Last Updated on 06/24/2026 by Ethan Sawyer

romam Simons Summer Research Program Guide

You’re looking for something to do in the summer of your junior year. You’re interested in research in science, math, or engineering.

Which is why the Simons Summer Research Program (SSRP) at Stony Brook could be just right for you.

(And if this is not you, check out tons of other summer opportunities here.)

In the guide below, we’ll walk you through

• The basics of the Simons Summer Research Program
• What SSRP students do
• Areas of potential research
• Eligibility and costs for the program
• And how to build a strong application.

Let’s dive in.

What is the Simons Summer Research Program?

The Simons Summer Research Program (often abbreviated SSRP) is a 7-week program held late June to early August at Stony Brook University. It’s funded by the Simons Foundation and offers high school students the opportunity to conduct research under the mentorship of university faculty and graduate students at Stonybrook.

This program is built on the Simons Foundation’s mission to advance math and science education, and offers 30 talented students each year the chance to undertake original research at Stonybrook for the summer.

The program is pretty amazing: It’s considered one of the top research opportunities for high schoolers, and offers great preparation for you as you prepare to apply to university. Many participants continue working on their research with their mentors during their senior year and participate in national science competitions with their projects.

The program attracts high-achieving students from around the world, offering you the chance to work alongside leading scientists and talented peers. These networking opportunities are a key highlight, allowing you to connect with mentors, peers, and professionals who can support your future academic and career pursuits. (Side note that building that network and community is, for most people, an important part of pursuing a path in STEM.)

Being part of the Simons Program demonstrates your commitment to research and strengthens your skills and understanding of the field, as well as helping create a stronger college application later on.

What might you be doing if you spend the summer as a Simons Research Fellow. Glad you asked…

What do students do in the program?

Students in the Simons Research Program (usually called Fellows) have the opportunity to work with mentors, university faculty or graduate students on original research projects.

A wide range of STEM subjects is available (we’ll dive into those in the next section), and students are matched with mentors based on their interests and mentor availability. In your application, you’ll name your top three areas of interest.

Simons research areas and opportunities

If you’re interested in STEM, SSRP probably offers a research area just right for you. These are just some of the fields you can choose from:

• Mathematics—Pure math, applied math, statistics, computational math
• Physics—Astrophysics, quantum mechanics, particle physics, optics
• Biology—Molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, ecology
• Chemistry—Organic, inorganic, biochemistry, materials chemistry
• Computer Science—AI/ML, algorithms, cybersecurity, visualization
• Engineering—Biomedical, mechanical, electrical, materials
• Geosciences—Atmospheric science, geology, oceanography
• Psychology—Cognitive, developmental, neuroscience
• Biomedical Sciences—Cancer research, pharmacology, medical imaging

When you apply to SSRP, you have the chance to express your area of interest and the discipline you’d most like to work in. Students are then matched with a mentor whose interests align closely with yours.

Even before you apply, you can start investigating mentors on the list Simons publishes each year when applications open.

In the program, here’s how you’ll spend time:

• During the seven weeks, you’ll live in dorms on campus with other curious STEM-loving students, just like you (Bonus that this can give you a sense of what college will be like).
• Most of each day is spent working on research in your lab, data analysis and reading.
• Lunchtimes often bring seminars or speakers.
• In the evening, you get to write and enjoy socialising with other Simons fellows.

So, how are the seven weeks organized?

The first week is orientation—meeting your mentor, other students and settling in.

The next four weeks are when the research takes place, and you dig deep into your project with your mentor’s guidance.

By week six, you’re ready to write. This is when you start to interpret your findings and prepare your presentation, which you deliver at the Symposium in the final week.

By the end of the program, you will have completed a final presentation and research paper, giving you a solid understanding of the entire research process. Although you may have completed your paper, this can also include a plan for how you intend to continue your research during your senior year. The work doesn’t have to end after seven weeks.

Excited to start? Check your eligibility and find out how to apply below.

Simons Summer Research Program eligibility

Current juniors who are 16 or older can apply (Seniors are NOT eligible). The program is open to US citizens and US permanent residents only. You also need to be able to commit to the full length of the program.

What is Simons looking for in applicants?

Simons is looking for students with excellent academic records (especially in math/science) and a demonstrated interest in research. Have you already taken on projects which show your intellectual curiosity goes beyond the classroom? Be sure to include this.

Also, show that you’re mature enough to work independently—you have a mentor, but will be undertaking your own research. Prior research experience is helpful too, but not essential.

How to apply—application components, timeline, and deadlines

If you want to apply to SSRP, plan ahead. In order to apply, you need to be nominated by your school, so talk to your teachers early on about the opportunity.

The online application portal opens in December. Make a start on your personal essay and research statement (more details below) and choose who to ask for recommendation letters. Remember, giving your recommenders more time generally leads to stronger letters (and avoids last-minute panic).

The application deadline is late January. You need to submit

• the essay
• your transcript
• and your recommendation letters.

Once you’ve submitted, all you can do is wait. The faculty committee review all applications during February and March, and candidates may be invited for an interview.

Decisions are announced in late March or early April, and if you’re accepted, you then need to confirm that you plan to participate in the program.

The program starts in late June and runs through to early August at Stony Brook University.

How to write a strong application essay for Simons Summer Research Program

In order to apply, you need to write a personal statement (500 words). This is your chance to show how curious you are about all things STEM, what intrigues you about research, and why you want to be a part of the Simons Research Program.

The key to a strong essay is to get super specific:

• What are the questions that fascinate you?
• What have you done outside the classroom to pursue these questions and explore the topic further?
• What projects or research have you already been involved in?
• What is it about the Simons Program that appeals to you?
• If you have already done research, include what did you learn about the process and what happens when things don’t go as planned?
• How did you manage your project?

You also have a chance to write briefly about the particular areas of research you are interested in. This will help the faculty match you to a mentor for the program. You can choose three areas of research/mentors from the list available each year. (This will be kind of like a “Why Major” essay.)

Again, be specific and show you’ve thought deeply about the topics you’re interested in. Helping the reader understand what lies behind your interest and what you hope to do with the results of your research strengthens your application.

A few things to keep in mind about letters of rec:

When you choose your recommenders, consider asking math or science teachers who know you well. If you have a research mentor already, they’d be a great choice. Ask people who have seen your scientific curiosity in action. These letters will support the skills and qualities you show in your academic record and essays.

Remember, a strong candidate for the Simons Research Program will have:

• An excellent academic record
• Strong intellectual curiosity
• Research potential (even if you don’t have research experience yet)

Costs of SSRP

There is no fee or tuition to attend the Simons Summer Research Program. However, you’ll be responsible for either your own transportation and meal costs (if you’re living nearby and commuting to campus), or for dining and residential costs if living on campus. Estimated cost: $2450.

If you have questions on costs or other aspects of the program, check out the Simons FAQ page here.

Simons Summer Research Program acceptance rate

SSRP is a very competitive program with an acceptance rate of approximately 3-5% (So similar to extremely selective universities). Usually around 600-800 highly qualified students apply for the 30 spaces each year. This is why students are advised to apply early—don’t wait until the deadline (usually around the end of January), start working as early as you can.

If the Simons Summer Research Program isn’t quite what you are looking for, you can find out more about a whole range of other summer opportunities here:

• CTY
• Wharton Global Youth
• A guide to STEM Summer Camps and Programs
• A Guide to Stanford’s Summer Programs
• A Guide to TASS: the Telluride Association Summer Seminar
• Guide to the Yale Young Global Scholars Program
• The Economics for Leaders Program: What It is, and How (or Whether) You Should Apply
• The Research Science Institute Program (RSI) at MIT: What it is, How to Apply
• MITES: A complete guide to MIT’s Summer program
• Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program: What it is and how to apply

 

Jane Longley is a devoted reader, writer, and educator. Her love of stories began when she discovered the joy of reading at an early age. She’s rarely without a book, and this interest persists today in her work as an essay coach, helping others share their stories. Having graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Modern Languages, Jane worked as a teacher in the UK for ten years before moving to Nicaragua, where she has lived for over two decades. She has worked with students from every continent except Antarctica and loves to discuss books, films, characters, and the best way to write about them.

 

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