Simons Summer Research Program vs Regeneron ISEF Awards
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Simons Summer Research Program is a summer program while Regeneron ISEF Awards is a competition.
| Simons Summer Research Program | Regeneron ISEF Awards | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Summer Program | Competition |
| Organization | Simons Foundation | Society for Science |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015) | Approximately 1,600-1,700 finalists compete at ISEF annually out of significantly larger pool competing at 365+ affiliated fairs; roughly 600 finalists receive awards/prizes (37.5% of finalists awarded) |
| Applicants | Approximately 350 per year | Over 1,600 finalists selected annually from 365 Society-affiliated fairs across 60+ countries and territories; total number competing at all affiliated fairs globally is much larger (tens of thousands) |
| Deadline | Rolling | — |
| Award | — | $7,000,000 |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | Yes | No / International |
| Grades | High school students (primarily juniors and seniors) | 9th through 12th grade (high school students) |
| 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 ... | Reaching Regeneron ISEF as a finalist is extremely prestigious in college admissions and carries significant weight. Top colleges (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.) view ISEF participation highly favor... |