About

NYU GSTEM is a six-week summer research program founded in 2013 by NYU’s Courant School of Mathematics. Although GSTEM’s initial purpose was to specifically promote women in STEM, its scope has expanded to include anyone historically excluded from STEM. Like other lab research immersives, GSTEM places high school students into active research labs while also providing mentorship and exposure to STEM careers. GSTEM emphasizes authentic, faculty-mentored research in biology, computer science, math, chemistry, and physics. Tuition is about $6,000—not including the meals and housing—but applicants are encouraged to apply for need-based financial aid.

Each summer, GSTEM admits around 40 high school juniors open to US students (international students can apply only if they already hold an F1 visa). The program does not publish admit rates, but given the limited cohort size, high-caliber research, and popular NYU location, competition is significant and acceptance rates likely hover below 15%. Students must submit essays, transcripts, and a recommendation letter as part of their application, and the program looks closely for prior STEM engagement and enthusiasm.

GSTEM students are matched into NYU and partner labs in disciplines ranging from computer science and robotics to neuroscience, physics, and mathematics. Participants spend six weeks conducting full-time research under the guidance of mentors, who are professors and scientists hailing from NYC-area universities including NYU, Columbia, Hunter College, Brooklyn College, and others. In addition to lab immersion, students attend weekly seminars, professional development workshops, and networking events with women in STEM fields. The program culminates in a research symposium where students present their findings to peers, mentors, and faculty, and students also receive a transcript with NYU academic credit.

GSTEM’s value lies in its dual emphasis: authentic research experience plus mentorship designed to encourage more women / underrepresented students to pursue STEM careers. While GSTEM does not rival ultra-elite programs like RSI or SIMR, it is considered a respected, mission-driven program that delivers serious lab experience and strong mentorship.