Simons Summer Research Program

Grades

High school students (primarily juniors and seniors)

Age

Not explicitly stated, typically 16-18 years old

Citizenship

Not explicitly stated in available materials

Prerequisites

Strong background in STEM (particularly physics or mathematics); demonstrated research interest and capability

Steps

1. Submit application with academic background and research interests
2. Application review by selection committee
3. Selection of approximately 40 fellows from ~350 applicants
4. Matching with faculty mentor based on research interests
5. Participation in summer research program at Stony Brook University

Materials Needed

• Academic records/transcripts showing strong STEM performance
• Research interest statement or proposal
• Likely: letters of recommendation from science teachers
• Personal statement about STEM interests and goals

Timeline

Application deadline appears to be winter/early spring; program runs during summer months; application process typically completed by late spring

Cost

Appears to be free/fully funded (program supported by Simons Foundation and individual faculty grants)

What Judges Look For

• Strong academic performance in STEM courses
• Demonstrated passion for scientific research
• Ability to conduct original, publishable research
• Intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills
• Clear research interests aligned with faculty expertise
• Potential to contribute meaningfully to scientific field
• Communication skills (ability to present research)

Scoring

Exact rubric not publicly available, but ~11.4% acceptance rate (40 out of 350) indicates highly selective process based on merit

Common Mistakes

• Applying without strong foundational STEM knowledge
• Vague or generic research interest statements
• Failing to demonstrate why you want to conduct original research
• Not showing understanding of what faculty mentors do
• Insufficient academic rigor or grades in STEM courses

Acceptance Rate

Approximately 11-12% (40 fellows selected from ~350 applicants annually as of 2015)

Applicants

Approximately 350 per year

Winners / Selected

Approximately 40 fellows selected annually

• Start building strong STEM grades early - prioritize A's in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and advanced courses like AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus
• Develop a genuine passion for original research, not just resume-building - judges can tell the difference
• Study past Intel Science Talent Search (now Regeneron Science Talent Search) winners to understand what caliber of research is expected
• Clearly articulate specific research questions you want to explore, not just general interest in science
• Research faculty at Stony Brook who work in areas that excite you - demonstrate knowledge of potential mentors
• Get strong recommendation letters from science teachers who can speak to your research potential and intellectual curiosity
• If possible, show prior research experience or science fair projects that demonstrate capability
• Write compelling essays that show why YOU specifically want to do original research this summer
• Emphasize your independence and ability to think critically, not just follow instructions
• Highlight any publications, presentations, or recognition for prior STEM work
• Focus on quality of research interests over quantity of activities - depth beats breadth

How to Prepare

• Take most rigorous STEM courses available (AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, honors courses)
• Maintain exceptional GPA, especially in STEM (aim for 3.95+)
• Seek opportunities to conduct independent research through school science fair or extracurricular projects
• Read scientific papers and understand current research in your area of interest
• Develop specific research questions you want to investigate
• Attend STEM camps or competitions (science olympiad, science fairs, math competitions)
• Shadow or work with STEM professionals to understand research process
• Study the Intel Science Talent Search (now Regeneron STS) to understand research standards
• Practice writing research proposals and abstracts
• Develop strong relationships with science teachers who can write recommendations
• Learn research methodology and experimental design
• Practice presenting scientific work clearly and compellingly

Resources

• Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) website - to understand research standards and see past projects
• Stony Brook University website - to research faculty and their research areas
• Science journal databases (arXiv, PubMed) - to read current research in your field
• Science Olympiad - for competitive STEM preparation
• Local university research labs - for volunteer opportunities
• MIT OpenCourseWare - free advanced physics and mathematics courses
• Books on scientific method and research design
• Your high school's AP/honors STEM courses
• Science mentors and teachers - seek advice on research topics
• Online physics and chemistry courses for advanced preparation

Time Needed

Minimum 1-2 years of preparation; ideally begin building strong STEM foundation in 9th-10th grade, then spend junior year developing specific research interests and skills, apply senior year of high school

Successful applicants typically have: (1) Near-perfect grades in STEM courses (A+ average); (2) Advanced coursework (AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus or higher); (3) Prior research experience or significant science fair success; (4) Specific, well-articulated research interests in physics, mathematics, materials science, or related fields; (5) Strong communication skills; (6) Demonstrated ability to think independently and ask original questions. Example: Saranesh Thanika Prembabu (2014 fellow) conducted sophisticated materials research on superlattice structures with applications to electrical and computing systems, placing second in the Intel Science Talent Search and receiving $75,000. This demonstrates the caliber of research expected.

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 demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity and commitment to STEM; (2) Original research is one of the most impressive achievements a high school student can list; (3) Participation suggests you can handle college-level work; (4) Results from such programs (research publications, competition placements) are highly valued; (5) Top colleges recognize Simons Foundation affiliation and selectivity; (6) Mentorship from university faculty is meaningful evidence of academic capability. This program carries significant weight at selective colleges, particularly for STEM majors. The Intel/Regeneron STS competition results that often emerge from this program are among the most impressive credentials a high school STEM student can have.

• Elite Contest Coaching for Canada's Top Math Students — Tier 2, competition
• Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) — Tier 2, competition
• WOOT (Worldwide Online Olympiad Training) — Tier 2, enrichment
• Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program — Tier 2, summer program
• Zero Robotics High School Tournament — Tier 2, competition