Q. How many students apply to SSP? Is it very competitive? What are my chances?
A. Upwards of 250 students apply each year. Most are well qualified. Our enrollment is only 72 ... you do the math. Admitted students are typically juniors earning top grades in the most advanced math & science courses available at their schools. Even if that describes you, you should not assume you will get in. Apply to SSP, but have an alternate plan too.

Every year some students are surprised when they are admitted, and some are surprised when they are not. It's impossible for you to predict how you will compare to applicants from around the world!

Q. I'm a sophomore very interested in SSP. Should I apply this year or wait a year?
A. We encourage most sophomores to wait, and here's why. If you apply and are not admitted, you will feel discouraged about applying next year, when your preparation (and therefore chance of admission) will be considerably better. If you are excelling in math & science courses normally taken by seniors, then you should consider SSP as a sophomore. (Note: we do not admit juniors who will be 18 before August, so that might be a good reason to apply as a sophomore.)

Q. Will SSP help me get ready for college?
A. Definitely. Even if you don't get in, the application process will be good practice. If you do, the "college-like" environment at SSP will help you understand yourself better, and therefore what you should look for in a college. More specificially, you will get a very visceral sense of whether majoring in science or engineering at a selective college is the path for you, or not. If so, SSP will make you a better applicant, because it's strong evidence that you will succeed as a STEM major in college. (By the way, many alumni write about SSP in their application essays.)

There are online conversations about SSP, in the context of college admissions, at online boards such as College Confidential.

Q. Will SSP help me get into my first choice college?
A. Maybe, but frankly "college app building" is not a good reason to apply to SSP. If the idea of spending your summer working very hard on an astronomical research project doesn't excite you, don't let someone else (a counselor or parent, perhaps) talk you into going just because it will look good on your college applications. You're much better off doing something this summer that really interests you.

Q. How are the NM Tech and Westmont campuses different?
A. Primarily in location (obviously) and program dates. The student experience is very similar, and descriptions on this website apply to both campuses. Details will vary according to the interests of the faculty.

Q. Are my chances better if I'm willing to go to either Westmont or NM Tech?
A. Yes, for the simple reason that some students may not be, and one campus will fill up first. Check with your parent(s) before deciding whether to specify one campus or not.

Q. I sent everything in, but I haven't heard that my application is complete.
A. Sometimes, not often, something gets lost. Don't assume your application is complete, unless you get an email from us that says so. On the other hand, give us a few days to process incoming mail before inquiring, especially right around the deadline.

Q. I submitted my application weeks ago. When will I hear something?
A. After you receive an email that your application is complete, be assured that we will let you know as quickly as possible. The process takes 3-4 weeks to complete.

Q. Who decides whether I will get in?
A. Each application is read and carefully considered by several reviewers, typically current and former SSP faculty. SSP's Executive Director coordinates the process, and handles all communication with applicants and parents.

Q. If I end up on the alternate list, what are my chances of getting in?
A. Everyone on our alternate list is qualified to attend, and some will be offered admission by the end of April. But you should have a backup plan for the summer.

Q. Will you provide transportation to and from the airport on arrival and departure day?
A. Yes, either Los Angeles International or Albuquerque. Complete travel instructions are sent to admitted students with other enrollment documents.