Princeton Summer Programming Experiences (SPE)

Princeton Students,

Are you a first-year or sophomore student considering Computer Science as a major, either BSE or AB?

Was programming new to you when you first saw it in COS 126? Was that course a challenge for you?

Would you like to gain additional experience and grounding in computer programming at a time when you're not taking three other classes, and without weekly deadlines?

Would you like to work on a substantive programming project of your own choosing?

If the answers to these questions are yes, then the Summer Programming Experiences program may be just right for you! Stay on campus for five weeks from June 23, 2008 - July 25, 2008 (tentative dates) and gain valuable programming experience by working on a creative and substantive project of your own choice, in a supportive, fun, and enriching environment, with the regular guidance of a faculty or graudate student mentor. The Computer Science Department sponsors this summer program with the goal of providing novice programmers an opportunity to become better computer scientists, and the confidence and hands-on experience to thrive in more advanced computer science courses. We expect to have approximately 8 participants in the program, typically working in groups of two.

Mathey dinner. To learn more, we're having an informal dinner in the Mathey College Dining Hall at 6:15pm on Thursday, April 3 2008. Please email Kevin (wayne@cs) if you are planning to come.

Application. The application deadline is Friday, April 11, 2008. We especially encourage women and minorities to apply, and historically, over half of our participants have been women. We'll make admission decisions in time so that you can meet the summer housing deadline. You will apply for housing from the summer housing from the Princeton Housing Department. The Summer 2008 housing application will be available April 5, 2008 and is due Friday April 18, 2008 at 4:30pm in McMillan.

Stipend. Financial aid is provided to all participants to pay housing and living expenses on campus. Participants will be paid a stipend of approximately $250 per week. In addition, we also pay your Princeton University summer housing contract. In return, we expect a real commitment from you, and you should plan to devote your full effort (40 hours per week) to the program.

Q + A

Who can I contact to learn more about the summer program? Please email Kevin (wayne@cs) if you have a quick question or stop by my office (CS 207) if you have several.

Can you give me an idea of some past projects? Projects vary greatly. Past projects include: text twist word game, RSA cryptosystem, 3D computer graphics, skeet shooting game, fractal explorer, juggling simulator, pricebot, JPEG image compression, network checkers, economics simulator, music synthesis, Safari Tetris, computational biology, data compression, South Park Snood, and a billiards simulator.

What programming language will I use? We strongly recommend either Java or C, since these offer the best preparation for COS 217 and COS 226.

I'm not a Princeton student. Can I still apply? Sorry, we get lots of such requests, but the program is only available to current Princeton students.

Where will I work over the summer? The Friend Center computer labs. They have excellent equipment, comfy chairs and air-conditioning. In addition, the lab provides a rich social atmosphere for participants to get to know one another. If you prefer to use your own computer, you can bring your laptop to the lab.

What do I do for food? You are on your own for meals. Some of the dorms have kitchens. You can also purchase a meal plan with Dining Services.

I'm on financial aid, and participation in this program leads to a shortfall in my summer savings? You are encouraged to discuss these issue with someone from the Undergraduate Financial Aid office. You may have more options than you think.

What do participants go on to do after the SPE? Almost everyone continues on with coursework in computer science. Most students choose computer science as a major or certificate.