Science Talent Search (STS) vs Simons Summer Research Program
Comparing two elite STEM opportunities. Science Talent Search (STS) is a competition while Simons Summer Research Program is a summer program.
| Science Talent Search (STS) | Simons Summer Research Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 1 — Elite | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Competition | Summer Program |
| Organization | Society for Science | Simons Foundation |
| Acceptance Rate | Highly competitive; specific percentage not available | Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015) |
| Applicants | Thousands of high school students compete through affiliated science fairs nationwide | Approximately 350 per year |
| Deadline | — | Rolling |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | Yes | Yes |
| Grades | High school seniors only | High school students (primarily juniors and seniors) |
| College Impact | The Regeneron Science Talent Search is among the most prestigious science competitions and significantly impacts college admissions. Finalists are nationally recognized and receive considerable presti... | 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 ... |