Simons Summer Research Program vs United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO)

Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Simons Summer Research Program is a summer program while United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) is a olympiad.

Simons Summer Research Program United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO)
Prestige Tier Tier 2 — Highly Competitive Tier 1 — Elite
Type Summer Program Olympiad
Organization Simons Foundation Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
Acceptance Rate Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015)
Applicants Approximately 350 per year
Deadline Rolling
Cost to Apply Free Free
US Only Yes No / International
Grades High school students (primarily juniors and seniors)
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 ...