The Research Science Institute (RSI) is one of the most prestigious summer programs for STEM research. Many students who attend go on to make waves in their fields. If you’re interested in applying, here’s everything you need to know: the application process, deadlines, costs, and decision dates.
RSI Application Process
All RSI participants, or “Rickoids,” share a passion for STEM research, whatever field they pursue. The application is your chance to tell the program committee why you’d benefit from RSI. Here’s everything you need to include.
High school academic record: Rickoids are exceptionally talented academically, with a competitive GPA and strength in math, science, and engineering courses. You’ll submit a high school transcript as proof, which you can request from your counselor or academic supervisor.
“Successful applicants will have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement in mathematics, the sciences, and verbal arts.”
cee.org, “Apply to RSI”
Standardized testing scores: RSI requires all of your standardized test scores, including the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and any AP tests. They strongly recommend taking the PSAT. To stay competitive, you should have at least one of the following:
- PSAT: 700 R&W, 740 Math
- ACT: 34 English/Science/Writing, 33 Math
Extracurricular activities and awards: RSI asks you to concisely outline your major STEM activities and awards. These can range from winning math olympiads to science journal publications. Even leadership in STEM clubs or hackathons counts. They want to see that you’ve taken initiative in your interests.
They also want to see that you do more than just STEM. The application includes a section for non-STEM extracurriculars, from sports teams to poetry clubs.
Letters of recommendation: RSI requires at least two recommendations from teachers or research supervisors, up to a maximum of four. It helps to have others vouch for you, which is why it’s worth building strong relationships with your teachers and anyone you work with.
Essays: perhaps the most important part, the essays let you show who you really are. They’re also an assessment of your writing, since scientists need to communicate their results well. If you’re a strong writer and genuinely passionate about STEM, the essays will come more easily.
Check out Rickoid and Harvard student Rishab Jain’s RSI application:
Deadlines and Decisions
RSI applications are due in early-to-mid December (RSI 2026 closed on December 10, 2025). The deadline has moved earlier in recent years (it used to fall in January), so always confirm the current date on the CEE website. International students may have different deadlines depending on the country.
Decisions are released in the spring. If you’re accepted, congratulations: you’re now part of a group of dedicated student scientists.
There are many influential scientists among the RSI alumni. Notable Rickoids include Fields Medal winner Terence Tao and CRISPR/Cas9 developer Feng Zhang.
RSI Program Timeline
RSI lasts six weeks, from late June to early August. Here’s a rough breakdown of what the experience is like.
Week 1: you begin with a week of seminars on current STEM research topics.
Weeks 2-5: alongside accomplished research mentors, you work on your own scientific research. You’re given the tools you need, including databases, labs, and advanced technologies.
“RSI students gain access to the extensive computing resources of MIT, and receive the tools they will need to find current publications, to model complex systems, to prepare a scientific paper, and to make a conference-style presentation.”
cee.org, “Life at RSI”
Week 6: you spend the final week preparing your paper and presentation. Academic and corporate scientists then select the five best papers and presentations at the RSI Symposium.
RSI Program Costs
There are no costs for the RSI program itself: room, board, and tuition are all covered. There is a $75 application fee (with waivers for students who qualify for financial need), and you cover travel to and from MIT. The fact that the program is free is a big reason RSI is so competitive.
Didn’t Get In?
Not getting into RSI isn’t the end of the world. It’s a very selective program with a low acceptance rate. While it helps, it isn’t necessary for getting into top colleges, and there are many strong STEM summer programs out there. Check out Rishab’s free STEM Student Guide, which includes 50+ summer research programs.
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