<p>I got a letter not too long ago about the Summer Science Program. I was thinking of applying to RSI earlier, but as I've done a grand total of (0) research things and (0) science/math-related extracurriculars (my school has none; not my fault)...I think I should seriously reconsider blowing off money on an application there. Unless of course applying is free, but I don't think it is.</p>
<p>Anyways. Is SSP any good? Is there any way to cover the costs besides need-based funds?</p>
<p>SSP is a great start for those who are just starting to get motivated in math/science. The app doesn't ask for math/science awards - I think motivation's what really matters in this program. It's also quite unselective for a program of its calibre - over 50% of students are accepted! Plus, it's one of the very few summer programs that does not practice affirmitive action or that is not exclusive to underrepresented minorities - so Asian and white males are treated equally.</p>
<p>And how did you get the letter? DId SSP send you a letter or something?</p>
<p>And uhh yeah - now I realize that I am reducing my own chances of getting into this program. But I cannot resist talking about it!</p>
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<p>Yeah, I received the same letter about a month ago. Are you applying?</p>
<p>Did SSP just send you a letter without you telling them to do so first? I'm wondering if SSP actively advertises... (and I wonder - how do they get your name? From PSAT scores or something like that...?)</p>
<p>Well, I never took PSATs, so it couldn't be from that. I think it may have something to do with CalTech. I have been emailing CalTech about applying there (with special circumstances), and they have my address and everything. The letter basically said "As a top student in math & science, you may be looking for an intellectual challenge this summer..... apply to SSP. Students who thrive at SSP should apply to CalTech."</p>
<p>Btw, have you sent in your app. yet Simfish?</p>
<p>Parts of it - but will finish it few days b4 deadline - just in case i come up with a novel idea for the essay.</p>
<p>I think I'm applying. Yeah, they just sent me a letter out of the blue. If I told them to, I certainly don't recall doing so. I have no idea where they got my name, unless I have insomnia, logged on in the middle of the night and told them to send me a letter, and then forgot all about it.</p>
<p>I haven't emailed Caltech, but I did get information from them as a result of my PSATs.</p>
<p>Hmmm... They want more applicants. I see. RSI and NASA SHARP don't actively recruit.</p>
<p>I was in SSP what, 2 years ago? Man, I feel so old. Anyway, SSP is not for the lighthearted...it's a really crazy program where you stay up late tracking asteroids and whatnot, but if you think you might have even a slight bit of interest in the subject matter, by all means, apply! It may have been pretty intense, but I had one of the best 6 weeks of my life...punto!</p>
<p>How competitive is this program to get into? It sounds like a ton of fun to me, but I don't know if my stats are quite up to par. I also realize that being a female doesn't help as much as when applying to NASA Sharp, because this program doesn't discriminate against non-minorities. I was hoping that somebody might be able to tell me what my chances are?
White Female, Sophomore
Straight A's (including Pre-calculus and AP Euro) except A- in Biology and B+ in Honors Intergrated Math 2
Learning Visual Basic and C++
Volunteering at local hospital
Compete internationally in my sport
PSAT: 189 (I know, I didn't study and am hoping to improve)
ACT: Taking in February
ACT scores as 8th Grader with no prep= 28</p>
<p>When did you take Biology? (and did you take any other science courses)? I would be inclined to believe that while SSP requires any laboratory science course(bio, chem, or physics), it preferrs the hard sciences over biology.</p>
<p>Also, if you've only had pre-calculus and one actual laboratory science course, you've met the bare minimum requirements for the program. It'll hurt if there are others with more prep. But on the other hand, there are quite a few students who haven't taken calcin the program. Are you taking a C++ course? (there are many students who have never written a program before, and if they know you're taking a course, it'll show them that you know something some other applicants don't know, which will help).</p>
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<p>Oooh. AMC 12 in a few days, grades back in a couple, and SAT II Chem grade back in a week. The next week is going to be... brutal but honest. And the week that decides whether I will go or not.</p>
<p>I'm not taking a C++ course but am thinking of starting to self-study AP Computer Science so I can take the AP Computer Science test next year. My dad has a computer engineering company so he has started teaching me a little programming lately and I've been enjoying it. I'm also hoping to take a class in Chemistry or Physics after school at Cascadia in the spring.</p>
<p>I went to SSP last summer and it was one of the best experiences of my life both academically and socially. One of the things I really liked about this program was that you got actual credit for taking the courses. A lot of the other summer programs i looked into didn't do this. The courses are full length college courses that you take with college students, so they are pretty rigourous. There are exams (usually a midterm and a final). The 8-unit courses are the most rigourous, and my friends who took them def had to put in a lot more time than i did in my two 4-unit courses. Socially, it is a great program because you get to experience independence and freedom for 8 weeks. Cambridge is a wonderful city, and Boston is AMAZING. </p>
<p>As for getting in, i actually think the acceptance rate is much higher than 50%. First of all, they accept 1000 students, so, the odds are in your favor. Secondly, none of my friends knew anyone who was rejected from the program, but that may be because only people who feel like they can make it into the program apply. I really don't think you have to worry about getting in or not. (Don't let this detract from the program tho, it was AMAZING. There is a lot of work, but the friendships you make will last you forever. Since the summer, we've already had about 3 reunions)</p>
<p>Btw, someone said that RSI doesn't actively recruit. I dunno if that is true because I was sent a brochure from them.</p>
<p>smileforum, I think that's a different SSP...did you do astronomy?</p>
<p>ahh.. i see, i'm talking about harvard ssp</p>
<p>Um, I'm doing this post on behalf of my sister. (She's a math/science person. I'm the English/history person in my family.)</p>
<p>Can you still apply if you didn't recieve a letter? And what do you think my sister's stats are.</p>
<p>She's a sophomore. (Can she even apply? Or is this for juniors)
She got a ...232 (? Something like that) on her PSATs (80 math)
1580 on her SATs (800 math)
740 BioM SAT II
She's taking Calc AB this year...but she has a B
All her other grades so far are A's
She's in the IB program at our school
But she hasn't done much research or anything.</p>
<p>Does this program cost money? I'm sorry I'm asking so many questions, it's just that I'm probably working this summer (or perhaps going to a summer program) and I'd rather not see her home alone all day, so I'm looking up summer programs for her. Is there a website where I could get info?</p>
<p>I meant...*chances with the stats. Sorry.</p>
<p>Since I can't read the mind of the SSP admissions folks, I can't really say whether or not she's a shoe-in...those are impressive stats, but I think people with strong stats were turned down when I applied. My stats weren't as great, but I managed to get in. Also, research experience is not a requirement, but I think that they wouldn't mind seeing folks who've at least done some lab stuff in a high school science class...be it chemistry of biology.</p>
<p>The program does cost money (about $3000), but they do offer financial aid.</p>
<p>Check it out at <a href="http://www.ssp.org%5B/url%5D">http://www.ssp.org</a></p>
<p>As for the competitiveness of the program, I recently got a letter saying that over 200 people have started their apps...they only have 72 slots, though, so...</p>