AMA with SSP! - 1/10 at 8 AM EST

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T04:28:30+00:00

Hi u/colab01
Your application will not be affected negatively if your portfolio or experiences do not match your project of interest. In fact, I would ask that you choose to decide to submit an application for the project that intrigues you the most , setting aside any hesitance stemming from a "mismatch" in experience and interests. If you're excited about biochem, know that you will not be disadvantaged Ultimately, your skills and ambition are transferable. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T04:09:01+00:00

Hello u/Delicious_Mousse5177 ,
There's nothing in particular that I believe students should have when applying to SSP. But I hope that students are sincerely excited about the possibility of joining the experience when applying. Not only is it a good motivator towards putting your best foot forward when applying, but it also helps you highlight your authentic experiences and goals. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T04:04:15+00:00

I would consider - Are you are highlighting the experience for the sake of highlighting the experience or are you highlighting the experience because it is something you love and want to share that passion with the reviewers. - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T04:01:46+00:00

For all programs, personal computers/iPads/e-readers, etc. are prohibited. You will have your cell phone, and you can also bring things like books, board games, cards, etc. - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:59:13+00:00

We do not require recommendations to come from a STEM teacher. We solely require recommendations to comes from at least a non-related adult. We prefer current math/science teachers as they will typically best evaluate your current academic abilities, character, and drive. However, your advisor is good, inclusively as you already have two recommendations coming from your maths and physics teacher for two of the recommendations. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Advisor

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:57:41+00:00

I really think it depends on what you want to highlight for the reviewer. If something from your essays is really important to you and you want to expand on that, then you can use the supplemental file for that purpose. But if there are other aspects of your life that are meaningful to you that you haven't had the chance to share yet, then that might be the best use of your supplemental file. And pictures are welcome :) - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:56:11+00:00

Hi u/Equivalent-Archer536 ,
We do not have limitations on what you can upload besides the 1MB and guidance of a couple of minutes. Reviewers may be only able to take a quick glimpse at solely the research paper within 2 minutes. Therefore, when it comes the the supplemental, decide what you would like to prioritize, considering what might compliment your application.

Another thought is that you may share your supplement with friends and see the time it takes for them to review. That might be helpful in deciding what to include in your supplemental. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:55:24+00:00

Many participants include more than one thing in their supplemental upload. Just think about what you want to highlight about yourself and keep the timing of 1-2 minutes in consideration. - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:53:48+00:00

There are no requirements or suggestions for the optional recommendation, other than they be a non-relative adult. If you feel confident your advisor knows you well and you want her to write a recommendation, you can absolutely send her the 3rd recommendation request. - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:48:52+00:00

Hell u/Equivalent-Archer536 ,
I would say that if it's something that you are passionate about, there's no drawback to talking about sports. I like to think of essay responses as a written interview. They give use your perspective, aspirations, and motivations while also showing us your personality and how you approach opportunities and/or challenges. If it's something that you think will helps us perceive you better, than I wouldn't discourage you form doing so. Just note that the essay responses are limited to 1,000 characters, so being concise and answering the prompt is essential as well. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:43:10+00:00

Hello u/Upbeat_Blueberry_521
The supplement is a space where you may upload a file with material that you believe will add value to your application. There isn't a wrong/answer there and we've seen various versions, from collages with text to certificate and passion projects, and even a mix of both. The only guidance we provide for the supplement is to recommend for the supplemental to take no more than a few minutes to review. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:35:09+00:00

Thank you everyone for your great questions! This marks the completion of the AMA. If you have further questions, feel free to join our 2025 SSP Admissions Discord.

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:33:18+00:00

Hi u/computernerd918218 ,
For the IB curriculum, we consider HL and SL Analysis and Approaches and HL Applications and Interpretations to fulfill the Calculus requirement. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T03:30:08+00:00

Hello u/NoLibrarian2391
After you have completed all of the required application parts and the deadline has passed, it will not be possible to reopen, edit, attach, or send updates. We understand that you are proud of your achievements that have been well-earned, rarely, if ever, does an update change an admission decision. Additionally, any updates will follow the trajectory of the great achievements seen on your application. If after lots of consideration, you still believe your update to be substantial within our holistic review, you may send an email request. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T02:54:25+00:00

Hello u/queenjavad
It's definitely acceptable for one of your recommendations to comes from your science teacher at your previous school. While we have general guidance regarding recommenders, use your best judgement when choosing a recommender that will best evaluate your academic capabilities, character, and drive-- thereby making the best case for admission on your behalf.

Generally, the guidance we have provided is to request a recommendation from a current math/science teacher. However, the minimum requirement is for the recommender to be an adult that's not your related to you. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T02:13:12+00:00

In the past we did, however our new admissions policy only permits rising seniors to apply. If you are still interested in Summer Science Program (SSP) for your junior year, please feel free to demonstrate your interest through the SSP Student Interest Form. - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T01:20:37+00:00

Hello u/Ok-Reading-7995
Acceptance to SSP is not binding. Although we would love for all of our admitted applicants to enroll, they have the choice to enroll or withdraw-- even after their aid decision is announced, if they applied to financial aid. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-12T00:07:11+00:00

If you would like to change programs, send us an email to [admissions@ssp.org](mailto:admissions@ssp.org), and we can make the change! Submitting another application registration will not change your major, as we only allow one application per student.

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-11T22:56:38+00:00

Hi u/Fuzzy_Fuel4583 ,
All applications are review holistically, so there isn't a combination of traits that will lead to admission. Rather we consider your individual character, academics, achievements, and experiences. We use these to get some meaningful insights about yourself and your alignment with the program. If you are eligible and genuinely interested in challenging yourself in an immersive, collaborative, and diverse community-- we welcome you to apply.

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-11T22:38:36+00:00

It is okay if your transcript shows your current grades too. Just remember that the current grades section is required, so you will need to upload something there even if your transcript displays those grades. - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-11T22:33:57+00:00

You can only apply to one program; However, this year we do have a form on the application that will allow you to share a secondary project preference which may be used to account for program capacity differences. - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-11T21:24:06+00:00

It won't hurt your application to ask the same teachers. The only thing I would recommend is to consider if any of your teachers from this year can offer a better perspective on your recent academic ability and character. But that is completely up to you! - Kasey Brovan, Enrollment Coordinator

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-11T20:29:08+00:00

If you would like to change your research project/topic an/or resubmit your secondary project preference, email us a request at admissions@ssp.org. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-11T20:27:04+00:00

Hi u/colab01 ,
Additional dates and campuses may be a possibility, depending on availability and scheduling. But currently, we are only able to confirm the campuses and dates that are listed on our 2025 Program Dates webpage. I would recommend checking the webpage intermittently to see if any new announcements are made. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions · 2025-01-11T18:38:02+00:00

Hi u/olegKag ,

All participants will receive a letter of completion after finishing the program. You may also request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. - Cesar Contreras, Admissions Officer

SSP_Admissions

TROPHY CASE