PROMYS vs Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. PROMYS is a summer program while Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026 is a scholarship.
| PROMYS | Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Summer Program | Scholarship |
| Organization | Boston University | Ron Brown Scholar Program |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 15-20% (estimated based on ~80 admitted from several hundred applicants; exact figures not publicly disclosed) | Estimated 5-10% acceptance rate based on prestige tier 1 classification and $40,000 award amount (highly competitive, exact rate unavailable) |
| Applicants | Several hundred annually (exact number not publicly available) | Likely 500-2,000+ applicants annually (specific number not available) |
| Deadline | — | Rolling |
| Award | — | $40,000 |
| Cost to Apply | $0 | Free |
| US Only | No / International | Yes |
| Grades | High school students entering grades 9-12 | High school seniors (12th grade, graduating class of 2026) |
| College Impact | PROMYS attendance is viewed very favorably by college admissions officers, particularly at selective institutions. It demonstrates: genuine passion for mathematics, intellectual rigor, ability to succ... | The Ron Brown Scholar Program is viewed very favorably by college admissions officers and is recognized as a prestigious national scholarship. Winning this scholarship demonstrates: (1) Academic excel... |