<ol>
<li>Can you do research there? I’ve never seen research being done so frankly even seeing research being done would be a interesting. But I am more interested in mathematical research or physics research.</li>
<li>Can you volunteer or are there nearby volunteer opportunities? More importantly, is there anything I can volunteer at that actually makes a legitimate difference (besides realizing the significance of volunteering) in 1) the person being helped and/or 2) the person volunteering. Something that is interesting would be great too!</li>
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<p>As an SSP student:
- No.
- No. But, you can checkout craigslist and idealist for volunteer opportunities. See: [craigslist:</a> boston classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events](<a href=“http://boston.craigslist.org/]craigslist:”>http://boston.craigslist.org/) and [Volunteer</a>, work, intern, organize, hire and connect. Change the world - idealist.org](<a href=“http://www.idealist.org/]Volunteer”>http://www.idealist.org/)</p>
<p>SSP is not run by Harvard College, but is part of Harvard’s Extension School. See: [Harvard</a> Extension School | Continuing Education in Boston](<a href=“Harvard Extension School | Earn a Degree or Professional Certificate”>Harvard Extension School | Earn a Degree or Professional Certificate)</p>
<p>BTW: SSP is intense – it’s basically a 15-16 week Harvard course taught in 7 weeks. My daughter went to SSP several years ago (back when you were able to sign up for 1 course over 4 weeks). She was assigned 200-300 pages of reading every week, with a 500 word paper due every day (Monday to Thursday) and a 1,000 paper due every Friday. If you are taking the full SSP 2-courses your days are going to be pretty filled with little time for research or volunteering. It’s not summer camp!</p>
<p>I attended SSP last summer (2011), and while I didn’t do or really see any research, I’m sure you could find something if you’re ambitious enough. It all depends on the professor you have and the impact you make on him or her. If you’re really interested in research, I would use the SSP course search to find professors teaching classes that interest you, try to find their contact info (I’m guessing emails would be on their official Harvard page), and send them succinct emails detailing your academic interests, the dates you’ll be at Harvard this summer, and expressing your interest in research and your desire to help in any capacity. If you’re lucky, a professor might get back to you, needing help this summer. It’s worth a shot, and who knows - you might even snag a recommendation while you’re at it!</p>
<p>Also, there are probably plenty of opportunities to volunteer, whether through Harvard or in the Cambridge area. I remember that the first few days or so (a weekend maybe?) are a check-in/orientation style event, and there are a bunch of tables set up with extracurricular activity opportunities. I distinctly remember a volunteer recycling/environmental group, so there’s probably something that you would be interested in, too!</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you! After AP’s I will definitely look into that.</p>
<p>I proctored two summers, and I definitely knew of a few students that had done research on the side (at other institutions). Granted, they had arranged it before they got there. Also, it was usually frowned upon by the assistant deans.</p>
<p>For volunteering, check with the activities office at in Holworthy. Also, the two years I was there, some of the proctors spearheaded service days throughout the summer term.</p>