<p>Maybe this is getting a little personal, but I'm nervous about my application for Harvard SSP, because I've already made a mistake and forgot to put numbers for my school's address' street. I really want to go and I have a few questions.</p>
<ol>
<li>How competitive is it? If you went there, what was your GPA? (include maximum)</li>
<li>How much does the 'essay' (answering questions) affect your acceptance?</li>
<li>Do you have to be in real financial need to receive financial aid? (I need it but I can do without it)</li>
<li>Is the studying and exams very intense? (Do you study the whole time? Do you have to be a 'nerd' if we put a label on it?)</li>
</ol>
<p>People that haven't been say it's a waste of money, but everyone that has been there has loved it. And I really want to go.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>i got accepted in like january
- its not competitive b/c harvard wants students so they can make some money. i have a 3.7/4.0 gpa
2)i have no clue but my essay was pretty strong
3)idk i applied for it and didnt get it. i wasnt expecting to get it, but what did i lose by trying.
4)i would think its gunna be hard but fun at the same time.</p>
<p>i attending this. hope to see you there</p>
<p>I attended ssp last summer and here is my insight:</p>
<p>It really isn’t that competitive to get into. I know international students with very average gpas who still got in. However, I also know people with pretty good gpas who were rejected. I think they want to create a diverse environment for students so it’s probably more competitive if you are living in the US, especially Massachusetts. Nevertheless, you have to realize that like 90% of people there are there because they are competitive themselves and have a high academic drive. Most people want to experience Harvard because they want to apply there for college. So if you are considering it, you are probably a good student yourself. Just don’t expect it to be like school, where half the class consists of idiots, since everyone at ssp is a good student and pretty smart. expect to meet many many people with 2200+ on their sat. but don’t let that scare you. everyone is friendly and pretty chilled. </p>
<p>The essay does count. I don’t know how much, but they are looking for a certain degree of sophistication and that shows in the way you write.</p>
<p>No you don’t have to be in desperate need to get aid, just enough that this would be a decently sized of burden on your family.</p>
<p>look about studying,
yes there are tons of nerds. be prepared to see people studying 24/7. but those are the kids who are aiming to go to college at harvard. i mean, common, its basically “Harvard summer camp”, if you weren’t a little bit nerdy or ambitious you wouldn’t be applying. But keep in mind your studying all depends on the classes you choose. People taking 8 credit bio had tons and tons of studying to do, people who took an acting class, didn’t. So be wise when choosing your classes. There are fun things to do and things to see, but if you are looking to have fun don’t go to ssp. It was pretty stressful during mid terms. </p>
<p>overall, do I think it was a waste of money? honestly, consider that it’s 7 weeks. I truly believe you could choose cheaper and less stressful but equally challenging and interesting summer courses at another uni. However, the one thing that made it worth the fuss for me was just being at harvard and living that dream, even for a little while, that includes getting to know and become friends with real harvard undergrads. It’s all about how you plan your time there. My advice if you go: Plan ahead. Think about how you think you should study and look around for fun stuff to do in Boston. If you don’t I guarantee you will find yourself either overwhelmed by studying or just never going out and feeling bored.
Finally, i personally am not a big studyer, yet i worked my ass off there because i was genuinely interested in my class and the material was interesting. </p>
<p>hope this helps and sorry its so long.</p>
<p>what score of SAT DO I NEED FOR a transfer and the subjects to take for SAT 2. is Harvard really hard to get into for transfer?</p>
<p>Application just became available today. Is anyone planning on applying?</p>
<p>jep. i am interested in applying . well i do have a question: i am an international student, need some more info on the financial aid thingy! . 10 grands is just too much for a summer program :S</p>