What Are the Best Summer Programs for Aspiring Young Physicists?

[GeekyGreg]

Hello,

First of all I love the site! I really love exploring all the different subforums and learning a lot about all the different areas of physics and the rest of science.

Anyways, I am a junior in high school, and I took a Pre-AP Physics class in my freshman year and liked it but didn't think much more about it. Then in the beginning of my sophmore year I fell in love with math and science. I have been reading books that have been recomended on this site, and signed up for AP Calculus next year as well as AP physics, but since I am kinda coming into the game late I don't think my grades will be sufficient when applying to the more "prestigious" colleges. I was wondering if there are any summer programs for people my age. Are there programs for me to gain experience or to learn about real life experiments or how physicists work? I have a job on the weekends so I can probably save up money for a plane ticket, seeing how i live in Hawaii now that will probably be needed.

Thanks for any suggestions, or helpful advice!

-Greg

 

[sweetpotato]

Start by asking one of your math or science teachers. You could also ask the guidance counselor at your school.

Also check out community colleges and/or other colleges in your area. Many colleges have outreach programs for high school students interested in math/science/engineering. If you can't find the information you want on their website, you can try contacting specific people at the school by phone or email. Even better, physically go to the school (if it's a reasonable distance away) and try to talk to someone from your department of interest. For example, go to the physics department, find the main office and talk to the secretary/administrator there. Tell him/her that you want to know if they have any outreach programs for high school students and ask what professor you should speak to about this. Good luck!