By Anndy Serrano
The Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (or SAMS for short), is an intense 6-week, fully paid, academic summer program that takes place at Carnegie Mellon University, ranked one of the top-30 U.S. colleges according to U.S. World News. The SAMS Program looks for high-achieving high school students who are interested in subjects related to the STEM fields, and engages them in rigorous courses that are both challenging and fun. This program allows students to take comprehensive and rigorous classes intended to support their academic, social and personal growth. SAMS Scholars develop depth and breadth in STEM-related disciplines via classroom instruction, project-based learning, and meta-curricular experiences. It is a highly selective program, with only about 110 spots for 1600 applicants every year. However, this program is worth applying to because it is an amazing learning experience for the summer—plus, they provide developmental support for college readiness, and anything STEM related.
The program consists of classes that are taken from Monday to Friday, including Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Concepts in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Programming in Python, and Standardized Test Prep. The Math Class you take depends on how well you do on the diagnostic test they administer at the beginning of the program, but the science class you take depends on what scientific areas you prefer. The schedule is very flexible, with classes starting at about 8:30 am and ending at 3:00 pm, with a two-hour lunch in between. After formal classes comes your independent research project, which can range from biomedical engineering to astronomy.
The independent project you do also depends on what STEM discipline you prefer. Once your project is complete, you are able to present your work at a symposium that gives you an opportunity to connect with others, and gain skills in presenting. Project work takes place from 3-5 pm, and after that comes dinner. After dinner, how you use your evening time depends on what you want to do with it. You might choose to be studying for your classes, doing homework, spending time with friends in the city of Pittsburgh or inside Carnegie Mellon, and so forth. Curfew during weekdays is 11pm, while on Friday and Saturdays curfew is 12 am. That is what a typical day in this program looks like.
What you do during the weekends is up to you. Carnegie Mellon is located in a city called Pittsburgh, home of the Pirates, and also known as Steel City for its many bridges. It contains the Carnegie Mellon Museum of Natural History, and the Andy Warhol Museum and Bridge, which are very exciting to visit. A famous place to just hang out is the Milkshake Factory, a little restaurant that serves delicious milkshakes. Being in a new city at a great college studying alongside other ambitious teens is a great way to spend your summer. I highly recommend this program to any MCSM student wishing to apply.