SIMONS vs. SSP

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>Hi,
I found out today that I was accepted into the SIMONS summer research program in New York to work on physics and astronomy. Last week, I was deferred (not waitlisted, there just was no decision made as of the end of the first round) from SSP. Now, I know that the choice of which to attend could easily be made for me by a rejection from SSP, but on the off chance I'm able to choose between the two, I'm curious what are the pros and cons of each, and which would be the best use of my summer.</p>

<p>So far, I've come to the conclusion that the two are about equally prestigious, not that that's a large issue. SSP seems like it will have a better, larger community (everything I've read suggests that at least part of the admissions process is to select the best combination of people possible), especially as SIMONS is a research thing where a good portion of the kids come from the New York area, both of which I've heard translate into mostly insular folks, or at least many more than SSP. Additionally, I'm a bit worried about the idea of independent research versus the organized, structured approach of SSP; I have never done truly independent work before (though I have participated in a few research activities as, essentially, a grunt). At the moment, simply because a close friend is an SSP alumni who cannot stop raving about the program, I'm leaning more towards SSP, but I would hate to make the wrong decision based on a single opinion. Thoughts?</p>

2

<p>I see your points. I think it really depends on what you want to gain out of the experience. prestige-wise, Simons wins. But one reason I don’t really like Simons is that the people are mostly confined to the NY area. However, the research is definitely top-notch. SSP, on the other hand, is a very organized learning camp. There’s less leeway as to want you could do. The community would be more diverse and stimulating than that of Simons but again, it’s a learning camp, not research. Somehow I think SSP might be a more enjoyable experience. But personally, I would never pass on a research experience.</p>

3

<p>Also, I’m a bit worried about the lack of information about SIMONS online. The website isn’t exactly the most informative place, and a few google searches haven’t turned up much. Anyone have any good sites/reviews/etc?</p>

<p>Why is it more prestigious than SSP, out of curiosity? Also, is it as hard to get into? I read somewhere on the boards that the admit rate is around 15%, but what’s the size of the pool, and how much of those applying are qualified?</p>

4

<p>SSP has a 30% admit rate. I believe both has around 300 applicants-ish. Simons accepts 25-35 people and SSP is 70 combined?</p>

5

<p>is simons competitive?</p>