<p>I really wanted to apply for SSP after hearing how awesome it was from my friend. The thing is, I feel under-qualified in terms of courses (I haven’t taken Physics yet) and science-related ECs. On the other hand, I have stellar PSAT/SAT scores, and a not-so-terrible GPA. Here are my “stats,” if you will:</p>
<p>Tests/GPA:
PSAT: 238
SAT: 2400
GPA: 3.9
SAT II Bio: 750
SAT II Math II: 800</p>
<p>Courses:
Honors Chem
AP Calc AB</p>
<p>Extra-Curriculars:
Science Olympiad (I just joined this year D: )
Robotics (also first year)
Science Honors Program (SHP) at Columbia University</p>
<p>Awards:
none, since SSP doesn’t care about band/FBLA/OotM</p>
<p>Do I have a real chance, or would my essay-writing energies be better spent elsewhere? I realize I’m not the most competitive applicant, so please tell me if you think I should consider other programs instead. (Also, would the app readers know what SHP is? It’s limited to the NY-NJ-CT area, so I’m afraid they may not recognize it.)</p>
<p>@jumboshrimp, just let you know, your PSAT score is not bad considerning mine.
I was an exchange student in US when I took PSAT, so English is not my native language either, and I only got 179.
But I still got in SSP 2010. I know there are a lot of applicants with perfect SAT or ACT scores out there, or they are retaking SAT because they want to improve on a 2360, but don’t let that become the reason not applying to SSP.
Score doesn’t matter as much as you think. But if you have time, taking ACT or SAT subject tests may be a good idea. You can submit the application first and then update your new score. I sent them a 32 ACT , 800s in math and physics in Feburary. </p>
<p>Has anyone taken a look at the essay questions yet? I’m wondering about the ‘Which topic in science do you currently find interesting’ one. </p>
<p>Putting astronomy or physics makes it seem like you’re only writing what they might like to hear… but someone mentioned last year that talking about biology showed that you weren’t right for the program. Eh, I chose to apply because astronomy really fascinates me, but I’m curious as to what others might think. </p>
<p>Just gotta work on those test scores now… "orz</p>
<p>@skipblooms,
This is not a tricky question.They just want to know if the program is right for you. If you are not really interested but only want to put SSP in your college application next year, they will sense it and not let you waste six valuable weeks in middle of nowhere ,learning stuff that you don’t care at all.
So if it’s astronomy, write astronomy!</p>
<p>Hey…
Has anyone started with the application yet? I got to see only application instructions and some questions and have a query.
(1) I filled out the student identification form, and I dont find any other forms to be filled
instead short answers, transcripts,other questions. In this way are we supposed to make
an own application by answering these questions in an additional sheet or like a portfolio?
(2) What are the supplemental information you all going to provide except for resume?</p>
<p>@lc93430
Thanks, that makes me fell a lot better. My SAT subject tests are all above 700 and I’m taking the SAT in March so that might be too late (I’m actually taking prep so I’m semi confident). Anyways, I’m going to apply.</p>
<p>(1) Yes, you write/type your short answers on separate sheets of paper and send transcripts/test scores/recommendations separately from the online form.
(2) I will probably not have supplemental information other than a resume (if even that) included. I have no research papers, pro music recordings, very good art, etc., so there’s not much I could include.</p>
<p>I’m also applying to RSI, but I think both of these programs sound really fun and would be happy going to either one; I’m actually not 100% certain on whether I would choose RSI above SSP. (I also have backup programs, both research-focused, and math-focused, so hopefully I won’t be completely screwed by rejections.)</p>
<p>Do I understand correctly that this program works on rolling admissions? –>
“After you receive an email that your application is complete, be assured that we will let you know as quickly as possible. The process takes about a month to complete.”</p>
<p>Also, about the “there were plenty of sexy asian princesses” thing… would you say that is an objective read (i.e. an outsider would concur with this description)? Or is this how you felt after spending late nights in the observatory with them and began seeing them through camp goggles? Obviously this has little influence on whether or not I apply, but if true, it would be something that sets it apart from other math/science programs.</p>
<p>@hanaanhashim91: I am in California. I plan to apply to UF-SSTP, UIowa SSTP, and Mathcamp (plus possibly the Rutgers YSP in discrete math). If somehow I don’t get into any of them, there’s always going to AwesomeMath again.</p>
<p>Guys, you won’t regret it, period. It’s even better than what they tell you. And sleep depravation, heck yes. Well, its not really the work load forces you to stay up (on some days it is though) its mostly the people. If you really treasure sleep, I think you can get enough sleep, that is, if you are willing to give up social time with your fellow SSPers.</p>
<p>@DoubleDare (In response to whether or not you should apply to SSP)</p>
<p>Your SAT/SATII/PSAT scores are definitely up to par. However, you said you were a junior? Most juniors and the few sophomores that are accepted have already taken Physics and Calc AB (if not Physics B/C and Calc BC). Also, many applicants list their extracurriculars with the application, so not having significant science ecs may be detrimental to your app, in terms of showing demonstrated interest. In the end, your app is going to boil down to the essays, but based on your transcript I don’t know if you want to invest the time with writing that.</p>
<p>@ energize : nice, well…I thought of keeping up some back up as well.
Heard clarks scholars program also invites applications from international student.
Can you recommend me some good programs which I can list while applying?.(more on to science stream) Unfortunately RSI doesn’t have a affiliation with our country…</p>
<p>@lc93430 : Have you got any idea what shall homeschoolers do while applying for these prestigious programs ( like the one with transcripts,and recommendation letters)?
For the supplemental information, what would be more appropriate to send along with resume?</p>
<p>@ jumboshrimp and doubledare: I was wondering the same about SHP. I’m a junior in precalc (ouch…) and ap physics b, but i took astrophysics and cosmology @ shp last year, so i feel like that might be a more significant part of my application (since that first part is especially lacking) and i wouldn’t want them to dismiss it cuz they’re unfamiliar with the program.
on the other hand, i would imagine (/hope) that they’d google it. also, i’d bet they get a lot of apps from people who mention shp.
fyi, shp = science honors program @ columbia</p>
<p>oh that reminds me, my roommate was homeschooled haha. quite the guy. when SATs/ACTs came out he got a 2400/36 and just shrugged it off haha. and and one time when I overslept he attempted to wake me up by whipping me with his phone charger cord lol. (un)fortunately, he told everyone about his methods of waking me up, so for a while everyone was convinced that we were into kinky bondage stuff with whips and chains behind closed doors. not that I minded or anything.</p>
<p>@SexyAznPrincess,
HAHAHA, I didn’t know this story.
But yeah, your roommate is super genius. That was his first SAT/ACT, except the one he took for some “talented kids search” by Duke University in 9th grade.</p>
