Harvard SSP + Other Prestigious Programs

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>You've just read the title: I know what you're thinking. "Not another one of these 'prestigious summer program' recommendation threads!" Yes, I admit it; this thread is not much unlike the others. But don't get huffy yet; I do have specific questions regarding Harvard SSP that I would like answered. Along with that, I have questions about other programs as well and am open to any recommendation of other summer programs. Preferably, someone who attended Harvard SSP would be preferred to answer SSP-related questions. Any and all recommendations are welcomed.</p>

<p>I heard about the SSP program through a friend, and was immediately intrigued by it. The first thing I'd like you to know is that I am not looking to attend this program in order to look good for colleges; I want a refreshing, inspiring experience at the university of my dreams. I want to learn new things, explore new topics, and meet new, amazing, interesting people from all walks of life. I want to have fun and explore my hobbies and take rigorous courses. I want to work hard and enjoy myself. I am an inspired individual and a hard worker. Along with that, I am a very friendly and sociable person. I want to learn new things. Plus, I have nothing better to do over the summer other than learn new things.</p>

<p>I still, of course, have my questions about the program. Additionally, I would like to know of any other prestigious, well-known, and selective summer programs out there for high schoolers. My interests include but are definitely not limited to music, art, debate, politics, computers, technology, and writing.</p>

<p>And here are my questions.</p>

<p>Exactly how selective is the program? I have heard Harvard SSP is simply a money machine that selects most people who apply. How prestigious is it, really?</p>

<p>That leads to my next question: What types of kids will I meet there should I decide to attend? The hardworking, high-powered, ambitious, amazing, intelligent type? Or the type that are just going to get into college, whose parents made them, or are simply partyers/slackers? I hope to meet more of the former.</p>

<p>This leads to the next question: I have read somewhere that Harvard SSP students got in trouble a few years ago for partying. Therefore, it looks bad to Harvard on your transcript to have attended the program. Is this true? I don't want to go somewhere with a lot of mindless partyers.</p>

<p>Exactly how hard are the classes? I'd like to take courses related to computers. How long and hard does one have to study to ace their classes?</p>

<p>How good are the professors? I'm assuming that they are very competent if they are professors at Harvard.</p>

<p>How much free time does one get for leisure outside of class to participate in activities? How much freedom do you get?</p>

<p>Following up the last question, what kind of activities can you participate in?</p>

<p>How many hours a day is each class, and are they both every day?</p>

<p>I know Harvard SSP is very expensive. My final and most important question question: Is it really worth the money? The caliber of the courses, the quality of the people, professors, etc. Does it truly equate to the amount of money paid?</p>

<p>Compare Harvard SSP to CTY. What are the differences and which is better to attend, in your opinion?</p>

<p>Other summer programs:
How good is MIT's WTP? The people, courses, teachers, facilities, etc. Is it worth the money?
How good is CTY? The people, courses, teachers, facilities, etc. Is it worth the money?
What about MITES?
Any good summer internships you can think of?
What are other significant things to do over the summer? Other programs, internships, conferences, etc.
Please let me know of any other prestigious summer programs out there.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I think you should look into both TASP and RSI. They are both free, and I know from experience that TASP is incredible: professors, courses, dorm/food, people, freedom, everything. Please look into it.</p>

3

<p>Hmm, according to both of the pages for TASP and RSI (and WTP also), you have to be a high school junior to participate. I’m assuming this means you have graduated 11th grade, and it will be the summer before your senior year.</p>

<p>I am currently a high school sophomore.</p>

<p>So I guess I can’t participate in any of these programs? Are there exceptions? :(</p>

4

<p>Unfortunately yes, you can’t apply to TASP or RSI this year (haven’t heard of WTP). Keep them in mind as something to apply for next year.</p>

5

<p>You could look at TASS.
[Telluride</a> Association: Our Programs: For High School Students: Sophomore Seminar (TASS): General Information](<a href=“http://www.tellurideassociation.org/programs/high_school_students/tass/tass_general_info.html]Telluride”>http://www.tellurideassociation.org/programs/high_school_students/tass/tass_general_info.html)</p>

6

<p>Isn’t that mainly for African Americans, though? I’m Asian.</p>

<p>How prestigious is JSA? Anyone know?</p>

<p>I’m debating between Harvard SSP and JSA at the moment. Any other programs anyone can think of over the summer?</p>

7

<p>Glad you started this thread & I’m interested in the responses.</p>

<p>My son is in 9th. There is plenty of programs for 11th, but I haven’t found much for 9th & 10th outside of hefty price tag programs.</p>

<p>I can answer some of your CTY questions.<br>
My son would go to CTY every summer if he could!</p>

<p>Our family thought the program was worth it. You should consult with your school first so to get credit for the program on your HS transcript.</p>

<p>I don’t think CTY is a resume bulider.</p>

<p>CTY has very strict policies as far as lights out, etc which is difficult for older students.</p>

8

<p>TASS is focused on African American studies and targeted to African Americans specifically but I don’t think admissions itself is racially limited, though I’m not 100% sure. If you are interested in either of the seminar topics I would encourage you to apply, I’ve heard good things from various alum.</p>

9

<p>Harvard SSP and CTY are both what you make of it–having them on your transcript will help not one whit, as they are open-admission to academically strong students and not considered particularly selective or prestigious. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have an awesome time and learn a lot; but you shouldn’t attend thinking it will help you get into college. It won’t.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I have heard very good things about (very selective) WTP and MITES. The general rule of thumb is direct correlation between difficulty of gaining admission (for an academically strong student) and prestige.</p>

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<p>Thank you guys so much for replying. Your replies really help, truly.</p>

<p>Yeah, I haven’t found many programs for the 10th grade… mostly for the 11th grade.</p>

<p>I was definitely thinking about WTP. The think about MITES is, well, it’s for URMs, right? I’m Asian (Chinese), and we don’t really fall under that category. So I couldn’t do MITES, could I?</p>

<p>Has anyone ever heard about JSA or know anything about it, what it’s like, its courses, and its prestige?</p>

<p>Also, what are some good internship/volunteer/community service activities that are prestigious/look good to do over the summer? Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?</p>

<p>Thank you so much for your replies and time. I really appreciate it, and I’m sure others reading this thread appreciate it as well!</p>

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<p>In HSL there is a thread that rates activities (awards, summer programs, competitions) on a scale of 1-10. Only RSI and TASP make the list. MITES is certainly “prestigious”, but it’s extremely hard for Asians to get into (especially if you’re not first generation or have a low income).</p>

<p>At this point, it sounds like you’re searching for programs by prestige only. What are you interested in? Science, math, humanities?</p>

<p>I was pretty frantic last year as well and I ended up signing up for Stanford’s EPGY (turned it down) and a bunch of other stuff. Keep in mind that you can have a productive summer without attending a program. I wrote half a novel, took a chem class so I could get into AP, and finished some of my school credits (online health etc…).</p>

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<p>What’s HSL? I am neither first generation nor do I have a low income… so getting into the program would be easier?</p>

<p>All of the above. Computers and politics/public service, as well.</p>

<p>Why did you turn down EPGY? Half a novel? Are you publishing a book or something?
What other productive and service/activity related things can one do over the summer? </p>

<p>The questions in my last posts are still unanswered, so if anyone wants to jump in, feel free to.</p>

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<p>^ No, if you are neither first-gen nor low-income, getting into MITES as an Asian is near-impossible.</p>

<p>HSL = the High School Life forum.</p>

14

<p>Is there a race checkbox you have to fill out on the application to MITES? If so, is there an “other” option?</p>

<p>Thanks. I’ll go check that out.</p>

15

<p>Keep the Clark Scholars program on your list along with TASP and RSI to apply to next year.</p>

16

<p>Harvard SSP and “prestigious” program do not go together in the same sentence. Unless you’re talking about how it is NOT a prestigious program.</p>

<p>Completely incomparable to the Summer Science Program, RSI, TASP, Clark scholars, etc.</p>

17

<p>Totally true, but how would you rate it in comparison to other sophomore year summer programs?</p>

18

<p>Programs like EPGY, CTY and Harvard SSP might not be as presigious as RSI or TASP but they will expose you to new material not usually covered in HS and show that you like to learn new material. As fairy_dreams said you can have a productive summer without a camp but camps are a fun way to do something over the summer. I went to EPGY over the summer for compsci and it was amazing. While these programs might not guarantee admission to Harvard or MIT like RSI or TASP, they do show a love for learning and initiative.</p>

19

<p>If you’re looking for summer programs, go check out “What High Schools Don’t tell you” It has a great array of summer programs in it.</p>