Imagine Yourself ...

... learning to track and image a near-earth asteroid with your two teammates, up in the dome after midnight ... writing your own software to calculate its orbit ... working harder and learning faster than you ever thought possible ... and sharing the whole mind-expanding experience with some of the brightest, most interesting friends you'll ever make! The Summer Science Program is a five-week residential enrichment program, held on two campuses (one in Southern California, one in New Mexico). Since 1959, talented high school students from diverse backgrounds have come to SSP for its research-based curriculum, stimulating guest lectures, and behind-the-scenes field trips to places like NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab or the Very Large Array (of radio telescopes).

A student team at the Celestron C-14 at NM Tech's observatory

The challenging, college-like "SSP experience" accelerates students' academic and personal development, by immersing them in a supportive community of scholars. And, it's a lot of fun!

Is SSP for You?

Are you currently a high school junior (graduating after your next school year), now taking calculus or pre-calculus? If so, you're eligible to apply. Sophomores may also apply, although most sophomores should wait a year to avoid being disappointed. (See the Admissions FAQ for advice on whether you should consider applying as a sophomore. Sorry, we do not admit graduating seniors or freshmen under any circumstances.) We can remind you by email to apply when you reach your junior year.

The academic program is challenging - lectures in astronomy, physics, calculus, and programming are taught at a college level - but every one of the 36 students receives a very high level of personal attention from the seven resident faculty, so no one is left behind. Teams of three students tackle the asteroid orbit determination research project together. The spirit of cooperation is reinforced by the absence of grades, tests, or formal credit.

To be admitted, you should be earning top grades in the most advanced math & science courses available to you, ideally including physics or calculus. Your standardized test scores in math and science should also be strong. However, we do not require any particular test, nor do we rank applicants by test scores. We do look for scientific pursuits outside of the classroom, and evidence of good character and motivation. We take into account any personal or family circumstances that may have presented obstacles to your academic achievements. The application will provide an opportunity for you to explain your interests and background.

The Summer Science Program seeks a diverse enrollment on the basis of gender, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, and socioeconomic status. Young women, and students from racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in science, are especially encouraged to apply.

For more information, see the Admissions FAQ and comments from alumni and their parents.

Choosing a campus

SSP takes place at two campuses, starting and ending one week apart:

• on the campus of New Mexico Tech in Socorro, New Mexico (about 80 miles south of Albuquerque)
  Sunday, June 16 - Wednesday, July 24, 2013

• on the campus of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California (about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles)
  Sunday, June 23 - Wednesday, July 31, 2013

How To Apply

The following information applied to 2013; 2014 will be similar.

SSP's college-like experience starts with the application. Applications open on Dec. 15. Visit then to complete our online form and start your application.

There is no application fee. Financial concerns should not be a factor in your decision to apply.

We understand that many families have little or no room in their budgets for a residential summer science program. The published program fee, the maximum any family will pay, is $4,150 (much less than our actual cost of $6,200). It covers tuition, room & board, supplies, and local transportation: everything except travel to campus.

Thanks to the generosity of SSP alumni and other donors, generous need-based financial aid is available to further reduce the cost. We take into account both income and other educational expenses for you and any siblings. Students qualifying for free or reduced price lunch at school are likely to attend at no charge. In some cases we will also pay your airfare (up to $500). International students are eligible for financial aid on the same basis as other applicants. Most years, between a third and a half of our students receive financial aid, totaling almost $100,000.

The optional Financial Aid Application is included with the other admissions forms you will download. If you are admitted, your parent may apply for financial aid at that time. Applying for financial aid has no impact on admissions decisions. Financial concerns should not be a factor in your decision to apply.