RSI Applicants

RSI Student in lab

RSI Admissions Guidelines

There are three categories of applicants: International, DoDEA, and US Citizens and Permanent Residents Please note that high school seniors are not eligible to apply.

1. International Applicants: Each participating country has its own selection procedure and selection schedule. Please contact Ms. Maite Ballestero, Vice President for Programs to determine if your country participates. If it does, her team will put you in contact with the appropriate representative at the agency conducting selection for your country. For more information, go to http://www.cee.org/about/international.

2. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Applicants: DoDEA students must inquire at their schools for more information about RSI and submit their application through their school’s procedure. Please do not send your application to CEE if you are a DoDEA student.

3. US Citizens and Permanent Residents: Any US student, including US Citizens studying at non-DoD schools overseas, with one year remaining before graduation from high school may apply to RSI. US Citizens and Permanent Residents applications are submitted directly to CEE. Students are not nominated or selected by their schools. Successful applicants will have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement in mathematics, the sciences, and verbal arts. They will have shown the potential for leadership in science and mathematics through their activities in and beyond the classroom. Many will have a lengthy record of participation in mathematics, science, and engineering competitions at the regional, state, and national levels. Some will have completed university-level coursework, worked in a research laboratory, or conducted original scientific research. Others will have completed hands-on projects displaying significant ability in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics design, implementation, and analysis. Most will have been leaders in community and school activities.

Each student's application must include:

  • The applicant's essay responses to the questions in the application. These should detail his or her goals in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
  • Recommendations by two teachers familiar with the candidate and the candidate's scholastic record.
  • The candidate's official high school transcript.
  • All scores from nationwide standardized tests. These include the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. State NCLB exam results are not required or used in selection. Students planning to apply for RSI are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT.

It is recommended that PSAT math scores be at least 75, and combined math, verbal, and writing PSAT scores be at least 220. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34. Lower scores must be offset by strong indicators of mathematical, scientific, and academic potential exemplified in recommendations, high school grades, and science activities.

It is recommended that PSAT math scores be at least 75, and combined math, verbal, and writing PSAT scores be at least 220. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34. Lower scores must be offset by strong indicators of mathematical, scientific, and academic potential exemplified in recommendations, high school grades, and science activities.

All applications for RSI 2010 must be received on or before January 15, 2010. Please note that postmark dates of January 15, 2010, do not qualify. The RSI 2010 Application for US Citizens and Permanent Residents is available online at http://www.cee.org/programs/rsi/forms.

For further information, please contact RSI.