TASS vs RSI: Which Program Is Right for You?
These are the flagship selective summer programs on opposite sides of the aisle: TASS is a humanities/critical-theory seminar community, RSI is a STEM research placement. Choose by the transcript you're building, not by prestige — both clear that bar.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Telluride Association Summer Seminars (TASS) and Research Science Institute (RSI). A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.
| TASS | RSI | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Application deadline | ||
| Grade eligibility | Grades 10–11 | Grade 11 |
| Format | In person | In person |
| Location | Ann Arbor, MI, USA | Cambridge, MA, USA |
| Program dates | ||
| Application destination | apply.tellurideassociation.org | cee.org |
| Organizer | Telluride Association | Center for Excellence in Education |
Telluride Association Summer Seminars (TASS)
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, TASS or RSI?
TASS: Free. RSI: Free. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.
Can I apply to both TASS and RSI?
The application destinations are evaluated independently. TASS: apply.tellurideassociation.org. RSI: cee.org. Review each provider's current instructions before assuming either application is open or compatible with the other.
Which is better for college applications, TASS or RSI?
We do not rank enrichment programs by admissions value. Use the comparison to assess whether each program's documented constraints fit your situation, and check the details that decide it for you on each program's official page.
What grades can apply to TASS and RSI?
TASS: Grades 10–11. RSI: Grade 11. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.
