Simons Summer Research Program vs Summer at Simons

Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Simons Summer Research Program is a summer program while Summer at Simons is a internship.

Simons Summer Research Program Summer at Simons
Prestige Tier Tier 2 — Highly Competitive Tier 2 — Highly Competitive
Type Summer Program Internship
Organization Simons Foundation Simons Foundation
Acceptance Rate Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015) Not publicly disclosed, but estimated at 5-15% given high prestige and limited spots per center (~3-10 positions per center per summer)
Applicants Approximately 350 per year Likely 200-500+ total applications across all centers annually, though not confirmed
Deadline Rolling Rolling
Cost to Apply Free Free
US Only Yes No / International
Grades High school students (primarily juniors and seniors) Undergraduate students and graduate/post-doctoral students only - high school students are NOT eligible
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 ... Summer at Simons is viewed VERY POSITIVELY by graduate admissions committees and prestigious employers. Impact includes: 1) STRONG indicator of research capability and commitment to academic career - ...