SSP vs. SAAST?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>I... got in. I was totally psyched upon receiving the admission from both programs but I'm not sure where to go from here.</p>

<p>In short, what does either program offer compared to one another. I have no idea if my financial aid application will make a significant enough dent in the $5800 SAAST fee, but I no longer am expected to pay anything to SSP. Any help at all would be appreciated.</p>

<p>-------------------------Read below for more info if you want but ^^^^ pretty much covers it.---------------------------
The first acceptance I received was from Summer Ventures in Science and Mathmatics (SVSM) a program targeted only to North Carolinians. It's completely free and I had gotten in last year as well but turned them down to attend TASS. Seeing as the other programs I applied to this year were very competitive and I had little hope to getting in, I held onto the program as a backup.</p>

<p>I eventually heard back from SSP and was ecstatic to learn that I got in. But I was faced with the reality of the Program fee of $3800 which I probably couldn't afford. The free SVSM looked a better option than the $3800 SSP.
That is, until I got the letter confirming that my financial aid application was reviewed and I wouldn't be expected to contribute a dime to the program fee. All I had to do was make my way to New Mexico on my own.
Delighted that my problems had been solved I immediate confirmed my admission (tomorrow is the deadline to confirm acceptance or request more time to consider) and sent in the $100 deposit (which is to be reimbursed upon attendance).</p>

<p>As for SAAST, I applied several weeks ago. I didn't hear back at all about my admissions decision so I contacted them a few days ago. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I got in to the nanotechnology program.</p>

<p>Apparently I hadn't been notified yet because decisions were (are) still being made about my financial aid package, if I receive any at all that is. If I don't receive substancial aid theres no question as my family can't afford the $5800 fee.</p>

<h2>So I'm not sure what to do...</h2>

<p>So what does each program cover, what is the length of the programs (weeks), what is the likelihood of receiving any/enough financial aid from SAAST, should I even be concerned with the curse of "choice" or have I already been blessed with restriction as I've already confirmed my attendance and sent in the $100 deposit to SSP? or any other advice, opinions, comments, or rants you would care to share. I'm all ears and desperate for some attention (did I type that outloud?).</p>

2

<p>Erm, Bump? I suppose.</p>

<p>Would appreciate any opinions :).</p>

3

<p>why you don’t think you could get any Financial aid from SSP? They are GENEROUS</p>

4

<p>Oh, no I received financial aid from SSP. They are indeed generous in that regard as they covered 100% of the program fee (I only have to cover travel costs). I’m worried about SAAST for aid.</p>

5

<p>Okay, that’s good. So you are not planning on going to SSP?</p>

6

<p>Ah, I actually was (and for all intents and purposes still am) very set on attending SSP after they confirmed my financial aid package. I even replied that I would indeed attend and submitted my $100 deposit (which is to be reimbursed upon my attendance).</p>

<p>It’s just that I just received my SAAST admission notification yesterday which for some reason complicates things. I’m just terribly indecisive and would have been perfectly delighted to have no choice in the matter for plans this summer. Unfortunately, I do. Though if SAAST doesn’t offer substantial aid theres no concern, I’m turning them down.</p>

<p>It’s just that I confirmed things with SSP just as I learned I was admitted to SAAST which got me worried. I guess thats what it boils down to.</p>