10 Reasons Why You Should Apply to the Summer Science Program (SSP)
When it comes to making a career in STEM, pre-college programs are becoming an increasingly important part of any student’s summer. Joining a prestigious summer program like Summer Science Program (SSP) can be extremely valuable to your college applications. It helps you engage with subjects that interest you and build skills beyond your classroom learning. To help you get started, we have put together this guide on SSP and why you should consider applying to it!
What is the Summer Science Program?
The Summer Science Program (SSP) is the longest-running residential pre-college enrichment program for talented high school students looking to expand their STEM knowledge. Through its rigorous courses in astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry, SSP offers you the opportunity to dive deep into real scientific research. You get a chance to collaborate with peers from around the globe and learn from distinguished faculty.
Since its inception in 1959, the program has evolved with the times, expanding its curriculum to stay up to date with the cutting edge of STEM, while inviting leading lecturers and Nobel laureates to guide participants. The unique experience of the SSP is the combination of academic rigor, real-world research experience, and nurturing community that you will experience. These factors in addition to its prestige make it a highly sought-after, and most importantly, impactful summer experience for aspiring scientists worldwide.
How is the Summer Science Program structured?
At SSP, you will be experiencing six days of classroom and lab sessions per week for 5 weeks, along with guest lectures and other events. Each batch will be working with no fewer than seven faculty members to perform research from start to finish - from acquiring and analyzing experimental data to reporting the results. For 2024 batches, the projects available are as follows:
Astrophysics: Orbit Determination Project
In the Astrophysics course, focusing on the Orbit Determination Project, you'll learn to use professional-grade telescopes to observe asteroids, collecting data that you'll analyze to determine their orbits. This project not only introduces you to the fundamentals of astrophysics and celestial mechanics but also immerses you in the process of scientific discovery. You'll work in teams to solve real astronomical puzzles, using the same methods as professional astronomers to contribute genuine findings to the scientific community.
Biochemistry: Fungal Inhibitor Design
The Fungal Inhibitor Design project offers a deep dive into the world of medicinal chemistry and bioinformatics. You'll explore the structure and function of enzymes critical to fungal pathogens, using computer-aided design tools to develop potential inhibitors that could lead to new antifungal medications. This course is a blend of biology, chemistry, and computational science, providing you with a comprehensive skill set that includes molecular modeling, understanding of biochemical pathways, and the principles of drug design and development.
In this Genomics research project, you'll explore the cutting-edge field of synthetic biology. This course offers you the chance to manipulate DNA and observe the effects of mutations on protein function. Through a series of experiments, you'll use the principles of evolution to engineer proteins with desired traits, learning about genetic sequences, protein expression, and the role of natural selection in shaping biological functions. This hands-on experience in genomics and molecular biology will give you insights into the power of genetic engineering and its potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Synthetic Chemistry: Creation of Novel Macrocyclic Drugs
The research project in Synthetic Chemistry will teach you to design and execute experiments to create organic compounds. This course covers the principles of organic chemistry, including reaction mechanisms, purification techniques, and analytical methods like NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and IR (Infrared Spectroscopy). You'll work on synthesizing molecules with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, or as probes in biological systems. This course is a hands-on laboratory experience that will hone your skills in experimental design, problem-solving, and critical thinking in the context of organic chemistry.
In each of these courses, you're not just a passive learner, you're an active participant in the scientific process. You'll engage in:
Collaborative research with both peers and faculty to tackle complex scientific questions, fostering collaboration and communication skills.
Real hands-on experiments, from observing celestial bodies to synthesizing chemical compounds, gaining practical laboratory skills.
Data analysis using statistical and computational tools to draw meaningful conclusions from your research.
Scientific communication, preparing reports and presentations to share your research with peers and mentors.
There are multiple batches available for each program, and each research program is available at multiple campuses. You can check the full list of program dates and locations here.
Who is eligible for SSP?
To be eligible for the SSP, you must be a current high school junior or an exceptional sophomore, at least 15 but no older than 19 years old. Note that international students can also apply. Each research program has its own prerequisites, requiring you to take the relevant course for credit and a grade and completed by June. The prerequisites for each research program are as follows:
Astrophysics - junior (11th grade) - physics (any level high school physics) + precalculus
Astrophysics - sophomore (10th grade) - physics (any level) + calculus
Biochemistry - junior or sophomore - biology + chemistry + strong algebra skills
Genomics - junior or sophomore - biology + Algebra II
Synthetic Chemistry - junior or sophomore - chemistry + strong algebra skills
How does the application process work?
The SSP application form is quite detailed and requires the following:
A main application form with your basic information.
A short answer section where you will have to write essays to talk about yourself and your interests.
Your official high school transcripts.
At least two teacher evaluations, with a third being optional. Ideally you want a current science and/or math teacher to provide your evaluation.
SSP also provides a helpful FAQ for any queries you might have.
How much does SSP cost? Is there financial aid available?
While the program fee is a sizeable $8,800, it is important to note that:
Application is free
There is generous financial aid available. In 2023, 44% of the batch received a form of financial aid, with half of them fully funded. The program fee is scaled to what each family can afford, and you can check out the details here.
Is it prestigious?
The SSP is one of the most selective research programs in the country, with each batch comprising no more than 36 students. Combine this with the high faculty-student ratio of 1:5 and the exposure provided in actually working on real scientific research with industry-leading researchers and lecturers, that makes SSP a prestigious opportunity indeed. You will be hosted at Purdue University, Georgetown University, the University of Colorado or Indiana University for the duration of your research, and SSP is also affiliated to Caltech, benefitting from the exposure and expertise of each of these colleges. Alumni of the program, a 3400-strong community, have gone on to attend institutes like Caltech and MIT and become leading researchers themselves.
9 reasons why you should apply to SSP
Unmatched academic challenge: You will tackle college-level coursework and research in a supportive, stimulating environment.
Real-world research experience: You will be making measurable contributions to meaningful scientific research, gaining skills and knowledge that are invaluable for future studies and careers.
Expert mentorship: You will get to learn from and work alongside leading scientists, educators and even Nobel laureates, receiving guidance and insights that can shape your academic journey.
A strong network: You will be joining a diverse group of intellectually curious and motivated students from around the globe, building friendships and collaborations that last a lifetime.
Personal growth and preparation: The rigorous environment of the research projects will help prepare you for the independence of college life, while also familiarizing you with advanced STEM coursework and concepts.
Development of research skills: As you gain hands-on experience in data analysis, problem-solving, and scientific communication, you will hone skills that are highly valued in any academic or professional setting.
Exposure to cutting-edge science: The project you’re working on will allow you to engage with the latest developments in your field of interest, from astrophysics to synthetic chemistry, keeping you at the forefront of scientific inquiry. Not only will it help you build your STEM knowledge, it may also open up nascent career paths for you in the future.
Guidance on STEM careers: Speaking of careers, you’ll get to learn about the vast array of career paths in STEM straight from the horse’s mouth, informed by the experiences of SSP alumni and faculty.
Cultural and intellectual Exchange: Working with students from across the globe as well as researchers of different backgrounds will allow you to benefit from the rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of science and its global impact. It will also help you with valuable soft skills that will serve you in good stead in both academia and your career.
The Summer Science Program is a comprehensive experience that prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of a STEM career. With its blend of academic rigor, hands-on research, and a tight-knit community of researchers and scientists, SSP offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore your passion for STEM.
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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