<p>Hey everyone! I got accepted to the SSP at Harvard....I'm so excited about going to Boston this summer. This is definitely going to be one of the best summers of my life. .... =)
I wanted to know though, exactly how selective is it? I mean, some people tell me that yeah, as long as you're willing to pay, they'll let you in, but of course, they won't accept just anyone (they still have to maintain the image); but are they right?</p>
<p>And for all those who have yet to receive their acceptance letters, good luck! And I hope to see you there! =) =)</p>
<p>flacagirl, this is the SSP astronomy/physics program, not the Harvard SSP, they are completely different, there's another thread called Harvard SSP i think, so you should probably check that one. congrats anyways, and there's a lot more information on that thread.</p>
<p>I was actually on the alternate's list but didn't know it. I hadn't gotten my desicion, so I sent Richard Bowdon an email asking what my status was. He said he did send me an email about a month ago, which he didn't, saying I was on the the alternate's list but just that day he found a spot for me in the Socorro Camp. I had emailed him before because I hadn't received notification on whether the program had received my application (I think they might have entered my email wrong or something even though I had received the first email telling me to proceed with my application). Anyways, it could be a possiblity that because I email him so much he knew I was interested and was able to find a position for me. This probably doesn't help at all, Hriundeli. But if I were you, I would send an email telling Richard Bowdon that you are still interested in the program.</p>
<p>Hey everyone! I got accepted to the SSP at Harvard....I'm so excited about going to Boston this summer. This is definitely going to be one of the best summers of my life. .... =)
I wanted to know though, exactly how selective is it? I mean, some people tell me that yeah, as long as you're willing to pay, they'll let you in, but of course, they won't accept just anyone (they still have to maintain the image); but are they right?</p>
<p>And for all those who have yet to receive their acceptance letters, good luck! And I hope to see you there! =) =)</p>
<p>We're talking about the Summer Science Program, not the Secondary School Program. Unfortunately, Harvard SSP DOES accept almost all of its applicants: 1000 admittees does not constitute competitiveness at all. A kid in my dorm got into Harvard SSP; but he himself isn't really that impressive. </p>
<p>Granted, Harvard SSP isn't going to take really really stupid kids. However, you'd have to be reasonably smart: A B student with A's here and there and a 1200 on the Old SAT. If you can pay the program in full, then you're in. Harvard SSP is not competitive.</p>
<p>As for the image, it's all in your head. As the kid in my dorm says, "It's Harvard!" However, in terms of your resume, the Secondary School Program won't hurt it, but it won't help you either. If I had a choice, I'd probably stay home and read science literature etc. The program actually resembles taking classes at a local college however, you live at Harvard...some maybe that means something?</p>
<p>I went to SSP last yr... the experience is everything I say... As far as the classes go... you can tell some of the course material was watered-down... I mean I doubt a lot of kids can take a normal Harvard Freshmen course and still get a A. But this SSP is definately more competitive than HSSP.</p>
<p>there seems to be a trend in that students who have attended the Summer Science Program (SSP) in their sophomore year summer usually gain admittance to RSI in their junior year summer... any validations?</p>
<p>Yes, although RSI is hard to get admitted to, I see almost a 100% correlation with going/accomplishing to SSP/PROMYS/ISEF CATEGORY WINNERS/SIEMENS REGIONAL FINALISTS and being admitted to RSI junior year.</p>
<p>I don't doubt that success at big science fairs and attendance at SSP helps in admisison to RSI. However, keep in mind that:</p>
<p>"Students selected for RSI will have demonstrated superior achievement in math, the sciences and verbal arts. They will have shown potential to become leaders in science. . . . This allows CEE to select RSI students solely on the basis of intellectual potential, to search out the best and brightest young scientists and mathematicians, to remove impediments to their naturally rapid intellectual growth, to nurture and support their desire to explore and create and to bind them strongly to the scientific community of similarly talented individuals who can help guide them through subsequent stages of intellectual and professional growth."</p>
<p>I know 4 students in our area who have been accepted to RSI. I know all of these students to some degree through activities my kids were involved with. </p>
<p>Two had done science fair stuff, won some math awards (one qualified for the math olympiad camp). But the other two had not done any research or big summer program stuff. Neither qualified for USAMO or any of the olympiads. They participated in science & math stuff, but no big awards. They were smart and passionate about science, which I think must have come through in their essays and recs. One of them had been to our state's governor school, the other did not have any summer programs in science/math. One of them played soccer and one was in band, and both had won a few small awards in things like writing and Model UN, and they were active in either student council or in other school clubs. Both had done some community service work. </p>
<p>It seems to me that they're looking for students who have already accomplished much in science/math AND for students who have the potential to do so. The students in this second group may not have done any of these amazing things but could, with the right circumstances and support. This potential can be shown through their activities, essays and recommendations.</p>
<p>i can write cogent essays but teacher recs are too generic 4 me, its usually things like wonderful student, exemplary, delightful personality-- the general.</p>
<p>I was so stupid. >_<
I got a full financial aid package because I guess I live in New Mexico (and NM students get full aid) but out of my insufferable curiosity, I sent Mr. Richard an email asking if I really could recieve it for I'm not a Us Citizen.</p>
<p>WHY did I do that? I told them that I was international on my applications and if they gave me the money regardless, I should've just accepted the money and moved on....But nooooo. I HAD to ask.</p>
<p>Now, if they pull my funding, I won't be able to attend.</p>
<p>IDIOT to myself. Aiyah. So, I'm checking my email every two hours like a lunatic hoping they won't pull my funding. <em>sniff</em></p>
<p>Anybody willing to make me feel better? lol</p>