<p>Hi. I am a sophomore. I live in NC. I was wondering what is the best summer program I should apply for, what competitions I should be looking into, etc.</p>
<p>So far:
USACO practice
AIME practice
USAMTS
Applying to NASA Sharp(I am not sure about the age requirement)
Applying to North Carolina School of Science and Math
Working on Siemmons Westinghouse competition.</p>
<p>here's a list of competitions:
<a href="http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/linkB.htm%5B/url%5D">http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/linkB.htm</a></p>
<p>Here's a list of summer programs:
<a href="http://www.ams.org/employment/mathcamps.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.ams.org/employment/mathcamps.html</a></p>
<p>Age requirement for NASA Sharp, you have to be 16 by the time it starts.</p>
<p>It usually starts right after school lets out.
Don't you turn 16 in July? darn that would suck lol</p>
<p>For the other programs, competitions, there have been numerous threads on this already. Try the search tool, it comes in handy. hehehe :)
You were trying to optimize them anyways, might as well practice some more.</p>
<p>Research Science Institute</p>
<p>I'd be very careful about applying to the North Carolina School of Science and Math. I almost applied last year, but pulled out at the last moment. NCSSM definitely has its good points, but I think they come at a high price.</p>
<p>Such as: the students don't call it the North Carolina School of Sex and Marijuana for nothing. The drug problem is very serious, according to two of my friends that went. The kids are smart, but often times don't show such great judgement.</p>
<p>Also, unless you are ready to swear off humanities, I would not apply. Yea, it's a school for science and math, but I don't think most people understand just how much emphasis is put on those subjects, and how little is placed on other academic subjects. If you have any affinity for english or social studies, going to NCSSM would be a major mistake.</p>
<p>My friends also complain a lot about how mismanaged the school is, but I can't give any sort of examples of that, really. There was some big scandal a couple years ago when several kids got caught with pot and expelled, but then lthe school let back in one for some silly reason. Other than that, I can't really talk about the mismanagement.</p>
<p>What I'm saying is, be really sure NCSSM is something you want to get into before you commit.</p>
<p>Basically what I'm saying is that you need to really know the school and understand what you are getting into before you apply to NCSSM.</p>
<p>well, this may work only for the end of next yr, since they only accept students who finished junior or sr. yr. of hs and college kids, but you should consider the Jackson labs internship. If you really like research of course.</p>
<p>J Ho. I would be interested in knowing more about NCSSM. My dad mentioned some of the problems there. I always imagined it as a miniature uni, with everyone into Math and Science, and really cool and smart and stuff.</p>
<p>staticsoliloquy! you know I want to apply to RSI, but I guess this board thinks it is a bad idea to.</p>
<p>why does this board make you think its a bad idea to?</p>
<p>well it makes him think it's a bad idea to apply as a soph at least</p>
<p>o yea, i forgot he was a soph
seriously dude, theres nothing insulting in telling you not to apply
all im saying is that there is a reason the application says that rsi is only for ppl who have there 3rd year of high school</p>
<p>Hmmm... North Carolina School of Sex and Marijuana? That's a first... I think Sagar was telling me about the drug problems already.</p>
<p>We are both going to apply anyways and make our decision if we get in.</p>
<p>We both love math and science courses and aren't particularly interested in humanities.
Any other information would be great.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that what I know of NCSSM is based upon the opinions of several friends and acquaintances who go/went there. What they say is not all there is to know, and it probably isn't fair to judge the school just by what they say. But when these kids have all of these gripes about NCSSM, well, I think that's something to keep in mind.</p>
<p>Anyway, my best advice would be to get to know NCSSM as best you can and be certain you are ready to specialize. Don't forget, you have college and graduate school and the rest of your life to focus on math and science; it may not be a bad idea to try and get a more well-rounded education in high school. That was my reasoning in deciding not to go to NCSSM.</p>
<p>Also, my school system has a pretty awesome AP curriculum and great facilities for AP classes, so I can get pretty stellar instruction in math and science at home. You should probably consider the quality of your school system's science curriculum and how going to NCSSM would improve. If going to NCSSM would be a major step up (and I bet it is most places), then maybe it is a better option for you than it was for me.</p>
<p>Lastly, the drug problem shouldn't deter you. If you are willing to avoid it, it's perfectly avoidable. NCSSM is a lot of work and stress, and I think there's a lot of desire for some crazy escapism there. If you can be a bit more reasonable about all that, drugs probably aren't something to worry about.</p>
<p>Don't forget about Governor's School and Summer Ventures! They're not RSI, but they're good programs.</p>
<p>Hey, I applied to NCSSM too...good luck :) my grades/GPA suck (3.5 UW 4.7 W) but my SAT was pretty good (for me...) 2030...okay so tell me if u get in!</p>
<p>anything business related? cuz all i've been seeing and hearing--science science science</p>