@Ynotgo do you know how they select the people who will take part in the metagenomics pilot program? Is it usually the previous year’s alumni that go to these? Curious cuz I was curious to attend the pilot program.
@Savage2001 When they added biochemistry a few years ago, they did use alumni from the astrophysics program. The pilot was smaller than 36 students. 12? 24? I don’t recall.
What exactly is a pilot program?
@Ynotgo I think the pilot was only 6 students lol…
@cyclowl the pilot is when they choose a small group of students to test out the program and determine whether it can be successfully be employed for the next year since they’re trying a new program in metagenomics aimed for a Summer 2021 launch
For those who attended astrophysics in the past, how much coding experience is required? Would you say that you would leave SSP with knowing how to code pretty well?
@cyclowl I’d say that you should study python before coming, or else you might be behind the other participants. People in the past have said that they wished they learned python before coming.
Do you think that after SSP you or people in general were pretty good at coding in Python?
My son did SSP a few years ago. They sent recommendations for what to study before coming to the summer program, including links for learning Python. My son had no previous experience with Python but did all of the recommended material beforehand and was fine. Those who had not taken the time beforehand struggled. So I would definitely advise doing all of the recommended work ahead of SSP so that you will get the most out of the program. BTW, he had a fantastic experience (astro @ CUB). Congratulations to all of those who will be attending!
Can somebody who got accepted to astrophysics tell me if taking AP Physics C and Calculus BC is a must? If I only take AP Physics 1 and CalculusAB , do I qualify? I am planning for next year.
There are quite a few admits who have taken Physics C and Multivariable Calculus, but it isn’t a requirement. If the other parts of your application are good then you should apply, but you’ll be at a disadvantage because you haven’t taken those classes @Valchoi
@Valchoi What grade will you be next year? The requirements for sophomore vs junior applicants are very different.
@Valchoi I got accepted to astro without taking AP Physics. My school only offer AP Physics 1 to seniors
But I have taken BC Calc as a Sophomore
I will be junior next year.
@Valchoi then the ssp requirements do not require you to have taken calc bc or physics c. for sophomores they are required to apply. @Jedelm23 are you a sophomore this year?
Yes, sophomore this year. I didn’t apply this year because I am only 15 years old. In fact, I am not old enough to apply to many programs this year. With the knowledge of AP Physics 1 and Calculus AB, am I good enough to manage the asrtophysics project at SSP?
Are there any sophomores on collegeconfidential who made Biochem this year? It’s said that ssp gives preference to juniors because they will graduate, but a few sophomores do make it. If there are any sophomores who made either astro or biochem, could they share their stats (I’m mostly interested in biochem, tho)
Also, it is said on the website that while you can’t use the project you do over summer for other competitions directly, you can work with the mentors and extend your project to make it more unique. Has anyone done this, and were said professors/mentors accommodating in guiding you? (once again mostly focused on biochem, but any answers appreciated)
@cyclowl No I am a junior this year. They are much more lenient with the classes juniors have taken, though I have noticed that many of the accepted students to Astro are currently taking multivariable calculus.
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