I was just accepted into SSP and LHI-AHA. For context, the latter is short for the Lillehei Heart Institute-American Heart Association Summer Research Program, and I was one of two high school students from the nation to be selected to partake in the program. It is funded by the American Heart Association, located at the University of Minnesota, and I am paid an hourly wage to do research there.
I am debating between the two because my primary concern about SSP is that I have to travel out of state (I am located in Minnesota). My extracurricular are heavy on piano/music, so I am intending on submitting a music supplement to the colleges that accept them. However, going to SSP would consume 5-6 weeks of practice time that I need to successfully finish my recordings, while at LHI-AHA, I would be able to come home and practice every night.
However, of course, it’s SSP. It is definitely more well known, so I was wondering what you guys think about this issue.
Let’s completely forget about university admissions. Just for now let’s assume that university admissions either does not exist, or will not be any different at all regardless of which of these options you do.
If you’re discussing SSP as in the Summer Science Program, I participated in biochem last year!
In regards to your concern about your music portfolio, I was in the same situation last year! My campus did have a piano and music building that we were able to access, so those who played instruments had the resources to practice. Also, finding time to practice isn’t impossible, but to do so you need to utilize your time wisely.
I was able to successfully submit a music portfolio this year, and I know a few of my other cohort friends were able to do so as well.
Secondly, as a past SSP participant, LHI-AHA sounds really exciting! From my experience, what you do is what you make of it. SSP was beneficial to me because I lacked resources in my area. You should consider what’s beneficial to you.