SSRP Frequently Asked Questions

Will the SSRP take place in person in 2023?

Yes! We are excited to plan to host SSRP 2023 on campus at The Rockefeller University. While we do not anticipate a change in these plans, please note that the dynamic nature of federal, state, and local COVID-19 guidelines may force us to adapt to either a virtual or semi-virtual program at a later date.

How will SSRP 2023 be structured?

Students who are accepted into the SSRP will participate in their own research project as part of a themed research track (i.e. RNA bioinformatics or fly behavior). Each track will consist of 8-12 SSRP students led by a RockEDU Fellow and their facilitation team of Track Scientists. RockEDU Fellows and Track Scientists are members of the Rockefeller scientific community (Post-docs, graduate students, and staff scientists) who will guide students through their research projects through a combination of foundational lectures and skills building activities.

Students will also attend a weekly suite of core lectures and courses that will bring together the entire SSRP cohort. These meetings will include talks from Rockefeller scientists as well as discussions of the styles of scientific reasoning, ethical practices in science, careers in science, and other topics.

Is there a minimum age or grade level to attend?

Yes, students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program (June 26, 2023). There are no exceptions to this rule. Students must also be currently enrolled as a junior or senior in high school at the time of their application. Current high school sophomores are NOT eligible to apply.

How do I apply to SSRP 2023?

All applications must be submitted through our online application system (OAS). A link to the OAS will be posted when applications open on Monday, October 17, 2022.

When will applications open for SSRP 2023?

Applications will open on Monday, October 17, 2023 and will remain open until 11:59pm EST on Friday, January 6, 2023. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Monday, January 9, 2023.

Is it possible to apply after 11:59pm EST on Friday, January 6, 2023?

No. Late applications will not be accepted. RockEDU encourages students to submit their applications early to account for any technical issues that may occur. 

Is there a fee to apply or participate?

No, there is no fee to apply, and the program itself is provided free-of-charge.

Can RockEDU assist me with travel expenses?

Yes. We will provide SSRP students with a MetroCard/OMNI card to cover their travel to and from campus by public transit for the duration of the program. Students who require additional assistance with other program related travel expenses (e.g. commuter rail) will have the opportunity to apply for a need-based stipend during the program.

Can RockEDU provide or assist me with finding accommodations in NYC?

We are unable to provide funds for or assist students with obtaining accommodation in NYC.

Are stipends available for SSRP students?

Stipends may be awarded to students experiencing financial hardship, and who meet all the attendance and research requirements of the SSRP. Applications for stipends will be made available on the first day of the program and are due 4 weeks prior to the end of the program (Thursday, July 13, 2023).

How many students participate in the SSRP each summer?

The number of SSRP students is entirely dependent on the number of scientist mentors who are available each summer, as well as the available space to accommodate a research student. This summer, we anticipate admitting approximately 16 students directly into the SSRP. These students will join the 16 students from our LAB Jumpstart program to create a final cohort of approximately 32 students.

Can students work with human patients through the SSRP?

No, SSRP students will not be able to work with human patients since minors are prohibited from doing so.

Can students find placement in the track of their choosing?

SSRP will consist of approximately 4 different research tracks. An effort will be made to accommodate students’ research interests and available resources (i.e. computers with fast processors). Students are not guaranteed placement into any specific track. We cannot accommodate requests to switch tracks. All placements will be made through RockEDU, and students should not attempt to arrange them on their own.

When does the program begin/end?

The program dates for 2023 are Monday, June 26- Thursday, August 10. Students accepted into the program must commit to attending all scheduled sessions and must complete any asynchronous work/experimentation assigned to them for the duration of the seven-week program.

What is the time commitment?

Students should expect to spend approximately 35 hours a week in SSRP related activities taking place during normal business hours (~9am-5pm). Students are expected to attend all mandatory scheduled core sessions and track meetings from Monday- Friday, starting June 26 and ending August 10, 2023.

Can students start later or leave earlier than the SSRP’s official start and end dates?

No, if accepted into the program, students must commit on a full-time basis (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) for the duration of the seven-week program. Students who cannot fulfill this commitment are not eligible for the SSRP.

Can students apply to the program if they live outside the United States or outside of the Tri-State Area (NY, NJ, CT)?

Yes, students outside the Tri-State Area are encouraged to apply, however RockEDU cannot assist students with transportation, accommodations, or visa applications.

When will students find out whether or not they’ve been accepted to the SSRP?

Applications will undergo an initial review to determine a subset of students to invite for virtual interviews. Students will be notified of whether they have moved on to the interview round by March. Interviews will take place in March. Students who have been interviewed will be notified of their final admissions status by April.

Are there any minimum GPA or curriculum requirements?

No, however, we do seek students who achieve at a high level. Most accepted students rank in the top 10% of their class. More importantly, students should show a sincere interest in science reflected by science courses taken and science extracurricular activities or prior research experience.

Do I need to submit all documents (scientific research reflection, personal statement, resume/cv, and transcript) online?

Yes, all documents must be submitted online. While we allow students to upload unofficial transcripts as part of their application, we reserve the right to request official transcripts prior to the start of the program.

Can I submit my SSRP research findings/poster/research report to a science fair not affiliated with The Rockefeller University?

Rockefeller University and RockEDU do not permit the use of SSRP research findings for the purposes of participation in science fairs. Students who are looking to participate in competitions of this nature should not apply to SSRP. Any scientific work you complete is the property of The Rockefeller University and may not be used outside of official university dissemination mechanisms.