Simons Summer Research Program vs Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Simons Summer Research Program is a summer program while Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026 is a scholarship.
| Simons Summer Research Program | Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Summer Program | Scholarship |
| Organization | Simons Foundation | Ron Brown Scholar Program |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015) | Estimated 5-10% acceptance rate based on prestige tier 1 classification and $40,000 award amount (highly competitive, exact rate unavailable) |
| Applicants | Approximately 350 per year | Likely 500-2,000+ applicants annually (specific number not available) |
| Deadline | Rolling | Rolling |
| Award | — | $40,000 |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | Yes | Yes |
| Grades | High school students (primarily juniors and seniors) | High school seniors (12th grade, graduating class of 2026) |
| 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 ... | The Ron Brown Scholar Program is viewed very favorably by college admissions officers and is recognized as a prestigious national scholarship. Winning this scholarship demonstrates: (1) Academic excel... |