<p>So I've been rejected by both SIMR and RSI. The other two programs I applied to were Harvard SSP and Columbia's Barcelona Experience. At Harvard Id probably take Bio. Is it really worth going the summer before my senior year or should I stay home and just volunteer.</p>
<p>Hey,</p>
<p>I went to Harvard SSP last year (I’m a senior now). What motivated you to apply to these programs in the first place? If what you’re looking for is a boost in your application chances then I honestly would suggest saving the money and doing something that shows more passion and initiative. </p>
<p>From a college admissions perspective I think there are 4 main benefits to be considered from attending a program like SSP:</p>
<p>a) Getting some good grades and reinforcing the “academic strength” section of your application.
b) Enrolling in classes related to your academic major and thus demonstrating true passion and commitment for your academic interests.
c) Demonstrating interest in Harvard (or Columbia, I guess).
d) Impressing someone and getting an additional rec. </p>
<p>However, there is no reason whatsoever why you couldn’t do these things anyway in school or by starting your own project/volunteering, etc. You just need to be committed and passionate. And, although the four points above could clearly boost your app, it is extremely unlikely that they will make a major difference in any admissions decision. (In fact, you could end up having a hard time, and getting a C or D in a class. That could hurt you considerably). </p>
<p>On the other hand, if you’re considering these summer programs because, well…you actually find the prospect exciting, then I would say ABSOLUTELY. SSP was probably the most defining experience of my high school life (and I’ve done a lot, as I imagine you have). There more intangible benefits of attending such a program are endless. From being able to really feel out the Ivy environment (although Harvard Summer and Harvard Fall are different in many ways) to meeting incredible people to intellectual discovery (if just for seven weeks over the summer), SSP truly is amazing experience in terms of…well…experience.</p>
<p>Just my two cents.</p>
<p>well for RSI and SIMR I really wanted to engage in actual research and bio. Taking bio at harvard and doing really would probably reinforce an academic interest in biology. thanks for the assistance.</p>
<p>If you can find a good research opportunity in Cambridge/Boston why not do both? A couple of my friends from last year did that.</p>
<p>do you think that might be a bit much</p>
<p>People I knew last summer seemed to handle it really well. SSP is basically 12 hours of class a week in 4 three-hour sessions. Just do whatever excites you most.</p>
<p>If you want to do research, you dont have to enroll in a formal program. You can email professors and researchers in the area and ask for an internship. If you send a specific email, you should get it in no time. and you can do volunteering on the side</p>