SSP Astrophysics vs UCSC SIP Astronomy/Astrophysics vs UCSB RMP

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

Hi everyone,
I’m currently a junior deciding between several summer internships and research programs:

  • SSP Astrophysics
  • UCSC SIP Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • UCSB’s Research Mentorship Program

Has anyone attended either of these programs and is willing to answer a few questions?

Intended major in college: Computer Science and/or Electrical Engineering

I’m leaning towards SSP because prestige + good organization of the program (learning and problem sets + research), especially since I haven’t done much independent research before. However, I see that many of the SIP students have gone on to do very well in ISEF/Siemens/Regeneron etc, while SSP appears to be team based so I’m not sure how much people submit their work or add on to it for science fairs. Also, how prestigious is RMP?

I did Stanford Precollege programming before 10th grade and COSMOS physics last year.

Thanks!

2

What advice do you have? Also, if anyone has gone to SSP, is it possible to use your research there for science fairs?

3

SSP has a better brand name, the other two are more local. I will pick SSP. Cost maybe your concern.