I’ve applied to both HSHSP and MathCamp USA and think I have a decent chance of getting into both. I know that HSHSP has admission decisions posted around May 1st while Mathcamp’s are in mid-April. If I were to get accepting into Mathcamp, should I secure my spot and attend there or try for HSHSP? I’m a rising junior by the way.
HSHSP does not accept rising juniors
Oh sorry! I meant rising senior, don’t know what I was thinking when I typed that!
If your primary interest is math, go to Canada/USA Mathcamp (assuming you get in). This is not even a close question for the kid who wants to do math. Mathcamp is not research-focused per se, but there are plenty of opportunities to work on interesting problems and questions outside the normal courses offered. My kid has gone twice and will be there again this summer, so we know the program well.
If your interests lie more in science, then of course HSHSP is the obvious choice. You will be able to engage in some meaningful research in many areas at MSU.
It really just depends on what you want to focus on this summer. Also, Mathcamp is only 5 weeks (versus 7 weeks for HSHSP), so you would have a little more time to do something else, or just relax, this summer if you go this route. Good luck on getting into both!