High School Honors Science Program at Michigan State ( HSHSP ) - Page 5

chaseholl · 02-13-2011, 09:23 PM

Ehh ... maybe. I'm leaning more towards Clark Scholars or another program, although HSHSP does sound interesting--I don't want a solely chem/bio/physics program, and computer science/engineering sounds really good. I'm sorta turned off by the unhelpful HSHSP website--all the vital information, such as cost, is in a single PDF that's sort of hard to notice (I visited the site three times before I clicked on the PDF brochure). But as it seems like people have had mostly good experiences with it, and it's not hella expensive, I might actually apply.

Does anyone know if it's hard to get in? I'm sure it's not RSI-level competitive, but I'm already applying to two or three other programs, and I don't want to have to fill out that many forms if I can establish this as a good backup.

frankiee357 · 02-16-2011, 08:35 PM

I really want to get into a science program this summer to gain experience and I am applying to HSHSP, UC Davis YSP, and SSTP. But I have no clue if I even have a chance in making it into any of them. What are the average stats for the people who get into HSHSP?

chaseholl · 02-17-2011, 12:17 AM

The one thing all people who get accepted have in common is ... they applied.

You can't get in without applying. Go ahead and apply; unless you got below a 25 on your ACT/180 on your PSAT/etc. I'm sure you have a decent chance. Make sure your teacher recs are super solid.

HSHSP is not RSI, so don't freak out.

swirlz · 02-17-2011, 05:06 PM

@frankiee357 which SSTP? the one in Iowa or the one in Florida?

firelioness · 02-20-2011, 08:46 PM

Heeey potential 2011 applicants.

I went to HSHSP last summer and it was AMAZING. So you should all definitely apply. Last year, over 200 people applied and around 25 were accepted. It's certainly not as hard as RSI, but it is very selective. Seniors have an advantage over juniors (simply because it's their last year); last year, we had one junior attend. Usually, if more than two applicants apply from one school, only a maximum of two people are selected from that school.
Go for it. You'll meet lots of wonderful people and have a great summer.

coolapple1 · 02-23-2011, 02:10 AM

This may seem dumb, but would going to this program hurt your chances of getting into Michigan? (since Mich & State are rivals)

firelioness · 02-23-2011, 04:29 PM

Haha, not at all. In fact, it's a summer program that will look good on any college application. I went and I got accepted to U of M no problem; don't worry!

chaseholl · 02-23-2011, 04:32 PM

firelioness is correct; if it hurt your chances it would probably be discrimination (and for a petty reason at that).

browndbaternerd · 02-25-2011, 01:06 AM

For any alums: What would you say is the most important part of the app?

firelioness · 02-25-2011, 05:14 PM

I'm not really sure if there's a single "most important part," but your recommendations and essay are pretty hefty components. The list of books you read (if that's still part of the application) is probably somewhat minor; at least, don't worry about making it look really impressive or really long.

karaokemachine · 02-25-2011, 11:51 PM

firelioness: Only one junior? This is really hurting my chances. Is it even worth applying to then? Considering I'm not some research genius or whatever.

chaseholl · 02-26-2011, 01:58 AM

You realize you'll have a 0% of getting in if you don't apply, right?

Just apply. It won't kill you.

firelioness · 02-26-2011, 10:58 AM

You don't have to be a research genius! I had 0 experience in research and I was still accepted. I think that's the point. The program is supposed to be an introduction to research.
It's definitely worth applying to. HSHSP prefers seniors, simply because it's their last chance. If you apply this year as a junior and don't get in, the worst that can happen is that you'll probably have to wait a year. Plus, that'll probably boost your chances for next year, since HSHSP will see that you tried applying the previous year. Go for it!

seancarpenter · 02-26-2011, 03:21 PM

Firelioness- if you don't mind me asking, what were your scores when you applied to HSHSP? Also, are you from MI? Do you think it's easier for instate students to get in?

firelioness · 02-26-2011, 04:17 PM

I submitted my SAT, which was a 2390.
Yes, I'm from MI. The director of HSHSP knows the schools around the area (particularly Okemos and East Lansing) very well, so it definitely helps to be in state. However, this doesn't mean that if you're out of state, you're at a terrible disadvantage. In fact, last summer, the majority of the HSHSPers came from New York (followed by Michigan).