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