Simons Summer Research Program vs MLH Fellowship - Production Engineering Track

Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Simons Summer Research Program is a summer program while MLH Fellowship - Production Engineering Track is a internship.

Simons Summer Research Program MLH Fellowship - Production Engineering Track
Prestige Tier Tier 2 — Highly Competitive Tier 2 — Highly Competitive
Type Summer Program Internship
Organization Simons Foundation MLH (Major League Hacking)
Acceptance Rate Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015) NOT PUBLICLY DISCLOSED. FAQ states 'we receive an overwhelming demand from students' suggesting highly competitive (likely 5-15% based on typical tech fellowship rates, but unconfirmed)
Applicants Approximately 350 per year Not officially published, but described as receiving 'overwhelming demand'
Deadline Rolling Rolling
Cost to Apply Free Free
US Only Yes No / International
Grades High school students (primarily juniors and seniors) The program does NOT explicitly limit to college students. The FAQ states 'the MLH Fellowship is open to all developers, regardless of where you live, the stage of your career, or what type of institution you attend(ed).' This suggests high school students are technically eligible if they meet technical requirements.
College Impact 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 ... STRONG POSITIVE IMPACT on college admissions for selective universities. What admissions officers see: (1) Selective fellowship showing you survived rigorous vetting process; (2) Real-world engineerin...