Q. How do I apply for aid?
A. Have a parent complete the Financial Aid Application, which is included as the last two pages of the application document, or as a separate download.

Q. Is there a deadline for the aid application?
A. Your parent can send the application before or soon after you receive notice of admission. (see instructions).

Q. What constitutes "need" (will I qualify)?
A. The Financial Aid Application is designed to help the Financial Aid Committee judge how much your family can afford to pay. Major considerations include income, other educational expenses for you and your brothers and sisters, and special circumstances such as unusual expenses or recent unemployment. If your family's income exceeds $100,000 you are not likely to qualify unless there are special circumstances.

Q. What are my chances of receiving aid?
A. That all depends on your family's overall financial situation. Don't assume you will not qualify for aid; if in doubt, ask your parent to apply.

Q. My parents can easily afford the program fee, but they just don't want to spend that much on a summer program. Should I ask them to apply for aid anyway?
A. In that situation the better approach is to help your parents understand why and how attending SSP is important to you. Ask them to read the comments from parents. They may leave a voice message 866.728.0999 to request a phone conference with the Executive Director to discuss their questions about SSP.

Q. Are special scholarships available that do not require my parent to submit an aid application?
A. Sometimes our donors make such scholarships available, but they are not publicized. If you are admitted and qualify for a special scholarship, we will tell you at that time.

Q. Is financial aid available to international students?
A. Yes, although the financial aid budget for international students is limited. International students should provide translations of income tax forms and other documents that are not in English.

Q. Does aid also cover airfare?
A. We will consider airfare in determining how much aid to offer. Several families each year qualify for a full scholarship plus airfare up to $500.

Q. The program fee includes room & board, but are there other fees or expenses? How much money should I bring with me to campus?
A. We suggest $100-$200 for incidentals such as snacks for your dorm room and a few souvenirs. Everything else is included.

Q. Are there other sources of scholarships to SSP?
A. Students can often raise money themselves, from part-time jobs, extended family (grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc.), neighbors, family friends, or local civic groups (Rotary, Lion's Club, etc.) or businesses. Be creative!