Ssp

Pre-College Topics High School Life
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<p>Dress code wasn't strict at all at Socorro. I think about half of us dressed up the first day, realized we didn't have to, and no one ever did it again. I'd say still bring the clothes, as you might have more strict administrators/TAs/whoever, and I think we had to wear them on the last day anyways.</p>

<p>I think Ojai is different though; apparently they actually follow the dress code there. We asked a TA about the lack of enforcement once, and I believe the answer was something like the campus at Ojai actually has a dress code and won't let people into the cafeteria at dinner if they aren't following it, but New Mexico Tech didn't actually have a dress code. So whoever was writing the rules was either to lazy to make the distinction between the two or didn't in the sake of fairness. So Ojai might be more strict.</p>

<p>Don't think we're really too knowledgable on whether Socorro is actually better than Ojai, it's just pride. The few differences I can think of, having never been to Ojai myself:</p>

<p>-California has to be prettier and more temprate than the barren desert that is Socorro. But, living in Arizona myself, I'm probably just sick of it. Too many of us thought New Mexico was pretty... <em>gag</em></p>

<p>-Socorro is in the middle of nowhere, Ojai is in California. My guess is that there is less air and light pollution in Socorro, which makes for better observing. I tihnk one of our TAs said this at one point, but I doubt the difference is actually significant.</p>

<p>-SSP sets up a yahoo group after the program ends so we can all communicate and stay in touch. It's probably already been discussed, I'll just say it's great and a wonderful idea, most of us read and post to it daily. As for how Socorro compares to Ojai, If it's any indication, our group has stayed somewhat more active than theirs (I go over to spy on their post count to validate my sense of Soccoron supremecy). Possibly an indication the people at Socorro enjoyed the program more. Also goes along with the fact that there're a lot of us talking to you here, but Ojai representation seems fairly sparse. I'm sure that's more a factor of the students than the location, though.</p>

<p>-Soccoro gets to visit the VLA :). Plenty of other cool field trips from Socorro, and I'm sure Ojai has good ones, but the VLA is pretty tough to beat.</p>

<p>So I'm sure the difference will be slight, the program should still be great wherever you go.</p>

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<p>what dress code? go nmt. hah.</p>

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<p>Actually, Ojai is in the mountains 2-3 hours north of Los Angeles, so air pollution shouldn't affect anything. Also, there are a few people going to Ojai here as well...</p>

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<p>where are the ojai people? you guys gotta join in the party!</p>

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<p>can you guys from socorro call up some ojai "graduates" from yahoo group to come hither? that would be much more engaging for few representations of ojai we have on CC..</p>

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<p>I'm sure that the reason there are so many Socorro people here is that Geeta mentioned on the aforementioned Yahoo group that she was talking to some soon-to-be SSPers, which got everyone else excited and resulted in us rushing over here. I bet that some Ojai people would also rush over if they knew... Does anyone know how to get into their Yahoo group? I have always wanted to meet someone from Ojai to see what they thought of SSP. I'm certain that it was just as fun and challenging because they were doing the same things that we were.</p>

<p>-Mary</p>

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<p>i sent a message to michael's twin...hopefully an ojaian will drop in. the program will probably have started by the time they do, though. :P</p>

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<p>So how is everyone doing? I hope that all you guys are having a better time packing than I am. Trying to rush and buy all the stuff in the last week is pretty hectic. I wanted to buy a MP3 player but I have already spent too much, guess that means more bonding time and that the trusty CD player is coming with me. </p>

<p>To all those who have a digital camera...how much memory are you guys bringing? Or how much do you guys suggest past SSPers? My 512mb SD should be coming in. I hope that is enough though it might limit my video recording.
I know I already asked this before but do you guys think they will let us load our pics onto the computer (which would entail installing some software)? I'm thinking of buying another card but if they let us put our pics online (or send it to myself with gmail) then I won't need to buy another card. </p>

<p>I really can't wait to meet everyone. It should be a great time. Keep posting!</p>

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<p>Is ssp secondary school program? Umm, does anyone know how selective it is and whether or not it's helpful on one's college application? I really would like details on this.
Much appreciated, thanks.</p>

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<p>No, it's the Summer Science Program.
<a href="http://www.summerscience.org%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.summerscience.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>36 students selected for two locations, and I don't think it would hurt your application process. </p>

<p>Okay a couple more things to ask:</p>

<p>How often do you use a sleeping bag? I am deciding between bringing that or a blanket. Or should I bring both? I don't want to be burdened with too much.
Also, did any of you guys bring a pillow? or a desktop lamp? wow, I guess I am pretty paranoid, but hey, I follow the scout's motto. </p>

<p>Thank you guys for all your help!</p>

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<p>yea im debating about the sleeping bag too, I really want to bring a blanket, because I want to be covered but not too warm.
I'm probably gonna bring my own pillow, but not my own bed linen or anything. I know this may be obvious, but is the stuff they lend out to you clean? I don't want to be sleeping on anyone's remnants....</p>

<p>thanks again for the help!</p>

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<p>Cameras- I don't normally take many pictures, so I only brought 2 disposable cameras. I regretted it afterwards, I certainly would have used a digital one. I know people at Socorro were uploading pictures, but I'm not entirely sure how. I wouldn't think you'd be able to install software, the computer labs there seemed fairly strict.</p>

<p>Sleeping bags- We had a couple of overnight field trips for which sleeping bags were important. On campus I never slept outside of my bed, although I know some people did (horribly botched late-night measuring sessions come to mind...). I also brought my own pillow, but I drove in rather than flying, so I had more space.</p>

<p>Everything was clean at Socorro, as far as I recall. I suppose if you had any doubts you could just toss it in a washing machine, which were always available at a small fee.</p>

<p>Socorro had light thingies built into the desks and the rooms were well-enough lit, so working there wouldn't take any extra light. I think it was fairly rare that I did any work in my room, though. Most was in the common room or outside on the lawn. I would recommend a desk lamp or a small light or something if you plan to read in bed at night, though. I had one and it was much less of a hassle than using the built-in lights, and probably less irritating to my roommate.</p>

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<p>thanks ekufler, but if I don't bring a sleeping bag, do they have extra ones available at no charge?</p>

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<p>I can't really remember, that might be a good thing to get in touch with them about if no one else here can answer. I vaguely remember lugging a whole lot of sleeping bags around White Sands, so I think we at least had them there. I don't know if they'd be available at other points, though.</p>

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<p>thanks
i decided to bring a sleeping bag of my own, instead of a blanket
that way I don't have to worry about bed linens and whatnot</p>

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<p>Yes, they had sleeping bags. Most people didn't bring them, so they took a count of who needed them and rented them. I should think it would be useful to bring one, though- especially if it's the kind that doubles as a blanket or something.</p>

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<p>Hello all. How is everyone doing? It's been a sad/exciting week for me. I am in a mad rush to reaquaint myself with all my friends and hang out with them before my journey to SSP. Kind of hard telling them that I will be gone for so long and how I won't be able to do anything with them like all previous summers. But hey, I'll meet all you new people at SSP and it'll be alright. </p>

<p>So did you guys read the email from R. Bowdon? Pretty exciting. All those guest speakers and trips. I emailed him asking about the IDs because I have no driver's license, and he just said to bring whatever IDs I have. So I guess my permit and school ID are alright. The breakdown was 22 boys, 14 girls. I kind of hoped it would be 50/50 but it's cool. Guess JD and I are two of the six from Cali. I wonder where the 12 people listed under "other" are from. Should a blast meeting everyone. </p>

<p>I wonder where everyone is, this thread kind of died out right when it's supposed to be at its peak...the program is in 2 days! Let's keep posting up until we leave. </p>

<p>Thank you all the old SSPers, you guys have really helped us newbies out. We'll tell you how things go.</p>

<p>Okay, I'm out.
Allen</p>

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<p>For any who's interested... The breakdown from Ojai is:</p>

<p>Your classmates are coming to Ojai from all over the US and the world. There will be 22 boys and 14 girls.</p>

<p>Residence # pct
CA 17 47%
Turkey 3 8%
Taiwan 2 6%
WI 2 6%
NM 1 3%
other 11 31%</p>

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<p>Wow! Two days until you guys leave for SSP! Ah, nostalgia. You guys are going to have a truly wonderful time.
Oh, by the way, juzam_djinn, I might suggest bringing a light sheet to cover with as well, since it might get a bit hot to cover with a sleeping bag.
Have a great time, guys, and keep us updated!!</p>

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<p>Thanks astrowanna and everyone else for coming on and helping us/wishing us well.
I think I'm gonna bring a small blanket and some bed sheets instead of a sleeping bag, cuz the sleeping bag is really clunky.
I've been fighting a cold for the past week, which kinda sucks cuz I had to scrap all the things me and my friends had planned to do.
The good thing is I'll be better in time for ssp, so thats a big plus. It should be an awesome 6 weeks.</p>