<p>Although the two programs are nationally acclaimed, please compare them in the following categories:</p>
<p>-selectivity
-rigor of academics
-experience
-faculty/professors
-quality of research
-preparation for national science contests</p>
<p>Do most people who attend universities like MIT, Princeton, CalTech, etc. usually attend these programs (or ones related to them)?</p>
<p>best friend did SSP. she recommends it; got psychology summer credit from it. met amazing people and harvard is very safe. I was supposed to do SSP but the Multivariable calc class was 8 weeks long so no go. If you can find ways to entertain yourself for 4 weeks or 8 weeks (depending on how long you stay), by all means go for it. </p>
<p>PS: downtown boston isn't bad. and you are allowed to travel. SSP gives you alot of freedom from what I've been told.</p>
<p>is SSP the Harvard SSP, or SSP as in Summer Science Program in the West? </p>
<p>Moderator edit: Thanks for asking that clarifying question. I have retitled the thread.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure the OP means the SSP that's not at Harvard.</p>
<p>yeah, sorry. I meant Summer Science Program, not Harvard's Secondary School Program. oops</p>
<p>I went to SSP last summer (the one in california), and I'm applying to RSI this year. I guess it really comes down to the fact that they are very different programs.</p>
<p>SSP is much less oriented towards "research" than they claim. While it is possible to start independent research there or or use SSP as a springing point for an independent project, that's not the point of the program. While you are there, you do essentially the same "project" as the rest of the attendees. That said, it's an insane amount of fun, and you learn a LOT while you're there. There are a couple of great field trips (educational and otherwise- BEACH) and a lot of guest lectures (in addition to normal lectures every day). Another point I want to mention is that while it is somewhat astronomy-based, most of the information you learn is math, physics, and computer programming (there are even a few bio guest lectures); there are a few astronomy lectures but the camp is not for future astronomers only. I had a great time and it was definately one of my best summers yet.</p>
<p>RSI, on the other hand, is definately a research-based program. You are matched up with a mentor and do your own project. I don't know too much about it yet, as... I'm only applying, but I think there are also lectures, just less emphasized than at SSP. It's in a more urban ienvironment (than Ojai at least).</p>
<p>As far as college goes... attendees of both programs generally go to top schools (again it's correlation, not causation), but that REALLY should not be the reason to apply. It's an experience in and of itself. :)</p>
<p>That said:</p>
<p>Selectivity-RSI has more applicants and thus a lower acceptance rate (they have about the same number of participants), but the people I met were all amazing as well.
Rigor of academics, Experience, Faculty- lalalalala I don't know
Quality of research- um... different type of research. One's original, the other's... modifying?
Preparation for national science contests- again... RSI is more more research oriented (ISEF, STS, Siemens), while SSP is not geared towards such, but many SSP-ers do participate (and do well) in these contests as well.</p>
<p>classof09:</p>
<p>Thanks, but when did you attend SSP? Were you a rising junior (technically a sophomore, as the website says)? If so, what kind of preparation did you have prior to applying? From what I hear, it is very difficult to get accepted as a sophomore (again, rising junior) because supposedly you don't have the experience and expertise that the rigorous environment of SSP requires. If you have taken Calculus and some basic physics classes in addition to having a HUGE enthusiasm and passion, but are a sophomore (rising junior), do you still have a a chance? Thanks very much.</p>
<p>I heard that they are discouraging sophomore applicants this year, and that they might not accept any in coming years.</p>
<p>Personally, I wasn't anything amazing. I was doing very well in calc bc, but hadn't taken physics, and my awards were nothing out of the ordinary (though I did have a little bit of astronomy stuff). I feel really lucky to have been accepted because I was applying hopefully to get deferred admission (admission for the coming summer- and it's not being offered this yr), and was really surprised to find out I had gotten in. I think that anyone who has either calculus or physics and can demonstrate interest and the fact that they are better than junior applicants in some way can be admitted. Once again, I have no clue why I got in.</p>
<p>Ok, but how was the experience overall? You say that you hadn't taken physics for a while, so were you very far behind or what? Were you able to stand your ground as far as learning the tough material and performing the research?</p>
<p>It was an AMAZING experience. I actually hadn't taken physics since general science in sixth grade, so I was really behind in physics. But luckily, my friends were very supportive and whenever there was a physics problem set due, one of my friends would tutor me. :) It helped me a lot and now that I'm taking physics in school... it's really a breeze.</p>
<p>Your project next year will be somewhat different from mine this year and a bit more challenging so.. :)</p>
<p>What do you mean the project will be different?</p>
<p>I heard that instead of doing main belt asteroids, you guys will be doing near earth asteroids...</p>
<p>oh, thanks for all the info.</p>
<p>How did you all even hear about these programs? My son is a graduating senior who took AP Physics when he was a sophomore and took physics courses at a nearby Ivy League school during junior and senior year. He probably would have enjoyed either one.</p>
<p>^ well there is collegeconfidential for one :)</p>
<p>haha, exactly :)</p>
<p>-selectivity def RSI
-rigor of academics def RSI
-experience this would depend
-faculty/professors this would depend too
-quality of research RSI is a lot lot more research-oriented
-preparation for national science contests RSI</p>
<p>RSI is a lot better...cuz it's way selective.
but get into both and we'll talk ^_^</p>
<p>Well, that means you needed to be reading CC when you were either a sophomore or a first semester junior. Ready for CC as a junior? Maybe. As a sophomore? That would've been a little too intense. I have a daughter coming up, now in middle school, but with NO interest in math or science (just enough to do well in her courses but ask her to compete in a science contest and she flatly refuses.) Oh, well. It's hard to stay on top of everything. DS did CTY for 3 years, and I heard about that through a friend when he was in middle school.</p>
<p>Yeah I'm interested in doing RSI next summer. I'm currently Rank 1, and taking 3 college classes next year (physics, calc 3, linear algebra). Also, I'm going to start the Math Club and be President, and do AMC 10/12. Along with that, I volunteer, etc etc etc u know what im talking about. You guys think I can make it? Also, one important question- I know I am not a genius, so would doing it actually help me do good in Intel? And would it look super good on college apps, such as Stanford? Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>RSI is so selective in its admissions process and people with amazing stats don't make it in. Check out the rsi threads for the past couple years. Even a 240 on PSAT, captain of all your school's math/science/engineering teams, and isef won't neccessary get you in. It's a lot about the second essay question and a lot about how passionate you seem. </p>
<p>Personally, I'm a proud RSI reject. I know that my stats were good and that I had a decent application (I worked soooo hard on it), and I'm pretty sure I know why I didn't get in- I couldn't show that I was passionate and very knowledgable about any one field. I applied to applied mathematics having gone to SSP the summer before (astronomy and celestial mechanics) but without anything particularly significant in mathematics. </p>
<p>I don't think anyone can really count on getting into RSI- that includes USAMO-ers and ISEF-ers who can write great essays (unless I guess if you're an IMO-teamer ISEF-grandprizewinner.. if you are PM me, I'd like to get to know you). It's really about how well you can express your passion and I really wouldn't encourage anyone to get their hopes up. </p>
<p>SSP on the other hand, I would say that you have a decent shot at :)</p>