<p>I think I’ll be applying (international), too! </p>
<p>One question: I’m done with Calc BC and am now doing MV Calc/Linear Algebra but my school isn’t implementing AP physics until senior year, so I only really have a “Grade 11” physics knowledge (I took the class in grade 10). Will that be okay? </p>
<p>Also, most of my research/science experience is in biology but I’m applying just to try other options. Is that chill or do they want ‘committed’ people?</p>
<p>Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Hey guys I’ve got a question. So this sounds like a pretty decent program, which I would love to get in. I’m already in college. Have taken all the calc classes and actually doin one calc based physics. And never bothered taken any standardized tests like SAT or PSAT or whatever. Am I still qualified to apply? Will they just accept my transcript?</p>
<p>Lynacc- Ssp is open only to rising juniors and seniors… Sorry! :/</p>
<p>Ecouter11- you’re fine! Some people on my campus (3/36 to be exact) hadn’t taken physics at all, so while it helps, it’s not a definite requirement. As long as your math skills are good (as they clearly are), that should be okay. Also, I did bio research only and still got in, so as long as you show you’re really passionate about what you’re doing, that’s the most important part, I think.</p>
<p>I will be applying as well! </p>
<p>This seems like the perfect program for me, as there aren’t any opportunities in my area (that I’ve found) for advanced astrophysics, which is a field that really interests me. </p>
<p>I have really strong skills in math, but due to limitations at my school I haven’t had much experience with physics and astronomy. Last year, I was the only sophomore ever to take AP Calc BC at my school, and am now taking Calculus III and Differential Equations at a local community college. I also just joined a math circle at UC Davis. However, my school requires us to take regular physics before we can take AP Physics B, so I’m stuck in that right now. It’s quite frustrating, really, since I already know all the material. On the bright side, I will be taking AP Physics B in the spring, so I won’t be too uninformed.</p>
<p>As for astronomy, it is actually one of my favorite fields of study along with molecular biology, but I haven’t been able to find ANYTHING in my area for it 
I am considering signing up for an astronomy class at my local community college for next term, but with differential equations plus a varsity sport and coaching a team I don’t see how I will be able to fit it into my schedule. </p>
<p>I know SAT scores aren’t a make it or break it deal according to the previous posters, but does it help at all if one scores well? I took the November SAT and am anticipating a score in the 2300-2390 range (find out this Tuesday!). </p>
<p>One of the reasons I really want to participate in this program is to help decide what career I want to pursue. Up until recently, I’ve been sure I wanted to be a doctor, but I don’t know if all the education and money for education will be worth it in the end. Aerospace engineering and maybe other engineering fields have started to become more appealing to me.</p>
<p>Oh, and I don’t know much at all about computer programming. Or computers for that matter, lol. Should I make an effort to catch up on the subject or does it even matter?</p>
<p>Anyway, sorry for the babbling, but good luck to all those applying and thanks to those who have provided information about their experiences!</p>
<p>You sound like a very good candidate! Just make sure your passion and voice show through in your activities and essays!</p>
<p>I’m applying (internationally) to SSP 2013 
Actually I wonder why all international applicants I know is on New Mexico Campus-isn’t California Campus open to international students?</p>
<p>Actually if I attend the NM Campus I’ll have to miss the final exam, which is definitely important to me… I wonder if I’ll be admitted if I only apply to the California Campus?</p>
<p>Internationals are admitted equally to both campuses, I believe</p>
<p>How disadvantageous is it to only select the Westmont campus as one’s choice of location? Santa Barbara sounds so much more appealing to my than New Mexico, but I’d rather not risk my chances if I’m not open to Sorroco.</p>
<p>There’s really no difference between the two camps, so please apply to both. It could mean the difference between getting waitlisted and getting in.</p>
<p>Hey guys so somebody up there asked for a New Mexico alum. And here I am from 2012. Also don’t forget its focused around an astronomy program, Socorro has great conditions for astronomy and is better than CA. (out of the 36 students at NM, i’m sure 100% would agree that NM > CA) I’ve actually met hpyscm in real life just to give you an idea of how tight knit the alumni network is. So here are the question answers.</p>
<p>1) The experience: I’ll start by saying that its not a joke, the workload is intense. I think I can count on one hand the amount of nights I went to sleep before 1AM. The lectures are fast-paced and cover topics in physics, calculus, astronomy, and programming. However, you also grow as a family. I still talk to a lot of people from the program and the time there was great. There IS free time, the staff makes sure we have fun. There are great field trips and we played a lot of frisbee. We had weekly movie nights and lots of snacks while doing problem sets. </p>
<p>2) From what I saw, they truly do care that they are admitting PEOPLE and not academic machines. Everybody there will have great scores. On the essays, it is best to be yourself. If you are a good fit for SSP, it will show. Everybody there was extremely passionate about science, but also great people. Winning big awards and having great scores will help, but the essays I feel really make or break your app. Don’t skimp on these at all.</p>
<p>3) I took the SAT, SAT II’s, APs and got good scores on all of them. It doesn’t matter too much though, although you may want to show that you have at least some physics or calculus background.</p>
<p>4) The diversity was something that took me by surprise. There were quite a few international students, 3 from China, 2 from Romania, and I can’t remember if there were any others off the top of my head. The students also came from around the country. The diversity will not be that it will be boring for you, trust me. People come from all walks of life with different interests, except we obviously all love science.</p>
<p>5) 18 females and 18 males, so exactly 1:1. As hpyscm said, I’m pretty sure this was on purpose. As you can imagine, this did lead to some “couples.” They’re fun and part of the program but dont’ worry about it too much.</p>
<p>6) Can’t really answer this. I guess I could say that you should say you can do both campuses. I actually originally put down CA but got NM (thank god). NM is better than CA but CA is still alright. All jokes aside you will have the time of your life and I wish every one of you guys the best of luck.</p>
<p>Anybody can feel free to PM me with any questions about me or my experience or SSP in general and I’ll try my best to answer.</p>
<p>let’s be serious here… why would you go to NM if you could go to CA? lolol
Me: 1 You: 0</p>
<p>look at how standoffish hpyscm is…now do you guys really want to go to the campus that admitted him? :P</p>
<p>Oh also you guys will learn how to swing dance, that was probably the most important skill I picked up there. Seriously</p>
<p>Thanks so much HDHunter, I will make sure to apply to both.</p>
<p>I have the option of choosing 1 maybe 2 classes to take at a local community college next term. Which do you think would be the most impressive for admissions purposes (I enjoy all of these subjects, so not just doing it to impress).</p>
<p>-Differential Equations
-Introduction to Astronomy
-Physics C</p>
<p>I am also taking an online astronomy course on Coursera currently.</p>
<p>All great classes. Physics C would probably be the most useful to you since you can take the APs and since it has some sort of tangible test associated with it it may help. Other than that I can’t really decide for you. All three sound very SSP-ey, in that those were things I wish I had known/known more of prior to SSP.
It was sort of expected that students wouldn’t have a background in astro (I happened to because of my research but I could tell you didn’t need it.)</p>
<p>Yeah I would say Diff. Equations would be the least helpful from ssp’s point of view, but really - do what you really like. Physics c is self-studyable if you’ve taken B, so in that case doing differential equations might be better… Definitely do astro though if you’re interested in it!</p>
<p>Thanks for the fast response. </p>
<p>I think I’ll try to register for Diff. Eq. and Physics C because the online astronomy class seems like it will be very informative on its own. Plus, you are right - Physics C will also be an AP test opportunity. I was originally planning on taking that class senior year, so that will free up a slot later on at least. </p>
<p>The website said that you are arranged in teams of three. How does that work? Do they group you by skill, so maybe one person in each group has programming experience, etc. or is it random? Did you feel more isolated with your group or was everyone in the program cooperative?</p>
<p>If I can fit it in my schedule, though, I will try to take astro in addition.</p>
<p>VERY VERY VERY cooperative. Legitimately, cooperation and tightly-knit bonds of friendship are what get you through the camp. If you’re not friends with everyone by the time you leave - you’re doing something wrong :)</p>
<p>Also, I think they DO group you by varying skills somewhat, but I’m not really sure</p>