Hi,
I am a current junior interested in STEM summer programs - especially Math/CS/Stats oriented programs (did 3 summer programs in last three summers - mostly math ones, now exploring the Applied Math/CS/data-science programs where I can get to do more focussed research). Aware of the usual big names - RSI, Simons, PROMYS etc. - almost all of them require recommendation letters (in a specific format/site) which has become a challenge to get. Exploring any programs that either don’t need recommendations or accept generic sealed letters (as opposed to teachers needing to fill up at a specific site). Pls let share such programs in this thread - TIA.
Venting on the process:
I go to a large public high school - took most challenging courses and doing reasonably well. Teachers have a positive opinion of me and they agreed to give reco letters when I asked them one month ago. But now I applied to couple and realized they never submitted the letters to one of the program despite of my repeated requests/reminders. Finally got a response back from one teacher who said to the effect that he does not have time to fill up all the forms for admission into a summer camp - and if I apply to any more camps, he may not give unless its a copy of sealed letter. I don’t think its a unique problem faced by me, most of high school teachers are short of time and give preference to give letters for college admissions. This gives an unfair advantage to private/boarding school students (I heard that some of these schools have dedicated councilors to help juniors for summer programs). Why don’t summer programs use more structured college admission type process? - one recommendation shared by multiple programs. its not like my math teacher is going to write something drastically different for one program to another. OR alternately they could ask for recommendations only after short-listing based on any other criteria (surprised to see that even the math programs that have a admission quiz ask for recommendations). Anyway just venting that most of these programs seems to have already self selected to prefer certain high school students over others despite of claims that there is no such preference. There is no alternative for me other than just requesting the teacher and limiting myself to 2 or 3 camps and hope for the best - but if there are good camps without this hassle please do share here. thanks for listening.