<p>Greetings! I'll try to keep this short. I have been lucky enough to be accepted at some great programs, but now I face the challenge of choosing. I know I will enjoy them all, which was a huge factor. </p>
<p>WTP
SSP
Simons Research Program
Harvard SSP</p>
<p>Which will look the best to colleges like Harvard and MIT?
Since they are all very competitive (except harvard one), would it make any difference which I choose?
Many of the alumnae of SSP and WTP have gone on to good schools (not sure about Simons). I don't want to make it seem like I am doing this for college; I am not. I am at the point where I know I will benefit from either one and due to my indecisive nature I cannot decide. </p>
<p>Don’t choose based on the colleges that their alumni got accepted to. Instead, I would look at the program and ask the alumnis what they did during their stay at the program. Doing research will only be successful if you are interested in what the program offers. For example, unless you really like astronomy, I wouldn’t do ssp.</p>
<p>Thank you for the reply. As I have already explained, I feel I would enjoy and benefit from any of these programs. For example: I love astronomy, but don’t get to experience it. However, the research I would be doing at Simons would lead to an Intel project, plus I am already acquainted with the scientists. </p>
<p>This is why I asked my question based on colleges, because it’s something people can weigh in on (i.e which would help more on a college app). I know it seems superficial, but I have already weighed all other facets of this decision, and I would really like to know about this last piece.</p>
<p>I’ve recently been faced with a similar dilemma. I am not really sure which would look better for college. Seeing as Simons is at SBU (a state university, and not as highly regarded as, say, MIT) it may not be the one to boost your chances the most. I guess it’s all what you make of it.</p>
<p>Thanks guys… both have good points. I am kind of concerned that if I turn down a such widely known program as SSP or WTP for one at SBU and then don’t get into the schools I want, that I will regret it. I guess it’s silly, but I have no idea where previous fellows have ended up.</p>
<p>I don’t think colleges should be that relevant to you decision. Colleges accept students that will be fit their “requirements”, not students that stand out in general, contrary to popular belief. Basically, it’s a game that students have no advantage in. So unless you know what kind of student Harvard and MIT want, it really doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>All of the four programs are structured differently. You know you will benefit from all of them (good that you’ve already recognized that!), but the benefits will obviously differ. What do you want to do this summer–which do you think would be most enjoyable? But most importantly, what do you want to get out of this summer? You mention the possibility of an Intel competition entry; if that’s something you would really like to achieve, then by all means, go for Simons. If you’d rather knock out some college credits and take some classes with undergrads, go to Harvard SSP (which IMO is way overpriced and overhyped). Etc.</p>
<p>Personally, I’d go with WTP. Along with SSP, I think it’s one of the more “unique” summer programs and you’re very fortunate to have been accepted. (The site says decisions come out April 18, though–odd.) I don’t think SSP/astronomy would benefit me practically/realistically for college, so I personally would not go that route. Harvard SSP and Simons are more “traditional”–there are countless research internships and college classes you could have applied for. That’s not to say they aren’t special, but I think WTP is more of a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. Plus, it’s all girls–I’m a guy, though, so I don’t know if you’d consider that a good or bad thing!</p>
<p>Um, don’t worry about that. Simons is still highly regarded (OK, really, adcoms don’t care about state vs. private); programs like TTU’s Clark Scholars are extremely “prestigious” and publicly-run, as well.</p>
<p>So, yeah, don’t worry about the name being smaller or being a public school or not being in the Ivy League–if you want to pursue a serious research project this summer, Simons is your place to go. Adcoms would rather care about what you got out of it rather than where you went.</p>
<p>Thanks, chaseholl. I had to contact WTP early because I have to decide by tomorrow (yikes!). Anyway, I agree that it’s a very unique experience, in many ways they all are. Harvard SSP is almost certainly out because it’s not a program that one had to compete to get in. SSP is great, but most likely not related to my intended major (although very interesting).
Between WTP and Simons is a tough choice; I think in the end, the Simons program will further demonstrate my commitment to research and science and may even lead to published work.</p>
<p>Do you think that has more to do with their selection process for the program (as in if you get into WTP, you have what MIT is looking for) or the fact that you have completed their program?</p>