<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>So I'm wondering how much of a role the Columbia University Science Honors Program plays in your application. It is a very prestigious program (not like summer schools at Cornell or Harvard where, if you have the money, you basically automatically get in). About 10-15% of all applicants are accepted (similar to tough schools) and applicants go through a process that is also similar to actually applying for college (essay, scores, teacher rec, etc). The program is completely free, aside from the application fee and transportation costs. The head of the program also writes rec letters for those enrolled. The key thing here is that the program is completely free, which makes it stand out from other such programs. </p>
<p>Now here's my question: how much of a role does SHP play in apps, especially for Columbia? I read somewhere that up to 75% of ED applicants for Columbia get in if they were in SHP, while some say it's just another program that doesn't count for sh*t. My instinct is that it would play a major role, since it is a very prestigious program, it's free (so it's not just pay and go), you get a rec from an actual professor, and it gives you something great to write about on the essay. What are your thoughts?</p>
<p>Also, what are some programs similar to this one?</p>