slipstream

Cool. I have another question about testing. I'm taking the SAT for the first time this January. Am I allowed to send those scores, even if I miss the deadline by a few days?

By the way, you guys seem to have made an insane amount of inside jokes during SSP

slipstream

Hey, what do people from the New Mexico Campus have to say about the program? You guys all went to the cali campus right? Are there any major differences between the two?

hpyscm

LOL cause Cali campus is like a million times better anyways hahaha :P

Yeah I took the sat in march and sent those scores in after I had sent in my application. I think they take those into consideration as much as sending it with the app itself

SignatureCC

I'm applying. It would be awesome to go. I hope I get in. I have solid grades (no b's but several a-s), good scores, lab research experience in Chem, went to a top math summer program after freshman year, and am currently taking AP calc BC, AP physics C, and AP Comp Sci. Overall, I'm a pretty standard applicant though.

hpyscm

Out of curiosity, which math thing did you do?

ecouter11

I think I'll be applying (international), too!

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?

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?

Thanks!

lynacc

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?

hpyscm

Lynacc- Ssp is open only to rising juniors and seniors... Sorry! :/

hpyscm

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.

biovball

I will be applying as well!

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.

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.

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.

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!).

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.

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?

Anyway, sorry for the babbling, but good luck to all those applying and thanks to those who have provided information about their experiences!

hpyscm

You sound like a very good candidate! Just make sure your passion and voice show through in your activities and essays!

BioLiu

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?

BioLiu

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?

hpyscm

Internationals are admitted equally to both campuses, I believe

biovball

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.