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Today, we are excited to share helpful information for students and parents interested in applying to top-tier summer research programs in the U.S. Many students and their families look for meaningful summer experiences, and summer camps are often a popular choice. For competitive programs like top-tier summer camps, early preparation is crucial. In this post, we will provide a detailed overview of one such prestigious summer program: the Simons Summer Research Program.


 

About the Simons Summer Research Program

What is Simons Summer Research Program?

The Simons Summer Research Program, held annually, is one of the most esteemed STEM research programs for high school students in the U.S. This program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 5%. Being accepted into the program is a significant achievement.

It offers students the opportunity to learn scientific research methods, effectively communicate mathematical and scientific principles, and enhance their careers in applied mathematics and computational science. Participants will engage in research projects, present their work through research abstracts and project presentations, and benefit from the guidance of Stony Brook University faculty mentors.

Participants will not only conduct research but also take part in community and career-focused events throughout the summer. Weekly faculty research lectures, special workshops, tours, and events will provide valuable insights into various industries, offering networking and connection opportunities. Research conducted during the program can also serve as excellent material for science-related competitions, such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search and Siemens Science Competition.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Students with a strong interest in science, independence, creativity, and a propensity for practical work are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must be in 11th grade at the time of application, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be at least 16 years old by the start of the program.


Nomination Requirements

Qualified students must be nominated by their high school. The designated school nominator (typically a science research coordinator/director or counselor) may have additional guidelines or processes for selecting student nominees. It is advisable to have only one official nominator per school, as having more than two nominations per school may result in disqualification for all applicants.

After receiving a nomination, students will receive an application invitation within 48 hours. They must then upload their transcripts. Applicants must obtain recommendation letters from two high school teachers, preferably from math or science teachers.


Timeline (2024)

​   - January 31, 2024: School nomination deadline

​   - February 7, 2024: Application deadline

​   - February 15, 2024: Recommendation letter deadline

​   - Early April 2024: Acceptance notifications (via email)

Participation Requirements

Participants in the Simons program are expected to invest at least 4 hours per day with their mentor/research group throughout the program. Work hours may vary and should be coordinated with the assigned faculty mentor. Students must submit vaccination documentation (COVID-19 vaccination required) before participating in on-campus activities and comply with the university’s COVID-19 policies. Detailed requirements will be provided to accepted students, and vaccination documentation is not needed at the time of application. Accepted students may also be required to provide proof of insurance, sign liability waivers, and grant photo use permissions.