Application deadline
11 December 2026
RSI 2027 applications close at 11:59 p.m.; country-specific selection schedules may differ.
In-person Program
Research Science Institute
by Center for Excellence in Education
Research Science Institute combines advanced STEM teaching with mentored research, culminating in a scientific paper and presentation.
Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Research Science Institute at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
High school juniors
Age range / Year group
Ages 16+
Location / Region
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States; Stanford, California, United States
Cost
Free
Duration
6 weeks
Format
In-person
MathematicsScienceEngineeringBiologyComputer ScienceNeuroscience
Accommodation: Housing expenses covered
Meals: Dining expenses covered
Campus experience: Campus classes; off-campus research
MIT cohort size: 100 students
Main outputs: Research paper and oral presentation
Tutors / faculty: Professors, scientists, and research mentors
Additional outcome: Director's college recommendation letter
Research Science Institute summary
RSI combines advanced STEM classes with an individual research project guided by experienced scientists and researchers.
Students read scientific literature, carry out a research plan, and communicate their findings through a paper and oral presentation.
It suits students who want sustained research work and can explain their scientific interests through concrete examples of learning.
What is Research Science Institute?
Research Science Institute is a STEM research program run by the Center for Excellence in Education, with MIT as its established university partner and Stanford joining in 2027. It combines intensive academic teaching with individual research guided by experienced scientists and researchers.
Research fields include mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, computer science, robotics, and engineering. Students read current literature, execute a research plan, and prepare written and oral reports, giving them experience of how scientific questions become communicated findings.
Why Succeed highlights Research Science Institute
The full research cycle gives students more substance to reflect on than a sequence of introductory lectures alone.
Projects are matched to students' interests and backgrounds, linking academic preparation to meaningful research work.
A final paper and presentation require students to explain their findings clearly to others.
MIT's mathematics group documents weekday graduate-student mentoring, offering a concrete example of sustained research support.
College recommendation letters and an established alumni network extend the experience beyond the research project.
Who is Research Science Institute for?
Best for
Students with strong STEM foundations who enjoy investigating difficult questions and can demonstrate self-motivated learning.
Not ideal if
You want to continue an existing project or choose a fixed research question independently, because RSI assigns new projects through its mentors.
Is Research Science Institute worth it?
RSI is a strong choice if you want to test your interest in scientific research through sustained work with a mentor. Its paper and presentation provide concrete opportunities to practice research communication and reflect on what you have learned.
The application requires substantial coordination, and admission is highly selective. Treat it as one ambitious option among several, and apply because the research experience fits your interests rather than assuming participation guarantees a particular college outcome.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
Free; includes Educational expenses., Housing expenses., Dining expenses., Intensive STEM classes., Mentor-guided individual research internship..
Accommodation
Housing expenses covered
Meals
Dining expenses covered
Provider details
Review the Center for Excellence in Education provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
6 weeks; Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States; Stanford, California, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Research Science Institute need?
Effort level
High.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before the December application deadline.
Main challenge
Demonstrating specific scientific interests through concrete examples.
Typical preparation
Read papers or accessible research articles in a field that interests you.
List examples of projects, challenging reading, courses, or problems that show independent learning.
Arrange recommendations and transcript submission early, confirming the recommendation count in the application form.
Draft complete essay responses and aim to submit several days before the deadline.
Useful if
You already pursue STEM questions beyond routine coursework.
What do students do on Research Science Institute?
You move from intensive STEM teaching into a mentor-guided individual research project. The experience ends with written and oral communication of your findings.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Attend a week of intensive STEM classes taught by accomplished professors.
- 2
Receive a research project and mentor matched to your interests and background.
- 3
Read current literature and carry out a detailed research plan during the five-week internship.
- 4
Prepare your written research report and oral presentation in the final week.
- 5
Present your findings at the RSI Symposium.
Research Science Institute dates and deadlines
Upcoming
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 11 December 2026 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
Eligibility and requirements
Have one year remaining before high school graduation.
Apply during junior year, typically Grade 11.
Be at least 16 by July 1 of the program year.
High school seniors are not eligible.
Public, private, and homeschool students may apply.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents apply directly to CEE.
U.S. citizens overseas use the U.S. application procedure.
International applicants must follow participating countries' selection procedures.
How much does Research Science Institute cost?
Program fee
Free — Educational, housing, and dining expenses are covered.
Funding or discounts
- Standard application fee: $75 — The FAQ describes this fee as non-refundable.
- International application fee: $35 — Listed for the 2027 international application.
- Application fee assistance: Need-based waiver — Applicants with demonstrated financial need may request a waiver from CEE.
What's included
Educational expenses., Housing expenses., Dining expenses., Intensive STEM classes., Mentor-guided individual research internship.
How to apply to Research Science Institute
- 1
Use CEE's RSI application page to identify the appropriate U.S. or international application route.
- 2
If applying internationally, contact RSI to confirm country participation and obtain your national selection procedure.
- 3
Complete the online application and write essay responses about your STEM interests and goals.
- 4
Arrange teacher or research-supervisor recommendations and confirm the required count in the application form.
- 5
Provide your official transcript, applicable standardized test scores, and honors and awards listing.
- 6
Pay the applicable application fee, or contact CEE about a need-based waiver.
- 7
Submit the complete application several days before the applicable deadline.
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What does Research Science Institute cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Intensive STEM teaching
Study advanced STEM material in classes taught by accomplished professors.
Individual research
Investigate a mentor-assigned project in a field matched to your interests and background.
Scientific literature
Read current research literature to support your project and research plan.
Research communication
Prepare a scientific paper and conference-style oral presentation explaining your findings.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Research Science Institute?
A typical day during the program.
STEM classes
Attend intensive classes with accomplished professors.
Research internship
Conduct an individual project under an experienced research mentor.
Research reporting
Prepare written and oral presentations within the research phase.
MIT mathematics mentoring
Mathematics participants meet with their graduate student mentors.
Who teaches on Research Science Institute?
Accomplished professors teach the intensive STEM classes, while experienced scientists and researchers guide individual projects. MIT's mathematics group matches participants with graduate student mentors, with projects sometimes developed in consultation with faculty advisors.
Weekday mentor meetings are documented for the MIT mathematics group.
Where do students stay on Research Science Institute?
Residential plan
- Housing: Participants' housing expenses are covered.
- Dining: Participants' dining expenses are covered.
- Campus and research experience: The established MIT experience combines campus coursework with off-campus research.
What happens after Research Science Institute?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Complete an individual scientific research project.
Produce a written research paper.
Present your findings at the RSI Symposium.
Receive a college recommendation letter from the RSI Director.
Join a global alumni network offering mentorship and professional connections.
The research experience and recommendation letter do not guarantee college admission.
Where does Research Science Institute take place?
RSI's established university partner is MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The program is expanding to Stanford University in California beginning in summer 2027.
Research Science Institute FAQs
No. Prior research experience can strengthen an application, but it is not required. Applicants should demonstrate a foundation in their field and give concrete examples of scientific curiosity and independent learning.
No. Mentors assign projects based on students' interests and backgrounds. Students cannot bring their own project or continue a previous research project.
Research fields include mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, computer science, robotics, and engineering. Projects are individual and designed to provide a challenging research experience.
Students are matched with professors, scientists, or researchers in relevant fields. In MIT's mathematics group, students work with graduate student mentors who meet with them each weekday.
Yes. Educational, housing, and dining expenses are covered for participants. Application fees are separate: the 2027 portal lists $75 for the standard application and $35 for the international application.
Students from participating countries can apply. Contact RSI to confirm participation and obtain the relevant country's selection procedure; U.S. citizens living overseas use the U.S. application procedure.
The RSI Director writes college recommendation letters for RSI students. Alumni can also access a global network, reunions, regional meetups, webinars, and professional connections.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- RSI, 2027’de Stanford Üniversitesi’ne Genişliyor - RSI Türkiye
- RSI
- Summer programs | MIT Admissions
- Center for Excellence in Education - SlideRoom - Login
- RSI Application FAQs | Center for Excellence in Education
- Apply to RSI | Center for Excellence in Education
- Rickover Book | Center for Excellence in Education
- About the International Program
- Research Science Institute | Center for Excellence in Education
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)
Official program pages reviewed
Application deadline checked
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Participation costs distinguished
Application fees compared
Recommendation requirements compared
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Research Science Institute
by Center for Excellence in Education
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