Summer at Simons vs Simons Summer Research Program

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

Summer at Simons Simons Summer Research Program
Prestige Tier Tier 2 — Highly Competitive Tier 2 — Highly Competitive
Type Internship Summer Program
Organization Simons Foundation Simons Foundation
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) Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015)
Applicants Likely 200-500+ total applications across all centers annually, though not confirmed Approximately 350 per year
Deadline Rolling Rolling
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 students (primarily juniors and seniors)
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 - ... 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 ...