Is it true that you research with a team instead of individually?
Yes, research is done in a group of 3 at SSP Biochem.
@astr0world @royalflush792 Can you describe a typical day at SSP? Also, what was the most valuable part of SSP for you? Thanks 
@fouriercat For Biochem, a typical day consists of grabbing breakfast and going to lecture around 8 where you learn the background behind the procedures that you will be conducting in the lab that day. After lunch, you are generally in the lab until dinner time unless there is a class activity or another lecture in the late afternoon. After dinner, most nights consist of either homework or lab. Most days at SSP end somewhere between 9:30-11:30 PM depending on how much work there is and how efficient your group is. Of course, this rough schedule varies because no day is exactly like another at SSP.
The best part about SSP is definitely the people that you’ll meet there. Whether it’s during walks to the dining halls or during late-night homework sessions, you’ll meet some inspiring peers and mentors who will both challenge and humor you. The social aspect of SSP is definitely not something to neglect. It is just as important as the academic aspect.
Hello I aksed this before but I am still worried if ECAs are important or not? Also another question is it appropriate to have an interest in cosmology if I am applying to biochem? Thank you
Hey, I was just wondering if the SATs are that important as part of an application. What if you are exceedingly smart in science and research, but your SAT is low? Thank you.
ECs are probably pretty important but still not as important as your essays imho. It’s great to have an interest in cosmology (I do too :D) but maybe try not to overplay it too much that they wonder why you didn’t just apply to astro lol? Why do you want to apply to biochem rather than astro?
SATs are likely not all that important. It’s more important to show that you like astro and you can do the work in the kind of stressful environment that SSP is. That being said, a too-low SAT is certainly not going to help you (I would think lower than 1300 is not too great), but I do think that you could get accepted if your essays stand out/you’ve done some cool extracurriculars??? International students have it tough :’)
Lol. I don’t know why I keep on answering questions when my own application is quite the mess. I am not the person looking at your application, not by a long shot. Take everything I say with whole bucket of NaCl. Good luck
Thank you for all your replies @fouriercat. That’s what collegeconfidential community stands for, we help each other in order to go through the process. Ask us if you have my questions (of course if we are able to answer them)
@collegeapplicant123 Hey thanks I try my best.
Hi astrowold
congrats.
what do u think that was key to acceptance?
aaaaaah the character limits are KILLING ME on these SSP essays haha i’m always at least 100 over limit jesus christ
yeah all the character limits are so short i’m used to writing like 5,000 characters kjfxcjn
i havent actually started writing mine yet though so i have that going for me !!
Why is the thread so dead? How’s everyone doing with the application? Who has already submitted one?
Hi I’m an international applicant. I’ve already submitted my application. The result is coming in mid March and I feel like waiting for it is torturing!
@cuicuisha Hey, I am an international too! Where are you from? Agree, decisions are coming up in three weeks, but I can’t wait to see them -
oh good luck to internationals here!! i’m domestic so i still have a few days L O L help
@royalflush792 hey I’m a nervous applicant, is there any way I can improve my application or what part of it is most important? Also what other programs did you apply to as your backups?
If I sent my transcript through email today, would they receive it in time for the application?
Hi I’m from China 
I am really nervous about the results because I heard there are many many Chinese and Indian applicants
Hi! I’m a program alum (astrophysics) from 2013 and I came back as a teaching assistant in 2018 (and planning to do it again this summer!). I know a fair amount about admissions (although I have no sway over the results!) and I know applications are due really soon, so I wanted to help answer questions y’all might have about the application process, the program in general, and any other aspects of SSP. AMA!