Davidson Institute Gifted Programs vs Simons Summer Research Program
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Davidson Institute Gifted Programs is a enrichment while Simons Summer Research Program is a summer program.
| Davidson Institute Gifted Programs | Simons Summer Research Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Enrichment | Summer Program |
| Organization | Davidson Institute | Simons Foundation |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed; extremely selective given focus on 'profoundly gifted' students | Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015) |
| Applicants | Not publicly available | Approximately 350 per year |
| Deadline | Rolling | Rolling |
| Cost to Apply | $0 | Free |
| US Only | No / International | Yes |
| Grades | Middle school (6-8) through high school (9-12); some programs for ages 8-13 | High school students (primarily juniors and seniors) |
| College Impact | Davidson Institute participation is viewed very favorably by college admissions officers. Being recognized as a profoundly gifted student and receiving prestigious scholarships like the Fellows Schola... | Highly positive impact on college admissions. Summer research programs, especially prestigious ones like the Simons program, are viewed very favorably by college admissions officers because: (1) They ... |