About

The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University is one of the most selective and prestigious STEM research experiences available to U.S. high school students. Founded in 1984 through the support of mathematician and philanthropist Jim Simons, the program offers rising seniors the chance to spend six weeks conducting full-time research alongside Stony Brook faculty. The program is not only free of charge but also provides a stipend—putting it in a vanishingly small percentage of summer research programs.

Simons admits about 30–35 students each year from a national pool of several hundred applicants, putting its effective acceptance rate in the 3–4% range. Schools are allowed to nominate a maximum of two students, which sharply limits the applicant base and increases selectivity. Admission requires multiple essays, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and evidence of outstanding research potential. Eligibility is restricted to rising seniors attending U.S. high schools; international students are not eligible.

Each student is paired with a Stony Brook faculty mentor and research group, working on projects in disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. Students participate in laboratory meetings, learn technical protocols, and conduct independent portions of ongoing projects. The program culminates in a written research abstract and a symposium where Simons Scholars present their work to peers, faculty, and mentors.

The Simons Program has developed a reputation as a pipeline to national science competitions. Alumni frequently become semifinalists or finalists in Regeneron STS and ISEF, and many co-author papers with faculty mentors. For all of these reasons, Simons is recognized by admissions officers as one of the few programs that signals exceptional research ability on par with a program like RSI.