… 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 next year), now taking calculus or pre-calculus? Will you be at least 15 years old, but not yet 18, on Aug. 1? If so, you're eligible to apply. Sophomores may also apply, although most sophomores should wait a year to avoid being disappointed. You should apply as a sophomore if a) you will turn 17 before August, or b) you are already taking calculus. (Sorry, there are no exceptions to the age restrictions, nor do we admit graduating seniors or freshmen.) 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. 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 17 - Wednesday, July 25, 2012

• on the campus of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California (about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles)
  Sunday, June 24 - Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012

How To Apply

SSP's college-like experience starts with the application. Visit again after Dec. 15 to start your application.

To open your application, first complete an online form that tells us who and where you are, and your 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: your application must arrive at our office by Wednesday, Feb. 8.
  
• If you attend school inside the USA: your application must arrive at our office by Friday, March 2.
  

Program Fee and Financial Aid

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 $3,950 (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. In 2012, 32 students (out of 72) received a total of $120,000 in financial aid.

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.