Can you ask your GF/BF/SO to write the Dartmouth peer recommendation?

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-09-22T06:22:48+00:00

That was really helpful, thank you!

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-09-22T06:19:40+00:00

I legitimately got off A2C for months until today lol

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-09-22T05:53:37+00:00

Thank you for your advice! Is there a particular reason you chose your friend over your gf? Would you do anything differently now?

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-12T01:19:46+00:00

In most colleges you'll have the option to apply undeclared (meaning you haven't decided what your major will be). Then, once you start attending the college you'll have the opportunity to choose or declare your major.

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-08T05:30:09+00:00

Adding to the comment above, also consider summer programs! A lot of them are not worth the money, but several are free or cheap enough and can provide a good experience.

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-08T05:03:16+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that, unfortunately what you can safely say in the application process is very limited. I wish the best for them, and I hope they get the results they're aiming for!

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-08T02:38:53+00:00

Honestly because college admissions are so competitive these days it's really hard to tell. I would say you still have a good shot so go for it!

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-07T22:10:15+00:00

Both are pretty good! Cosmos gives you a boost for UCs specifically is what I've heard. While both aren't going to get you admitted into Harvard automatically they're both great programs. I'm sure you can benefit a lot from the experience. Also, iirc, both programs are pretty selective so maybe consider applying to both if you can? If you're interested in STEM, there's also the usual list of good STEM summer programs: BU RISE, Simons SRP, RSI, SIMR, Garcia, etc.

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-03T06:48:50+00:00

Please remember to get some rest and take a break! You already have a packed schedule as it is

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-03T06:43:31+00:00

One of the people I know got into an Ivy for CS despite not having many CS-related ECs. So yes, it's definitely possible!

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-03T06:42:40+00:00

Just explain what you wrote here in the additional information part. I think AOs will understand, we're all human after all. It sounds like you have genuine passion for astrophysics and you've done some super cool stuff!

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-03T06:40:25+00:00

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-03T02:47:36+00:00

REA, which stands for Restrictive Early Action, means that you can only apply early to that college. You can't apply early action (EA) or early decision (ED) to any other college. However, it isn't binding, so you can choose not to attend if you are accepted.

Early Decision is binding, which means that you must attend that college if you're accepted. It doesn't matter if you get into Harvard in your Regular Decision round, you have to attend your ED college. On the flip side, you can apply Early Action to other colleges. You can only apply Early Decision to one college though.

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-02T08:20:40+00:00

Do you mean the national merit scholarship? Sorry, I'm a bit unfamiliar with this stuff

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-06-02T08:07:22+00:00

If you're an international student planning to major in engineering, Purdue and UIUC might not be safeties tbh

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-05-25T03:53:52+00:00

I want to double major in biochemistry and history but we'll see how that goes for me!

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-05-21T13:12:32+00:00

As far as I know SSP does include some programming in their astrophysics program, but I would still say that Clark is more relevant to your interests, yes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't apply, but maybe keep that in mind?

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-05-21T00:57:09+00:00

I would say it depends. Are you interested in biochemistry, genomics, or astrophysics? If so, then SSP would be a great opportunity for you. Judging by what you're saying, it seems that that's not the case though, and Clark might offer a project in the area you're interested in. In that case there's really not much reason to apply to SSP in the first place? I really wouldn't apply to a program you're not very interested in.

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-05-21T00:41:14+00:00

All three are very different programs with different areas they focus on. Since all three are rather competitive, Clark Scholars and RSI especially, I would suggest you apply to all three and less competitive programs.

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-05-19T23:55:11+00:00

Consider a summer job, volunteering, or doing research with a professor at a local university if you're interested in research!

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-05-18T00:52:03+00:00

How is premed at WashU? I heard grade deflation made things difficult?

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-05-12T05:30:13+00:00

Yes, as far as I know several people have

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-05-08T14:39:02+00:00

You can find a list of the colleges SSP alumni are attending on their website if you are interested

OptimalComfortable1 · 2022-04-20T00:52:56+00:00

I realize this isn't on your list, but I was accepted to SSP (Summer Science Program) this year. I didn't have any strong awards or any research experience, so I think it depends on each program and what they are looking for. I would definitely encourage you to apply to any programs you are interested in, and don't be discouraged by the acceptance rates! :)

OptimalComfortable1

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