<p>ahem. have you even seen the facebook pictures? CA>NM. Every time.</p>
<p>(good advice though :))</p>
<p>Also, I’d like to add - apply even if you don’t think you’re ready for it. I got owned during SSP, but that’s all part of the learning experience. What’s the quote… 75% of people think they’re in the bottom 25%? Yeah, it felt like that sometimes. But that’s part of the challenge and fun!!!</p>
<p>@hpyscm - I don’t think you’ve seen the facebook pictures. Our campus had class. Also, your shirts - You only LSPR once? Lies! You LSPR twice!
What I meant by being ready for it was knowing that you would be able to deal with the stress. Most people would be able to, but some might not. At SSP, I learnt that I’m not great at handling that kind of environment, and that’s definitely going to help me now! But, all of you should definitely apply!</p>
<p>I understand that you can go over the limit without major repercussions, but can you actually compose full essays? (i.e. ~500 words). Do they want your answers limited to around 200 words, or are full-fledged essays acceptable…:/</p>
<p>My last essay was 628 words. '</p>
<p>…totally didn’t plan for that. 
</p>
<p>oh, and CA>NM #justsayin</p>
<p>I would try to keep your essays within the word limit. There’s a reason why they exist, you know… :P</p>
<p>I guess if you have a lot to say, you can write a lot. But if you can’t be concise and get your point across in a certain number of words, then that’s kind of a bad thing also, so try to at least adhere to ± 10% of the word limit</p>
<p>I stayed within the word limit on most of my essays. I went over by a few words on one. I don’t think the limits are hard limits and they will refuse to read anything over, but they still are limits and you should abide by them. Not saying it will ruin your chances but it does say something about your ability to follow directions.</p>
<p>Edit: Also NM >>>>>>> CA trust me guys</p>
<p>This is some REALLY helpful advice. Thanks guys. </p>
<p>Also I have a question on applying or not. Do you really have to have research experience as a sophomore applying? I mean I’m really passionate about science and technology and I have some good ECs too, but should I apply if I haven’t researched in a lab yet?</p>
<p>Not necessarily. If you can demonstrate passion/interest in other ways besides research (which there are plenty of! Most people don’t have research experience when they apply, I think.) then you are still in the running!</p>
<p>I’m a junior, haven’t done any research whatsoever, and I’m still applying. Why the heck not? You’re never going to get in if you don’t apply, and the application itself consists of a bunch of short answers anyways, it’s not like TASP where you’re required to write ~4 full-length essays.</p>
<p>Just do it. You’ll regret it if you don’t.</p>
<p>also, people who like writing–apply!
you’ll have a slight edge over the people who don’t, because of the nature of the applicant pool.<br>
i applied to tasp, and was rejected with the best essays i thought i’d ever written; and accepted to ssp with no research experience, good amc scores, or “outstanding” science EC’s. of course, the context of your achievements matters too, but definitely express yourself originally. this will come in handy with college apps as well :)</p>
<p>For the question asking for what we’ve studied, my response is 135 words. Would that be okay? I don’t really know what to cut out because I’ve simply listed what my school curriculum offers (here in Canada we don’t get Calculus until gr. 12 so I talked about my grade 11 course that i’m taking now which is essentially pre-calc and then the two courses i’m taking next semester which are grade 11 physics and grade 12 advanced functions [essentially a supplement to calc]).</p>
<p>And saffysparkles, I had a question for you. You said you wrote 628 words for your last essay: was that for all of the questions combined or did you simply answer one of them?
I’ll show you what I mean, cause this is our last question this year: (dont know if it was the same for you guys)
Respond to any or all of these topics with up to 500 words altogether:
Describe a life challenge (of any nature, past or present) you have faced.
Describe an achievement that you are personally proud of.
Describe any science or math reading, research, projects, or competitions (individual or team) you have done outside of regular coursework.
Why do you want to participate in SSP?</p>
<p>I recommend doing all of them… at least that’s what I did!</p>
<p>I answered all of them but the life challenge</p>
<p>I have a question about the Ethnic Background portion of the application. I’m Vietnamese and part Chinese, but I identify more as Vietnamese. There’s only a box to check for East Asian, but no South East Asian. Should I just check the box for “East Asian” or for “Other”?</p>
<p>Any alumini can send me a copy of their essay? I would use it as a reference not to copy of course. I’m just WAYYY too busy filling out RSI, MITES and Rockefeller… Jackson too coming up and more =_= It would be okay if I turn in SSP apps on February 20th ish?</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s fair for an alumnus to send you a copy of his/her essays. Be yourself - that’s what matters the most</p>
<p>Question: Once we’re finished with our applications, when can we expect to hear from SSP about our admissions?</p>
<p>@slipstream - Last year, international applicants were notified on March 13th, and others on April 13th.
@prototyped - By looking at another person’s essay, and then writing your own, the essays won’t really be a reflection of your personality. The admissions people want to know what you think of when you see the question. If you are really busy, try to use the same essays in each application, and just modify them a little bit to suit the question.</p>