How to get into the Research Science Institute

Hi!

I was wondering is you knew how common it was for students to be accepted to RSI without MAJOR academic awards (i.e. national Olympiad medals, ISEF fair medals, etc.). I am considering applying to RSI next year, but I'm not sure if I will be able to earn any awards of this caliber by then. I know RSI is a very competitive program, but I would probably help my college application tremendously (I first heard about it on this site because Allen went there in high school). I am interested in biology and biotechnology, and this year I will be participating in the USA Biology Olympiad open exam, my local science fair, and my state Science Olympiad. Right now, my first-choice school is MIT. Let me know what you think about this.

Thanks!