About

The Research Science Institute (RSI), held each summer at MIT and sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education, is widely regarded as the most prestigious STEM program for high school students in the world. Founded in 1984, RSI is a six-week residential program that blends advanced STEM coursework with original research under MIT faculty mentorship. It is entirely free of charge, with all tuition, housing, and meals covered.

RSI admits about 80 students worldwide each year, typically drawn from a pool of several thousand applicants. The effective acceptance rate is below 3%, making it one of the most selective academic programs at any level. Admission requires essays, recommendations, transcripts, and evidence of outstanding STEM achievement. U.S. applicants apply directly; international students are nominated through partner organizations in their countries. Eligibility is restricted to rising seniors.

RSI begins with an intensive two-week academic curriculum in advanced STEM topics taught by MIT professors and researchers. Students then transition into four weeks of mentored research in MIT labs, working side by side with graduate students and postdocs on real, ongoing projects in physics, biology, computer science, engineering, and beyond. The program culminates in a written research paper and conference-style presentation to faculty and peers. Residential life at MIT fosters an unmatched and inspiring community of exceptional STEM talent.

RSI alumni have gone on to win top prizes in Regeneron STS, ISEF, and the International Olympiads, and many later author papers in peer-reviewed journals. More broadly, RSI is recognized by admissions officers as one of the very few summer research programs that single-handedly distinguishes an applicant: few extracurricular credentials carry equivalent weight for a STEM-focused student. RSI alumni disproportionately attend MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech, and many eventually pursue illustrious research careers in academia, medicine, and technology. Although RSI does not publish yield data, accepted students would be unlikely to choose virtually any other program to attend.