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Research Science InstituteRSI

RSI is a free six-week research program run by CEE and MIT: one week of intensive STEM classes, then five weeks of mentored research ending in a public presentation. It receives over 2,500 US and 600 international applications a year and admits fewer than 2.5%, one of the lowest rates of any US high school research program.

Citizens or green-card holders
Free

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Size and selectivityUnder 2.5% admitted

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Eligibility: Citizens or green-card holders
Cost: Free
Latest deadline: Dec 11, 2026

RSI at a Glance

Host: Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); a Stanford University site opens in 2027
Field: All areas of science, engineering and mathematics
Grades and age: High school juniors at the time of application; seniors are not eligible. Applicants must be 16 by July 1 of the program year
Citizenship and residency: US citizens and permanent residents apply directly, including US citizens studying abroad. Students from other countries apply through the selection process of a participating country, each with its own procedure and schedule.
Cost: Free for all participants; a non-refundable $75 application fee. The new Stanford site, opening in 2027, is also free for admitted students.
Dates and format: Six weeks: one week of intensive STEM classes, five weeks of mentored research, then a written paper and an oral presentation. The 2026 session at MIT ran June 28 to August 8; 2027 dates have not been announced.
Application dates: Applications for RSI 2027 are open and close at 11:59 pm Eastern on December 11, 2026.
Application materials: Online application; essays about STEM goals; three recommendations (a math or science teacher, a research mentor, and someone who can speak to leadership); an official transcript; US applicants submit PSAT, SAT or ACT scores. The official guideline is PSAT Math 740+, SAT Math 750+ or ACT Math 33+, within a holistic review.
Size and selectivity: Over 2,500 US applications and 600 international applications a year, with fewer than 2.5% admitted. From 2027, the MIT site stays at 100 students and the Stanford site starts with 50.

Verified against official pages on 2026-10-06 · cee.org/programs/research-science-institute

About RSI

RSI is a free six-week research program for high school juniors, run by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Students take one week of intensive STEM classes, then join a laboratory or research group for five weeks of mentored research, and finish with a written paper and an oral presentation. The 2026 session ran from June 28 to August 8.

RSI is among the hardest US summer programs to get into. Its application FAQ says the program receives over 2,500 US applications and 600 international applications each year and admits fewer than 2.5%. In August 2026, CEE announced a second site at Stanford University from 2027: the MIT site will stay at 100 students and the Stanford site will start with 50, both free for admitted students.

After the program, the RSI director writes a college recommendation letter for every participant. For students aiming at top STEM universities, the RSI project and presentation can go directly into the activities list and application essays.

How to Apply to RSI

The RSI deadline falls in mid-December, about two months earlier than most summer programs. The three recommendations come from a math or science teacher, a research mentor and a leadership reference, so line them up early in junior year.
The essays ask about STEM goals. Describing specific projects, experiments or problems and the questions they raised is more convincing than general enthusiasm.
The math score guideline is a reference point, not a cutoff. A slightly lower score can be offset by research experience, competition results and strong recommendations.

Application Support for RSI

EDUBUS starts with an assessment of grades, competitions and research, then decides which programs to aim for and which to hold as back-ups. We then guide each application form, essay, qualifying problem set and interview, and help turn the summer into part of the college application.

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Listed by MIT AdmissionsSummer Programs Recommended by MIT AdmissionsThis program is one of the 23 selective summer programs listed by MIT Admissions. See the full list with eligibility, cost and selectivity for each.

RSI: Frequently Asked Questions

What math scores does an Irvine public high school student need for RSI?

The official guideline is PSAT Math 740+, SAT Math 750+ or ACT Math 33+. RSI reviews applications holistically, so essays, recommendations and research experience can make up for a slightly lower score. An Irvine student whose junior-year PSAT score is not out yet can apply with an existing SAT or ACT score.

Does RSI accept international students?

Yes, through a different route. US citizens and permanent residents apply directly to CEE; students from other countries apply through their own country's RSI selection process, which has its own procedure and schedule. A student in Irvine on a student visa without a green card should confirm with CEE which route applies before applying.

Does RSI cost anything?

The program is free; the only cost is a non-refundable $75 application fee. The Stanford site opening in 2027 is also free for admitted students.

When should an Irvine student start preparing for RSI?

RSI accepts only juniors, and the 2027 deadline is December 11, 2026. Settle on three recommenders before the end of sophomore year and gather existing research or competition work, then write the essays early in junior year.

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Sources5 sources · checked 2026-10-06

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