Summer at Simons vs Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Summer at Simons is a internship while Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026 is a scholarship.
| Summer at Simons | Ron Brown Scholar Program 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Internship | Scholarship |
| Organization | Simons Foundation | Ron Brown Scholar Program |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed, but estimated at 5-15% given high prestige and limited spots per center (~3-10 positions per center per summer) | Estimated 5-10% acceptance rate based on prestige tier 1 classification and $40,000 award amount (highly competitive, exact rate unavailable) |
| Applicants | Likely 200-500+ total applications across all centers annually, though not confirmed | Likely 500-2,000+ applicants annually (specific number not available) |
| Deadline | Rolling | Rolling |
| Award | — | $40,000 |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | No / International | Yes |
| Grades | Undergraduate students and graduate/post-doctoral students only - high school students are NOT eligible | High school seniors (12th grade, graduating class of 2026) |
| College Impact | 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 - ... | 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... |