@ak2018 I am looking for pointers to help my cousin write his essays to get into the SAMS program do you have any tips? He is american but is currently enrolled in school abroad and he would like to take a chance at applying and is looking for directions.
Is he a minority (African American, Hispanic, Native American, First gen, Low income, etc.)? If he isn’t the chances of him being accepted will be quite low. I go into this program last year, so if you have any questions, ask away!
@GoBears2023 Just wondering, how was the program? What kind of projects did you work on? Thanks!
Hi @frgiven,
I actually ended up attending TASP as it fit my interest better. From a friend who ended up attending, he said that the program was fantastic as he got to see CMU and really feel the unique vibe of the campus. He ended up working on some AI program, although I don’t really know the specifics.
@GoBears2023 he is black/African-American and is a US citizen from a low income family. He is currently facing some issues as he goes to school out of the US and his teachers are not really used to doing letters of rec for those type of programs.
Is he strong in STEM? Any awards or ECs that reflect a strong background in STEM?
I would say that the recs are important but wont make a difference. Just tell him to do his best on his essays. If he wants, he can PM me his essays and I can offer suggestions. @jialo2003
@GoBears2023 Thank you!!!
@GoBears2023 Other than that what other programs would you say is out there? He is looking at at SAMS and the YYGS. I see that you participated in TASP but since he is abroad, it seems like the nomination and interview process might be a little difficult.
For sure, here are some recommendations for him!
MITES (10% acceptance rate, if you get in you are basically guaranteed to get into MIT, got into this one)
SSP (astrophysics, mechanical engineering, etc., waitlisted for this one)
MOSTEC (same with MITES)
Texas Clark Scholars (2-3% acceptance rate, got rejected 
)
HSHSP (5% acceptance rate, got into this one)
RISE (12% acceptance rate, got into this one)
RSI (REALLY hard, the most prestigious camp in the United States, listed as an alternate)
Beaverworks (really fun, i got into this one, 20% acceptance rate)
LaunchX (science and business, got into this one)
SIP (health stuff with science)
Simons Summer Research Program
Please keep in mind that you will have to check if these programs accept international students @jialo2003