Hi! I was fortunate enough to receive an offer of admission to SSP. However, I’ve also confirmed an internship at a T10 univ, and am waiting on Garcia and HSHSP. All of the programs except for the internship are costly, but the univ internship one is completely free.
All of them would no doubt offer a great research experience. But, what would you pick?
Which one is most interesting to you? If all are equally as exciting, why would you pay money?
My first thought is to ask a question: Which opportunity would be most interesting to you?
My second thought is that a research experience which costs you a lot of money might look like you are buying something to put on your resume. On the other hand, an unpaid but otherwise free internship seems like it might be a bit more legitimate. Also, just spending some time on campus at a highly ranked university seems like a worthwhile thing to do.
I do not think that there is a bad choice here.
@hebegebe with your knowledge of summer programs, can you provide any advice?
Free or pay?
If the internship will be substantial, it’s a no brainer.
Names don’t so much impress. What you do does.
Good luck.
Hey that’s a good point. It’s just that if I went to the univ, I feel like it would be kinda boring spending the summer “alone” only with the lab profs and not with other peers to talk with. So I feel like the cost is somewhat justified?
Internship is free (I’m not getting paid), but again with my point on my prev reply on just spending time with peers of my age. I looked into it and SSP covers a lot of fin aid too. As for next year, I should be able to do a project even without a prof because of my school’s resources, so I feel like it would work out somehow?
Yep I totally agree. I cold emailed the prof and I feel really fortunate to have gotten the opportunity, just worried that some colleges might think that it was a case of nepotism if I do pursue it (which wouldn’t happen with SSP/Garcia/HSHSP)
That ‘summer camp’ social aspect does make sense. Can your parents easily afford SSP, Garcia and HSHSP? Or do you anticipate any will provide financial aid making it affordable?
I would consider myself a lucky guy and I don’t think money is going to be an issue here. I will try looking into aid, but even if I don’t get it, it’s not going to be a big burden for my fam’s financials (although it is still quite expensive).
If you don’t think you’d get financial aid then you probably won’t. It’s meant to subsidize the experience for students who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Time to have a frank discussion with your parents about the costs involved and what they are able and willing to support. Make a list of pros & cons for each option as well as cost involved. Unless they are happy & able to pay for one of the summer camp experience options then it’s a moot point.
If all are affordable, I would pick SSP, then Garcia, then HPHSP. SSP is second only to RSI, but the Simons programs are also well recognized, and many students attending them have good outcomes.
Sounds good thanks!
DM’d you so as not to dox myself