The Ultimate Guide to Simons Summer Research Program for High School Students
If you’re in high school and are keen on pursuing research in STEM, a valuable way to develop your research skills and gain exposure to academia is by participating in summer research programs. The real-world experience offered by such programs will give you the practical tools and know-how you will need to further your research, while making valuable connections in the field of your interest, and gaining an understanding of the techniques and methodologies used in modern-day research.
Programs like the Simons Summer Research Program (SSRP), which we’re discussing today, offer you the chance to explore your academic interests in depth. This can help you stand out during the college admissions process.
What is the Simons Summer Research Program?
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University is a selective six-week research opportunity for high school juniors to engage in scientific research. The program invites nominations for promising young scholars and provides mentorship from Stony Brook’s faculty and graduate students. As part of the program, you will have the chance to participate in ongoing research in fields like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and more. Over the course of six weeks, you will collaborate with professional researchers, conduct experiments, and build advanced research skills. This experience helps you strengthen your understanding of scientific methods and inquiry, preparing you for future success in STEM fields.
How is the Simons Summer Research Program structured?
The Simons Summer Research Program will run from June 30 to August 8, 2025. During this time, you will be paired with Stony Brook mentors—either a professor or graduate student— who will guide you through your research project for a complete hands-on experience. You’ll have access to the university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities to support your work. A typical day includes spending at least four hours conducting experiments, attending lectures, analyzing data, and preparing for presentations. By the end of the program, you will be complete a final presentation and research paper, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the entire research process.
Is it prestigious?
The Simons Program is one of the most competitive high school research programs in the country, with an acceptance rate below 5%. This selectivity attracts high-achieving students from around the world, offering you the opportunity to work with leading scientists and talented peers. Participation in the program is highly regarded in academic and professional spheres, with many alumni advancing to prestigious universities and careers in research, academia, and industry. The networking opportunities are a key highlight, allowing you to connect with mentors, peers, and professionals who can support your future academic and career pursuits. Being part of the Simons Program demonstrates your commitment to research and strengthens college admissions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Application for the SSRP involves a unique process that requires you to be nominated by your school. Each school can nominate upto two students, so it’s important to discuss the selection criteria with your school counselors or teachers in charge. If your school is not listed in the SSRP database, a school official can complete the nomination form and contact the SSRP team directly. In addition to being nominated, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
You must be a high school junior (grade 11) at the time of application.
You need to be at least 16 years old by the program’s start date.
The program is only open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
How does the application process work?
Applying to the Simons Program is a multi-step process, and here are the key deadlines to keep in mind:
Nomination: You must be nominated by a teacher, principal, or counselor, who is to submit the nomination form by January 31, 2025.
Application: After nomination, complete the application form, including the submission of two recommendation letters and your high school transcript. The application is due by February 7, 2025.
Research area: As part of the application, you will need to indicate your top three preferred research areas from the program’s list.
Selection: Notifications for selected applicants will be sent out in April 2025.
How much does the SSRP cost?
There is no fee or tuition to attend the Simons Summer Research Program. However, you will be responsible for your own transportation, dining, and residential costs.
Pros and cons of the Simons Summer Research Program
Pros:
High-Quality Mentorship: You’ll work closely for at least four hours daily with faculty mentors on active research projects in fields like applied mathematics, bioinformatics, computer science, and orthopedics. This provides valuable insights and guidance from experienced researchers.
Laboratory Research Experience: The six-week program allows you to engage in hands-on lab work, helping you develop practical skills and learn modern research methodologies that go beyond classroom learning.
Networking Opportunities: You’ll connect with top students and professionals, helping you build relationships that can benefit your future academic and career opportunities.
Potential for Research Publication: Your work may be published, significantly enhancing your academic profile.
No Tuition Cost: The program is entirely free, with no application or tuition fees, making it financially accessible to diverse participants.
Cons:
Highly Competitive Admission: With an acceptance rate of just 5%, getting into the program is difficult, which can be discouraging for some applicants.
Intensive Time Commitment: The program requires full participation, which may conflict with other summer plans or commitments.
Nomination Requirement: Eligibility depends on being nominated by your school, which must also be a part of the SSRP database. This extra steps can make the application process more complex.
Our review
The Simons Summer Research Program is a competitive, prestigious, and academically rigorous opportunity that highlights your skills and dedication to STEM research. Participating in SSRP not only demonstrates your academic capabilities but also provides valuable exposure to core scientific research. If you’re aiming to build a strong foundation in research while connecting with experienced professionals, the program offers exceptional value and serves as a meaningful stepping stone toward a future in research and academia.
The Simons Summer Research Program is a competitive, prestigious, and academically rigorous opportunity that highlights your skills and dedication to STEM research. Participating in SSRP not only demonstrates your academic capabilities but also provides valuable exposure to core scientific research. If you are aiming to build a strong foundation in research while connecting with experienced professionals, the program offers great value and is an excellent stepping stone toward a future in research and academia.
Finally, if you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here.
Stephen Turban
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Stony Brook University Logo