. No time.

What do you suggest jason? IM me on AIM: xv137xferhxl1f3

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 02:03 am: Edit

My mentor just contacted me! =D. I'll have to read 5 papers on mitochondrial mutations.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 10:15 am: Edit

Static - Tough luck on your scores. I'm also licking my wounds. I scored higher but my score is still lower than all 8 of my practice tests. Must of had a bad day.

MIT's 50 percentile is now 1490 (College Board). If you have your heart set on MIT, take it again. It'll be tough but I'm going to do it too because Caltech's 50 percentile is 1525!

Allencheng - Wow, I hope I hear from my mentor. Did he call you? e-mail?

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 07:46 pm: Edit

Manyhats - I'm not surprised that Caltech's SAT median is relatively high, given the swarm of SAT tutoring classes offered around here, Southern Cali. I'm not sure about how it is everywhere else in the nation (Southern Cal is like a nation in itself) but I think over 80% of my junior class takes tutoring classes for various tests.

Jenny Sendova, one of the coordinators, found my mentor and contacted me via email. I guess I was done pretty early, but expect something soon! They're working their butts off to match students with mentors.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 05:18 pm: Edit

Jenny Sendova is awesome. She was once the national ping-pong champion in Bulgaria, I believe.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 01:10 pm: Edit

Yo,

I just got back last night.

I didn't win :-(

But a lot of Rickoids did and I am happy about that. I know for sure that 1 rickoid04' won 3rd place and another best of cat.

Ofcourse, the Rickoids03' all cleaned up :-)

WEll, I always have next year I reckon. WE all do!!!

Ummmm.....

Static, just use your ACT. MIT average ACT is a 31 and you have a 30, I think. You said you dont have time to raise the SAT so dont worry about it. You have a 96-99% chance of acceptance anyhow. I think its like 1-3 a year rejected domestically who do RSI. Just be sincere in your application and take time on it. I am starting my app in early june if you want to work on them together. I'm game

WEll, I will catch you online once I get to my house. I am at my auntie house because my parents are at my brother-in-law's graduation. My auntie has AOHELL so i cant get on instant messenger at the moment. not to mention how much i hate the slow connection.

WEll, anyway talk to you later...been calling your cell but no answer :-(


Manyhats, thanks for asking about me. I feel missed hahaha. So how are you doing? has your week been going well. I do hope so.

alright bye cousin wants the comptuer grrrr. I need to go home!!!

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 11:11 pm: Edit

congrats to Paul aka memememe for winning 3rd place in INTEL ISEF!!! =)

he's a rickoid'03

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 09:36 pm: Edit

Just 34 days to go!
The first half of my end-of-semester tests and essays are done. That just leaves a couple of tests and essays, then finals. Next Friday, the 27th at 1:50 I am a free agent (except for a SAT.) Then I get to go to tennis camp, and RSI!

What are you all going to do between finals and RSI?

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 10:20 pm: Edit

I'm reading, programming, researching, etc. etc. whilst traveling to and from New York City and Mobile, Alabama.

By Avatar56 (Avatar56) on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 10:55 pm: Edit

I'm in school.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 11:41 pm: Edit

Gottagetout - Are you going to NY and AL on vacation? What are you programming?

Avatar - Year round or summer school?

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 12:23 am: Edit

Manyhats: I am travelling to both as vacations/sightseeing trips with my parent(s). Business engagements == cheap vacation when you tag along.

I will be programming both solvers for r3, the function of non-averaging sets (Erdos put a $10k bounty on a closed asymptotic formula for r3), as well as a distributed enterprise application for information management and manipulations in schools and offices. I would be happy to elaborate on either if you so wish. Also, I would like to hear of others' programming or engineering projects (or chemistry, physics, bio, whatever; though my interest currently lies in EECS/ME/general engineering as well as phyics and chem (not much of a bio person (and i like nesting))).

On a side note: has anyone here applied for a patent? I have an invention that urgently needs patenting but I am rather unsure how to go about it cheaply/efficiently/economically especially for a HS student.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 09:58 pm: Edit

Who here has heard back from their mentors.

I have yet to get a message from them, however I am hoping to work in rocketry :crosses fingers

By Magoo (Magoo) on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 10:51 pm: Edit

GEEZ...wont this post die?...i mean come on, someone create a volime/part 2 or something...before coming to CC i have never even heard of RSI...(gasps)

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 10:51 pm: Edit

Pharaoh - I hope I hear from my mentor before RSI. There is so much going on in computer vision; I would like to get a head start. Allencheng heard from his mentor. (See above.)

Gottagetout - Being programming crazed, I think your programming project sounds interesting. Do you have an AIM?

Gotta Go - 2 finals left!

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 11:46 pm: Edit

The RSI thread die? Never.
I remember, the reason I came to CC was an RSI thread. There's been one on the front page as long as I can remember.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 12:56 am: Edit

Yea, thats the only reason I came to CC as well

RSI shall live forever.


WE have finals next week. I wish they exempted juniors from exams like they do seniors :'(. I am taking mostly senior courses and my average is higher than all of the seniors who dont have to take an exam. Doesn't seem fair to me.

By Magoo (Magoo) on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 01:48 am: Edit

don't get me wrong its not like i hate the RSI kids (so everyone here) its just every day i see this thread and it just grows and grows...where it stops nobody knows.

forgive me this is going to sound stupid....

What is the RSI program. what does it stand for, what do you do? just curious...i'm in a public school so i don't know of such fancy contraptions. (just a joke, some public schools are very good).

By 007 (007) on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 08:17 am: Edit

i have a question, does everyone going to RSI know what he is going to research in! do u guys already know college level material or r u going to learn stuff at RSI?

How is it exactly? does the mentor help u in ur research, i mean in giving tips etc. or does he just supervise and you do the rest!!

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 06:02 pm: Edit

Magoo - RSI stands for Research Science Institute. You can google it.

007 - "Does eveyone going to RSI know what he/she is going to research in?" Yes.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 07:04 pm: Edit

i know what i want to research in, but i don't know anything about the field or the subject. It's a completely new topic for me.

By Magoo (Magoo) on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 08:45 pm: Edit

thanks...(wont google the subject, you gave me what i want )
continue your discussion, don't mean to hijack.
*leaves*

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 12:27 am: Edit

Nghi - Don't worry, neurology is a far cry from my previous research topics. I've started to read the papers on mitochondrial mutations' effects on neurological disorders, which will speed up transition into a new topic.

Alumni - Did you formulate your project independently, or did your mentor help in developing a potential research topic? Because as of now, I really don't know how I can approach the topic for a project in 6 weeks haha.

By Cooldude (Cooldude) on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 12:41 am: Edit

thanx, i thought i'll feel like a loser!

By Confetti1234 (Confetti1234) on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 03:56 am: Edit

I would like to make something clear here. As an RSI alum, it really saddens me to see this post (and others) and see that people are actually subscribing to the whole RSI == MIT idea. This is a stance that no Rickoid should ever take, and certainly not before even coming to the program. And why is it that an MIT reject is doing more to propogate this myth than anyone else?

First of all, to start off, there is a tendency for Rickoids to get into RSI. There are various reasons for this, but the most obvious is that RSI alums are highly desirable by a school which touts itself as an institution that believes in superior research in the sciences. Some may joke that MIT is a safety school after RSI (and we certainly have), but even while saying so, we do our best, provide really good applications, and still view with joy our acceptance letter. It's almost always that "I've done lots of research and won lots of accolades, I have really good scores, I have really good recommendations, I love MIT, and on top of all that, I have RSI, so I'm set for MIT," or "With all that got me into RSI that allowed me to be among the few that got into the program, I should be well-prepared for MIT." It's never supposed to be "I don't think I'm special in any way, I accidentally got into RSI, and look, now I'm in at MIT." That kind of attitude won't serve you anywhere. You might still get into MIT, and chances are that you will, but even if you do, you're doing an injustice to yourself, RSI, and MIT with that kind of thinking.

Second, there is a reason why the staff members of RSI are silent about the chances of getting into MIT. While they make many bold claims, they never once do mention getting into MIT as one of the perks of RSI because it is not. RSI has never taken an official stance on this issue, and there are a number of reasons. As wise people, you should be able to guess why.

Third, some issues are to be dealt at RSI, behind closed doors, in small, unofficial groups where such legends could be properly taken as legends, and guaranteed admissions is one of these issues. When you have the whole world wide web believing in this myth, suddenly people assume it is true.

I would not be surprised if MIT rejects more Rickoids in the future and contributing to that trend will be such widespread complacency and belief in the whole idea that Rickoids are in at MIT.

Most importantly, do you realize how awful such posts are? Suppose you were one of the few MIT rejects from RSI in the recent years and saw such things written about MIT admissions. How would you feel to know that you are prime examples of failure, the exceptions to laws that should never have happened?

No, I am not with CEE or MIT, although I know that CEE or MIT would most likely agree with me. They certainly know the web exists, and such things that go on CC are not hidden from anybody. I just wanted to clear up a few issues here and there. From this point, in public at least, please consider whatever you heard about MIT and RSI null and void.

Take RSI seriously. It's not a free pass into MIT. Take MIT seriously. Don't plan on getting rejected, but plan for possible disappointment when you send in that application.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 02:08 pm: Edit

Ok, you are so off Confetti. I dont think any rickoid here even seriously accepts or fully thinks that RSI=MIT or see RSI as merely that.

I still cannot see why I got into RSI, I am glad that I did, but I am also unsure about my chances at MIT.

The RSI=MIT thing merely takes away some of the constant stress with application season draws near. I see it as giving me a little extra confidence.

In fact, the only reason I am doing RSI is because I really want to do formal research. I believe that to be true about everyone. I am sure that after 21 years RSI knows the difference between a kid who only wants in the program to go to MIT and one who truly wants to do research. I am tired of digging through junkyards to satiate my need to do science. I want a formal lab.

I am soo not taking the MIT-safety thing completely serious. I know the program increases my admissions chances but it is still up to me to get in. All of us know that. One thign I can definately say about all the rickoids here is that we are smart enough to know better.

We all want to go to MIT this summer, have tons of fun, do great research, make new friends, and learn new things.

Again about the MIT thing, I am trying to get ahold of an application right now because I want to start my MIT app in june. I want to make sure my application is as good as it could possibly be-i think that is everyone's goal. No one here wants to be arrogant or allow this chance to slip through their fingers.

And another thing, the MIT-safety messages did not even come up for like a month. Rickoid04' will still do our best in research this summer and on our apps next fall. WE have worked so hard all our lives, we wont stop now just because we got into RSI. That would be stupid and none of us are stupid

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 02:13 pm: Edit

We all know RSI is awesome, we are all so thankful we got in, we all are counting down the days.

ITs about REsearch and its about fun. WE want both. Those of us who love MIT and have always wanted to attend that school will not stop worrying about it until december 1st EA.

None of us will look at an acceptance letter and say o we got into MIT big deal.

Hell, I remember almost driving my car into a ditch a few months ago when i read the RSI acceptance letter. I was like what the f---- and then i had turn the wheel quickly lol.

This summer is going to be a great experience. RSI is great MIT is great.

I know anyone intelligent here is going to make sure their application is as good as it can possibly be. I worked on my RSI application every single night to make sure it was good. I will do the same with the MIT app. I even got a resource period next school year to work on science competitions, college apps, and AP...so I am taking it seriously. So is everyone else.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 03:46 pm: Edit

ya confetti, even after ecismyhome's messages, i am still unsure about the RSI==MIT thing. You can ask pharaohl97 about all the times i've talked to him about NOT GETTING INTO MIT (and he hates it when i do that). I think I am one of the few mediocre ones at RSI, so that's where the lack of confidence comes in. I agree with Lyn. I have my heart set on MIT, and I'm not going to let the chance of getting into MIT slip by.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 05:01 pm: Edit

RSI in 28 DAYS!!!

Pharaohl and Static- Confetti seems to be just watching our backs. To be fair, Ecismyhome was saying RSI=MIT and everyone was eating it up, (why not- easy MIT, who wouldn't). I myself bombed an important math test partially because my head was too big to fit through the math classroom door. I learned a great lesson from that. And it only cost me a c+.

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 05:42 pm: Edit

I dont understand how anyone could let that stop them from doing what they have always done. My grades didn't drop after that. It didn't change anything. IT was just a little weight taken off my shoulders-worried about college admissions less than i used to. In many respects what ecismyhome said is true but I dont see that as something to be condemned. Its up to us how we react to such a thing. If you react to it negatively and allow your grade to drop to a C+, then thats how you chose to react to it. If you react it it by just continuing to do your best, then thats a good way to go. I think its all about stress really.

The thing about watching our backs, I dont really agree. I am sorry but I really think we all should know better than to change because of a piece of knowledge like that. WE got into RSI because we work hard and do well and are strongly self-motivated. WE will get into MIT for the same reasons. So why change that?

Virtually RSI does equal MIT....not many rickoids are rejected and everybody knows that is true. But I would expect that any rickoid who develops a bombastic attitude, or spends no time on their applications, or starts to screw up in class would be rejected quickly. Just dont let anything go to your head is all. Continue to always strive in doing your best. Work hard on your application as if you never heard of RSI, work hard in class as if you have millions of things left to learn (which we all do).

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 05:49 pm: Edit

I understand your points in this thread, Pharaoh and Static, but at the same time I must express my view. I recognize your right (as much as CC allows) to post whatever you wish; however, I grow tired of coming to to this thread to read about RSI news/information and instead reading (again and again) your heavy defenses of perceived threats. I understand you are elated and have cause to be. I understand you feel strongly about certain things and have cause to be. I simply feel that detente is needed. Please?

By Pharaohl97 (Pharaohl97) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 06:04 pm: Edit

Well really Gotttagetout, everyone was talking about "RSI news". Confetti somebody is the one who started and argument and then static and i become the big bad wolf...that is hardly fair

im through with this. I really hate this website anyhow. I only came here to meet other rickoids and then I get drawn into battles because others make comments and then i respond and when i respond i become the big bad wolf because i should have kept my mouth shut. so now im like screw it, good bye

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 06:04 pm: Edit

wow, there's absolutely no tension coming from lyn and I. I'm sorry if you perceived those as "heavy defenses." It was not meant to be.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 06:38 pm: Edit

Hey, I don't think you're the "Big Bad Wolf!" Honestly, Pharaohl if you leave, this thread will have lost one of its best writers (sometimes you make me laugh out loud [compliment].) I didn't relate my "big head" story to make you out to be the bad guys at all.

We are all finishing up finals (2 left but biggest)and loose ends. There is so much stress in my house/school right now. But in 2 weeks, I am free for the summer and I look forward to meeting you.

By Ecismyhome (Ecismyhome) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 11:48 pm: Edit

"And why is it that an MIT reject is doing more to propogate [sic] this myth than anyone else? "
-I really do not see how my admissions status with MIT has anything to do with the veracity of my claims. In fact, the fact that I would still state said claims, EVEN given my status with MIT admissions, should double reinforce the weight of my statement - I am willing to be the failure, the exception to the rule. The reasons that I was not accepted are myriad, and I am the exception to the rule. You yourself are going to MIT - you know how many Rickoids there are there; and more to the point, you know how many Rickoids are accepted. I have cautioned them against becoming swollen-headed, already.

"Suppose you were one of the few MIT rejects from RSI in the recent years and saw such things written about MIT admissions. How would you feel to know that you are prime examples of failure, the exceptions to laws that should never have happened?"
-Again; I AM one of the few MIT rejects from RSI in recent years. Again; the reasons for not being accepted to MIT are myriad, and I agree with Matt McGann for not taking me. It is not a failure of the law, but a reminder to myself of what I have to improve in my own life.

Oh, and (at least my year), there *was* the reassurance of MIT entrance by RSI/CEE staff members. A certain CEE staff member and I have discussed CC before, in fact.

You know what, I'm through talking about this crap. Thanks for misconstruing my words.

By Confetti1234 (Confetti1234) on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 11:50 pm: Edit

No matter whatever you choose to believe about RSI=MIT, my point was that you should all keep it private. Keep it as rumors in private conversation. Since it happens to be out there, none of us can do anything about it, but this post will die eventually, and then if you're still around, please don't bring it up.

Staying off this website is not an entirely good idea, however. Reading some of the posts, I get the feeling that some of the students here would never have applied to RSI--or had never heard of such a thing (gasp!)--had they not read these posts. Not too many RSI 02 or 03ers were on the CC boards before they applied. I don't think the 04ers are losing anything by having somewhere to hang out before the program. It would be unfair if the 04ers got all the advantage of the older alumni's advice and then not be there for a new generation of Rickoids next year. And what great cross section of 03 you've all had, many of whom will be staff members! Come to think of it though, all the other classes did fine without ever really talking to each other or to staff members beforehand.

I suppose it is all your call. However, I urge you to remember that RSI-type credentials--not RSI per se--will help you with college admissions just about anywhere, and RSI=MIT is a narrow way of looking at things. Secondly, and more importantly, I have found out, a bit disappointedly I must admit, that MIT is far from the experience that RSI is. In short, nothing can ever exceed such an experience, and after the summer, please remember that going to MIT won't be four years of RSI. It seems many of the students here want to go to MIT, and I do love it there, but I sometimes wonder what I'm missing over at the other school on Massachusetts Avenue.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 12:10 am: Edit

confetti, you're making a lot of people upset on this board. We know what we're getting ourselves into with that myth. We thank you for warning us again. I know I will still be here to help next year's rickoids because I feel like I own CC a lot for giving me RSI. Literally, I found RSI on CC one week before the applications were due! I know that going to MIT won't be 4 years of RSI, but the fact that I will be around people who share similar interests and carry the same passion is more than enough. And for this reason, I won't regret going there (if I get in).

By Kingkonglives (Kingkonglives) on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 08:54 pm: Edit

For all those RSI alumnus and the current enrollees, what type of science background do you guys have? What type of scientific knowledge is expected of a RSI calibre-student? thanks a lot bye

By Crazycyn (Crazycyn) on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 01:35 am: Edit

Wow, i didn't expect so much drama here.

Anyway, in answer to kingkonglives, the science backgrounds of RSI students vary. There are the students who have never done scientific research, and those who have gone to ISEF year after year. It just depends. I know that the availibility of places to conduct scientific research varies from place to place, but I think they just like to see that you've taken advantage of all of your opportunities. Depending on your age, I think the best thing for you to do is to take the advanced science classes at school, try to find an opportunity to do some research, participate in the science competitions, etc.

By Senoritacatbert (Senoritacatbert) on Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 10:58 pm: Edit

What's everyone doing post-school, pre-RSI?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 02:07 am: Edit

After school ends on the 28th, which is tomorrow, I have to start studying for SAT II and ACT. Bummer. Go hang out with friends before I leave for Boston. Take SAT II: Writing and US History on the 5th in the morning, then catch an afternoon flight to Las Vegas to celebrate my sister's graduation from pharmacy's school. I don't know how long I'll be down there. But it'll be fun to drive around the Strips, and just chill. Then I have to take the ACT on the 12th, hopefully break into the 30s! The reason why I never do well on these tests is because i don't prep for them.

I hope to prepare for the internship by reading some stuff on telomerase or whatever topic it is i'm doing lol. oh i wish they contact me

ps. matt is going to hate me for not sending in the pix when he demanded them on the 7th. sorry!

By Allencheng (Allencheng) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 02:53 am: Edit

USNCO study camp for me. IChO conflicts with RSI, though, so I'm not sure what I'll do if I make it.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 03:28 am: Edit

dude allen, you have to be at RSI with lyn and me!

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 12:22 am: Edit

who is bringing a lap top to RSI?
I'm using this chance to ask my brother to buy me one =)

By Crazyjulie (Crazyjulie) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 01:14 pm: Edit

Don't bring a laptop! You don't need it (unless for some reason you mentor told you that you did, and your mentor WILL tell you if you do) and it has a good chance of getting stolen. Besides, the clusters are good things. I promise.

By Confetti1234 (Confetti1234) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 08:09 pm: Edit

I recall that in my year, if people needed laptops, they were provided by the mentor.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 09:13 pm: Edit

I received an e-mail from Matt saying that he was revising the options on laptops. That bringing a laptop was now no longer "strongly discouraged" but changed to "do not strongly encourage people to bring one." It also stated that there will be wire and wireless access in the dorm rooms. He also said that at the "new campus location" there may be "some possible computer congestion." Which makes me think that the reason he is changing the handbook is that there will be few available computers.

Yeah, I'm bringing mine.

By Manyhats (Manyhats) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 09:17 pm: Edit

There will be other groups (like MITES) at Simmons during the summer. So it may be hard to find an available computer.

By Confetti1234 (Confetti1234) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 09:20 pm: Edit

IMHO, if you're working on your laptop in the dorm, you're missing out on the Athena cluster experience. You will almost always have to be connected to Athena to work, and your computer is probably not Linux/UNIX, so it may be a bit tricky. That there may be congestion in the new location (What's this new location? Not at EC anymore? How sad!) is irrelevant. There are several open clusters throughout campus. At any given time, Rickoids populate quite a few of them, which can be quite some distances away. Besides, the lab in the Student Center, known as W20, has enough workstations for the entire camp and then more. I don't know where this new location is, but if it's just a few minutes away from W20, which it probably is, there will be no congestion, provided that people want to walk. Besides, the Student Center is just a great place to hang out.

By Confetti1234 (Confetti1234) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 09:26 pm: Edit

Ahh... Simmons. Forget the Simmons cluster. Use the general clusters. They're more fun. Actually, W20 is great for throwing a cluster party, but the really great labs are in buildings 37 and 66. I personally love the 66 cluster, for reasons that will become obvious to you when you see it. Unfortunately, it's not that close to Simmons as it is to EC, but walking along the Infinite and exploring the tunnels is such a joy. There was a decent quiet cluster in 4, but it flooded or something.

Yes, I visit and rate clusters.

By Sirhcv (Sirhcv) on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 06:46 pm: Edit

everyone fax in that MIT medical form yet? I havent cause my docotor is slow...

Oh and by the way this was just a pathetic attempt at keeping the RSI thread alive =D

By Fairyofwind (Fairyofwind) on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 07:01 pm: Edit

You held my hand and walked me home, I know
Why you gave me the kiss, it was something like this, it made me go oh oh
You wiped my tears, got rid of all my fears, why did you have to go
Guess it wasn't enough to take up some of my love, guys are so hard to trust

Did I not tell you that I'm not like that
Girl the one who gives it all away

Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time
Did you think that it was somethin' I was gonna do, and cry
Don't try to tell me what to do, don't try to tell me what to say
You're better off that way

Don't think that your charm and the fact that your arm is now around my neck
Will get you into my pants, I'll have to kick your ass and make you never forget
I'm gonna ask you to stop, thought I liked you a lot, but I'm really upset
Get outta my head, get off of my bed, yeah that's what I said

Did I not tell you that I'm not like that
Girl the one who throws it all away

Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time
Did you think it was something I was gonna do, and cry
Don't try to tell me what to do, don't try to tell me what to say
You're better off that way

This guilt trip that you put on me won't mess me up cuz I've done no wrong
Any thoughts of you and me have gone away

Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time
Did you think it was something I was gonna do and cry
Don't try to tell me what to do, don't try to tell me what to say
You're better off that way

Better off that way
I'm better off alone anyway

By Vinny919 (Vinny919) on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 08:00 pm: Edit

Hey i've just been wondering for a long time....to ecismyhome, you don't need to answer if you don't want to, but why did you rejected from MIT? Did you go to jail or something??

By Confetti1234 (Confetti1234) on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 08:04 pm: Edit

I don't know Ecismyhome well, but that is a horrible thing to say. Well, since many of you believe that MIT = RSI, you will probably believe anything about Ecismyhome and that he must have done something horribly wrong. Believe all you want. I've already aired my say about RSI not being a guarantee to MIT.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 04:58 pm: Edit

the RSI 2004 website is up!! check it out guys!
our names are on there, and so is the schedule!
yay!

http://web.mit.edu/rsi/www/

By Sirhcv (Sirhcv) on Monday, June 14, 2004 - 07:57 pm: Edit

hey is everyone filling those annoying forms out? dang I thought I was a procrastinator but RSI takes the cake =P It'll be a perfect match...

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 12:04 am: Edit

lol i'd win the procrastnator award, cuz I haven't even filled out the medical forms due 4/30 lol

Anyway, what time is everyone arriving at Boston? I think I'll be the first one there since I'm arriving at 7:30 on Sunday.

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 12:04 am: Edit

lol i'd win the procrastnator award, cuz I haven't even filled out the medical forms due 4/30 lol

Anyway, what time is everyone arriving at Boston? I think I'll be the first one there since I'm arriving at 7:30 on Sunday.

By Sirhcv (Sirhcv) on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 12:07 am: Edit

hahaha maybe not! I got an email from paske saying he never recieved them (although I thought I sent them)... hmmm it looks like we're tied =P

I think I'm getting in around 2:00 although Im really not sure, and why are you getting in at 7:30? didnt they want you to get in between 1 and 4? Oh well... You'll get to scope everything out early I suppose.

By Fairyofwind (Fairyofwind) on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 07:35 pm: Edit

lol i don't recognize any of the names from RSI-MIT... except the people i met here

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 12:56 am: Edit

ONE MORE DAY AND BOSTON HERE I COME~

By Confetti1234 (Confetti1234) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 10:22 am: Edit

How's everybody doing?

By Staticsoliloquy (Staticsoliloquy) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 10:41 pm: Edit

bring the RSI back to life!!