Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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<p>All right, so, has anyone ever heard of this institution? It's based in Canada, but it runs a two-week summer program that is open to Canadians, U.S. citizens, and other countries. It looks pretty interesting, and here is an excerpt about the program:</p>

<p>ISSYP
The International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP) is an exciting and challenging two-week program for grade 11 high school students. The program explores the most fascinating ideas theoretical physics has to offer — from the weird quantum world of atoms and subatomic particles to black holes, warped spacetime, and the expanding universe.
Besides learning incredibly cool stuff, students get chance to work with leading international theoretical physicists in mentoring sessions while creatively exploring their own interests and ideas.</p>

<p>So tell me this isn't one of the most interesting things out there, assuming that it is as rigorous as they say it is and that you're like theoretical physics.</p>

<p>Once again, has anyone heard of this program? Has anyone attended it before? Is it worth looking into more? How do out-of-country programs like this factor into college admissions? Do you think universities have heard of the program? I guess I should research more about the institute's prestige to get a better idea. Still, it sounds SOOOOO cool!</p>

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<p>I attended this past summer! It was awesome, and definitely worth looking into. About 100 people are selected to attend each summer, in two separate 50 person sessions. Each session has 25 Canadian students, and 25 International students. A unique aspect of the program is that the participants stay at U Waterloo, 2 people to a dorm, 1 Canadian, and 1 international student; everyone leaves knowing someone from a different country! Many different aspects of theoretical Physics were explored, as well as touring Niagara falls, the CN Tower, etc. The Physics consists of lectures, problem sets, hands on activities, and a mentor session of your choice with a researcher and ~7 other participants. Another neat element of the summer school is that there is a 2 day crash course in Calculus for those who haven't taken it in the past, and 2 days of EXTREMELY complex and interesting Calculus for people who have experience in Calculus, a great way to learn about what's out there. Any specific questions?</p>

<p>Also, regarding the Perimeter Institute, it is near the University of Waterloo, and is housed in a beautiful, brand new, contemporary building. It has many prominent theoretical Physics researchers from around the world.</p>