11th Grade Opportunity - Summer Science Program (Deadline March 1, 2013)

The Summer Science Program (SSP) is a residential enrichment program in which gifted high school students complete a challenging, hands-onresearch project in celestial mechanics.By day, students learn college-level astronomy, physics, calculus, and programming. By night, working in teams of three, they take a series of telescopic observations of a near-earth asteroid, and write software to convert those observations into a prediction of the asteroid's orbit around the sun. Stimulating guest speakers and field trips round out the curriculum.

This venerable program has drawn young scientists from around the world for over 50 years, accelerating their intellectual and personal development, and inspiring them to seek equally challenging educational and career paths. ManySSP alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves at selective universities, then to positions of leadership in their chosen careers.
Established in 1959 at Thacher School in Ojai, California, SSP became an independent non-profit in 2000. It now takes place at two campuses: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.



"SSP remains the most academically cohesive and intense educational experience I have ever had. That, I suspect, is true for most who are fortunate enough to attend it. If it weren't for SSP my vision would be narrower, my aspirations less ambitious, and my life less rich. I don't exaggerate."
--Dr. E.C. Krupp SSP '61, Director, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

"What surprised me was that it wasn't the rigors of learning orbit determination that had the greatest impact in shaping my outlook on life and my future career - but the social experiences. Pulling an all-nighter after your own work was completed, just to help your friends. Keeping team (and TA!) morale high at 3 am. Academically SSP is both rigorous and unique, but what makes it very special and very dear are the social, 'coming-of-age' experiences that I am absolutely certain cannot be had anywhere else. The bonding, the late night discussions, and the whole experience, are unparalleled even years later."
--Ryan Kabir SSP 2000
[read more quotes from alumni, young and old]

The Summer Science Program values a diverse community in terms of gender, ethnicity, citizenship, socioeconomic status, and national origin. Young women and traditionally underrepresented minority students are especially encouraged to apply.

How To Apply

SSP's college-like experience starts with the application. To open your application, first complete an online form that tells us a little about you, including your contact info, campus preference, test scores, and coursework. You can log back in later (before the deadline) to change or add information.

Next, download the application instructions and forms.. The rest of your application will consist of Short Answers, official transcript, test score reports, evaluations from your current math and science teachers, and an optional third evaluation from some other adult who knows you well. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed. Give your teachers as much time as possible to complete their evaluations.

(This is just a summary; the application document contains detailed instructions.)

If you attend school outside the USA, or your US visa expires before August: your application must arrive at our office by Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013.

If you attend school in the USA: your application must arrive at our office by Friday, March 1, 2013.
Send it by courier or mail to: SSP Admissions, 108 Whiteberry Dr, Cary, NC 27519 USA. (We recommend using a method that confirms delivery, especially from outside the US.) Reviewers will carefully consider all of the information presented in your application. Admissions decisions are sent by both email and letter as soon as possible, about 6 weeks after the respective deadline.


Click here > Admissions Overview

Click here > Program Fee and Financial Aid

Text Taken From Web Page