… 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 six-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). 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, now taking calculus or pre-calculus? Will you be at least 15 years old, but not yet 18, this summer? If so, you're eligible to apply. (Sorry, there are no exceptions permitted to the age restrictions.)

Sophomores may also apply, although most sophomores should wait a year to avoid being disappointed. Apply this year if you will turn 17 before next August, and are taking calculus already. Click here to be reminded by email in 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 20 through Saturday, July 31, 2010

• on the campus of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California (about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles)
  Sunday, June 27 through Saturday, August 7, 2010

How To Apply

SSP's college-like experience starts with the application. To open your application, you first complete an online form 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 and instructions. The rest of your application will consist of Short Answers, official transcript, test score reports, and two or three recommendations. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.

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

Your application must be postmarked by Monday, March 15. Give your teachers as much time as possible to complete your recommendations. Don't wait until a few days before the deadline to ask them!

Several reviewers will carefully read and consider all of the information presented in your application. This process takes 3-4 weeks. After we reach a decision on your application, we will notify you by email and letter.

Program Fee and Financial Aid

We understand that many families have little or no room in their budgets for a residential summer science program. Thanks to the generosity of SSP alumni and other supporters, our program fee is based on each family's ability to pay, taking into account income and other educational expenses. For example, students on free or reduced price lunch at school are likely to attend at no charge. The maximum any family would pay is $3,850 (much less than our actual cost), to cover everything except travel to and from campus. Generous financial aid, often including airfare, is also available to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, or who will increase the program's diversity, such as students from racial or ethnic groups historically under-represented in science careers.

There is no application fee. If you are admitted, your parent may apply for financial aid at that time. Therefore financial concerns should not be a factor in your decision to apply.

In 2009, 30 students (out of 72) received over $100,000 in financial aid and fee waivers.

Note: Residents of New Mexico, who are admitted through the usual process, receive an automatic fee waiver and attend SSP at no charge, thanks to a special grant from the state government.