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FAQ - ISSYP

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Marie Strickland
Educational Outreach Coordinator
Tel: 519-569-7600, ext. 5382
issyp[at]perimeterinstitute.ca

How do I apply?

All applicants must register online before submitting their full application package. 

Once registered, you will be emailed an application ID, which you will need to complete the application package.

Download the application document, complete and return to Perimeter Institute, no later than March 29th, 2013.

 

When is the application due?

The application must be received by Perimeter Institute no later than March 29th, 2013.

 

Can I submit my application electronically?

Perimeter Institute will only accept mailed hard copy applications.

 

What are the dates for ISSYP 2013?

ISSYP 2013 will be held July 7 – July 20th, 2013.  Please note that Sunday July 7th is the arrival and registration day for the program.  Participants will depart from the program on Saturday July 20th.

 

What costs are associated with attending ISSYP?

Program Costs

The program fee is $500 (CDN) payable upon acceptance into the program.  The fee is a small portion of the full program cost and supports activities, accommodations, and meals.  Students may wish to bring spending money for souvenirs or additional snacks.

Travel Costs

CANADIAN students accepted will have their round trip air, train or bus fares paid for by Perimeter Institute.  Ground transportation to and from the airport to Waterloo will also be provided by Perimeter Institute.

INTERNATIONAL students accepted from countries other than Canada must fund their own return airfare from their home country to Toronto Pearson International Airport and purchase appropriate travel/health insurance.  Ground transportation to and from the airport to Waterloo will be provided by Perimeter Institute.

NOTE:  There is funding available to help offset program and travel costs for students with financial need.   Information regarding this funding will be made available as requested by students accepted into the ISSYP program. 

 

Who is ISSYP for?

ISSYP is for energetic students who have a passion for and strong ability in physics and mathematics, are currently in the final two years of secondary school, and intend to pursue the study of physics at the university level in the future.

 

What grades are required to qualify?

There are no specific grades required to apply to the ISSYP program, however there must be evidence of a strong academic background in physics and math.   Acceptance is based on the strength of the applicants overall application package.

 

What is PI looking for in applicants?

Applicants should;

  • demonstrates a keen interest and passion in the areas of theoretical physics and mathematics
  • be a well rounded individual with extensive life experiences particularly in the areas of theoretical physics and mathematics
  • intend to pursue physics studies at the university level
  • follow the submission guidelines carefully

 

Is the Reference Letter the same as the Teacher Written Assessment?

No.   You require both a Teacher Assessment (ranking and written) and an additional reference letter from another source.

 

My referee gave me my reference in a sealed envelope.  Can I include it in my application still in the sealed envelope?

Yes, reference letters and teacher assessments will both be accepted in sealed envelopes.

 

Will students be able to interact with Perimeter Institute (PI) scientists?

Students will interact with PI scientists in the following ways:

  • Participation in small group research projects led by expert researchers associated with PI.
  • Group instruction from a mentor (PI physicist) that will provide an up-close look at what physics research is really like by guiding the students through an open-ended problem that will stretch their minds.
  • Attendance at keynote presentations given by PI experts on their fields of research that go far beyond anything available in popular treatments or textbooks and provide deep insight into what lies at the forefront of our understanding of the physical world.

 

How will students be looked after during the two week program?

Students will attend the program at Perimeter Institutes’ award-winning facility located in Waterloo, Ontario.  While at PI, students are supervised by the Senior Outreach Manager, a senior level physics teacher and the Educational Outreach Coordinator. 

Outside of program hours, they will be under the supervision of experienced male and female chaperones.  These chaperones will also plan and supervise a variety of evening and weekend social activities.

Parents may contact the Educational Outreach Coordinator Marie Strickland at ISSYP@perimeterinstitute.ca or 1+519-569-7600 ext 5382 should they need to reach students at any time during the summer school.

 

Where will students stay while attending ISSYP?

Students attending ISSYP will stay at a local university student residence allowing them to experience university living.   Experienced chaperones will be staying on campus with the students and will be responsible for their safety and well-being while the students are away from Perimeter Institute. 

 

Are relatives or friends able to visit with students during the program?

Students who attend the program will want to get the most out of the ISSYP experience, including engaging in all activities, eating meals together, participating in fun evening activities and bonding with their peers.  The two-week program goes by quickly and it is important that students take full advantage of their opportunity to engage in research at Perimeter Institute.  Should there be an emergency or other urgent circumstance where a visit is necessary, we ask that a short visit be coordinated at the student residences during evening activities.

All request made by parents or guardians for visits during program dates must be forwarded to the Educational Outreach Coordinator, Marie Strickland (ISSYP@perimeterinstitute.ca  or 1-519-569-7600 ext 5382) at least two weeks in advance of program start.  Chaperones will be available to supervise students during all pre-arranged visits.