I heard that the biochem program only accepts 24 students, while the two sites for astrophysics each take 36; does that mean the biochemistry program is relatively more competitive? Does anyone have an concrete idea on this matter?
@MeanestBean I think biochem accepted 24 not 36 last year because it was the first year of that program. Also, not as many people applied for that program as they did astrophysics. 667 applied for 72 astrophysics spots, and ~400 or so applied for the 24 biochem spots. By those numbers biochem is a lot more selective, but if they accept 36 people for it this year they’ll have roughly the same selectivity.
@aloe_guvna Hi do you know how likely a student can get a recommendation letter from the YSPA? thank you!
@Astro123abc I think students can ask any of the faculty for recommendation letters, so… very likely.
@aloe_guvna @Astro123abc I know for SSP new alumni can ask the Academic and Assistant Academic Directors for letters of recommendation. I don’t know about YSPA but I presume it’s the same or similar.
@aloe_guvna @frazzledazzle thank you both!
Does anyone know if the YSPA is a need blind admission? i.e., if I applied for financial aid, my chance of getting in will be lower.
@ScreenNamee17 What was the overall experience for biochem like? What did you do on the weekends and what was the actual camp like?
Hello! I am applying as a sophomore this year and I believe I explained the reasons very well in the essay. As an international student I don’t have a TOEFL score bc I’ll be taking tests in March. I showed my ability to use English in essays and I was wondering that the TOEFL scores really matters. Thanks for your helps
I was wondering, do they really care about science olympiads? This year I won one silver and one bronze medal in National Physics Olympiads. Will they help me “significantly” on my application ?
My S is applying for Biochemistry program as a sophomore. Just wondering if they really don’t admit sophomore students as stated on their website.
@JKMSNJ The word is that they typically admit 0 to 2 sophomores. Not sure how that applies to biochem.
Historically, the sophomores admitted would typically be those who have already exhausted the STEM AP courses available to them at their schools. I’d guess for biochem that means AP Bio and AP Chem already completed. (For astrophysics that would be AP Calc, AP Physics 1 or C:Mechanics, and AP CS A would be helpful.)
One advantage of being a junior when you attend is that you are fresh in the mind of faculty if you ask them to write a LoR for college applications.
@JKMSNJ There were no sophomores that attended in '17 for biochemistry. But I’m pretty sure this was the case as it was biochemistry’s first time, and there were only 24 participants. I think it will be different with 36, and I still encourage your son to apply.
@workhardneverstop awards/medals in general showcase academic ability, and are always a good thing to have on an application. I would say they boost your application for sure. However, SSP, as with colleges/admission in general, seeks to create a diverse group of students - from what I could tell, they don’t necessarily want a whole group of internationally-renowned students. For this reason, no one can really say how much it boosts your application, because your application is taken in context with the whole group being accepted.
@Ynotgo @ScreenName17 Thanks for the info. S already completed all the math courses and Honor biology, and will complete AP biology and honor chemistry in 10th grade. We will try to apply for biochemistry this year. Hopefully he will get a spot as they increase the size of the program.
Hi, my son is thinking of applying. He is very interested in the program but doesn’t know if his lack of impressive EC will put him in a disadvantage. How difficult is it to get in? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
@Micc It’s generally about 10% get admitted to SSP.
The website says, “Every year, some people are surprised to be admitted” and "We do not necessarily admit those applicants with the longest résumé or highest test scores – every year we turn away some with perfect test scores. Given two equally promising and motivated applicants, we will admit the one who is likely to benefit more from SSP. "
If your son is very interested and has taken the prerequisite classes listed on the “Is SSP For You?” page, he should apply. If nothing else, writing the essays is good practice for college applications next fall.
I would suggest applying to other programs or summer activities also. YSPA is a very similar program to the astrophysics side of SSP.
how heavy is the act score weighted given I am an intel science fair qualifier
I am going to compete in may
Biochemistry program
Sorry to be that ONE PERSON but could someone please chance me?
I’m white female who goes to a competitive public school in Pennsylvania.
Applying to Purdue biochemistry program
3.92 UW ; 4.98 W GPA
Stem Courses currently taking: AP Biology, AP Chem I & II, AP Statistics
PSAT: 1500 (760 Reading, 740 Math)
Real SAT: 1590 (790 Reading, 800 Math)
SAT Math II: 800
Currently an assistant researcher at UPenn Dental School researching wound healing and leukocyte regeneration
Extracurriculars:
- Member of National Honors Society
- Regional finalist for Original Speech regarding biomedical sciences
- John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Program (CTY) 2015 and 2016, studied Anatomy & Physiology and Cognitive Psychology
- Member and audition moderator of Model United Nations Club
- Statewide finalist for National History Day
- Founder and president of Creative Storytelling and Improvisation Club
- Work over the summer as a legal assistant at Jack Shrum, P.A., coordinated group of peers to complete legal projects
Other Achievements:
Competitive and Performing Piano
- 1st Place in Elite International Music Competition 2017
- 1st Place in Crescendo International Competition 2016
- 1st Place in Crescendo International Competition 2015
- 2nd Place in Crescendo International Competition 2014
- Performed in Carnegie Hall 2015-2018 in Weill Recital Hall
Community Service:
15+ hours thus far tutoring peers in school
100+ hours since January 1 2018 volunteering at the Franklin Institute of the Sciences, teaching people of all ages and abilities various topics in science, and trying to interest/inspire them to pursue STEM on their own time
Thank you so much! @Ynotgo Sorry to ask, but what is YSPA? Thanks again for your help and advice.