Submit this essay for summer programs?

AI Thread Summary
When applying to competitive summer science programs like the Summer Science Program, NASA SHARP, and UW Summer Academy, it’s important to consider whether to submit personal work, particularly if it hasn't received strong feedback. The applicant, a high school sophomore, is contemplating including an essay submitted for the DuPont Science Essay Challenge. While the essay prompt allows for creative freedom, the applicant is concerned about its quality and relevance. Feedback received has been mixed, suggesting the essay may not stand out. It's advised that if the programs do not explicitly request supplemental materials, the applicant should refrain from submitting additional work to avoid potential negative implications on their application. Following application guidelines is crucial to maintaining a strong candidacy.
Simfish
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I'm applying to 3-4 summer programs (Summer Science Program, NASA SHARP, UW Summer Academy, and maybe another). I'm thinking of attaching some of my own work - but I'm wondering if this work is impressive for a sophomore applying to a highly competitive summer science program - Should I submit it as a piece of my sample work to these programs?... (I submitted it for the DuPont Science Essay Challenge)/

Thanks for your input!

Of course, one thing is - most of the feedback I've received was "Good job, science was too difficult" or "pretty good," which is an indication that the essay wasn't too great and that the reader didn't want to hurt my feelings (although it wasn't too bad either). Hopefully, I'll get some new responses.

Essay is at...

http://simfish89.tripod.com/dupontscienceessay.doc
 
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give us the essay question or prompt so we know what your objective is :smile:
 
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Other than an overuse of hyphens, it is otherwise well-written. Just to clarify, when you say you're a sophomore, do you mean high school or college? If you're in high school, this would be a good example of your work if the applications require such material.
 
Well - Prompt is essentially - write whatever you know about whatever topic you choose. ;)

I'm a high school sophomore. Summer progs don't require it so it much be especially good for me to submit it to them - or else I'll just be seen as trying to pile up stuff on them.
 
Simfishy said:
Well - Prompt is essentially - write whatever you know about whatever topic you choose. ;)

I'm a high school sophomore. Summer progs don't require it so it much be especially good for me to submit it to them - or else I'll just be seen as trying to pile up stuff on them.

If they don't ask for it, don't send it, unless there's a statement permitting optional supplemental material. It could hurt your chances if you don't follow the application instructions and bog them down with extra material to read.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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