PROMYS vs Simons Summer Research Program
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Both are summer programs for high school students.
| PROMYS | Simons Summer Research Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Summer Program | Summer Program |
| Organization | Boston University | Simons Foundation |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 15-20% (estimated based on ~80 admitted from several hundred applicants; exact figures not publicly disclosed) | Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015) |
| Applicants | Several hundred annually (exact number not publicly available) | Approximately 350 per year |
| Deadline | — | Rolling |
| Cost to Apply | $0 | Free |
| US Only | No / International | Yes |
| Grades | High school students entering grades 9-12 | High school students (primarily juniors and seniors) |
| 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... | 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 ... |