Simons Summer Research Program Guide
Last updated on 06/24/2026 by Ethan Sawyer
Looking for something to do the summer of your junior year. You are interested in research in science, mathematics or engineering.
Therefore, the Simmons Summer Research Program (SSRP) at Stony Brook may be right for you.
(And if this isn’t you, check it out tons of other summer opportunities here.)
In the guide below, we’ll introduce you
- Foundations of the Simmons Summer Research Program
- What SSRP students do
- Areas of potential research
- Program eligibility and costs
- And how to build a strong application.
Let’s dive in.
What is the Simmons Summer Research Program?
The Simmons Summer Research Program (often abbreviated SSRP) is a 7-week program held in late June through early August on Stony Brook University. It is funded by the Simmons Foundation and offers high school students the opportunity to conduct research under the mentorship of university faculty and graduate students at Stonybrook.
This program builds on the Simmons 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 best research opportunities for high school students and offers great preparation for you as you prepare to apply to university. Many participants continue to work on their research with their mentors during their final year and participate in national science competitions with their projects.
The program attracts high-achieving students from around the world, offering you the opportunity to work alongside leading scholars and talented peers. These networking opportunities are a key moment, allowing you to connect with mentors, peers and professionals who can support your future academic and career pursuits. (Note that building that network and community is, for most people, an important part of pursuing a path in STEM.)
Being part of the Simmons program demonstrates your commitment to research and strengthens your skills and understanding of the field, as well as helping to create a stronger college application later.
What you might do if you spent the summer as a Simmons researcher. Glad you asked…
What do students do in the program?
Students in the Simmons Research Program (commonly called fellows) have the opportunity to work with mentors, university faculty, or graduate students on original research projects.
A wide range of STEM subjects are 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 will list your top three areas of interest.
Simons Research Areas and Opportunities
If you are interested in STEM, SSRP probably offers an area of research just for you. These are just some of the fields you can choose from:
- Mathematics – Pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, computational mathematics
- Physics – astrophysics, quantum mechanics, particle physics, optics
- Biology – molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, ecology
- Chemistry – organic, inorganic, biochemistry, chemistry of materials
- Computer Science-AI/ML, Algorithms, Cyber Security, 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 for the SSRP, you have the opportunity to express your area of interest and the discipline in which you would most like to work. Students are then matched with a mentor whose interests are closely aligned with your own.
Even before you apply, you can get started researching mentors on the list that Simmons publishes each year when applications open.
In the program, here’s how you’ll spend your time:
- During the seven weeks, you’ll live in dorms on campus with other curious STEM-loving students just like you (Bonus this can give you a feel for what college will be like).
- Most of each day is spent working on research in your lab, analyzing data, and reading.
- Lunchtime often brings seminars or speakers.
- In the evening, you can write and enjoy the company of other Simons associates.
So how are the seven weeks organized?
The first week is orientation – meeting your mentor, other students and accommodation.
The next four weeks are when the research takes place, and you dive deep into your project with the guidance of your mentor.
By week six, you’ll be ready to write. This is when you begin to interpret your findings and prepare your presentation, which you give 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. While you may have completed your paper, this may also include a plan for how you intend to continue your research during your senior year. The work does not have to end after seven weeks.
Excited to get started? Check your eligibility and find out how to apply below.
Simmons Summer Research Program Eligibility
Current juniors who are 16 or older may 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 does Simmons look for in applicants?
Simmons seeks students with excellent academic records (especially in math/science) and a demonstrated interest in research. Have you already taken on projects that show your intellectual curiosity goes beyond the classroom? Don’t forget to include this.
Also show that you are mature enough to work independently – you have a mentor but will undertake your own research. Previous research experience is also helpful but not essential.
How to Apply – Application Components, Timeline and Deadlines
If you want to apply for SSRP, plan ahead. To apply, you need to be nominated by your school, so talk to your teachers early 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 which one to ask for letters of recommendation. Remember, giving your recommenders more time generally leads to stronger letters (and avoids last-minute panic).
The application deadline is the end of January. You should submit
- the essay
- your transcript
- and your letters of recommendation.
Once you submit, all you can do is wait. A faculty committee reviews all applications during February and Marchand candidates may be invited for an interview.
Decisions are announced in late March or early Apriland if you are accepted, then you need to confirm that you plan to participate in the program.
The program begins in late June and runs through early August at Stony Brook University.
How to Write a Strong Application Essay for the Simmons Summer Research Program
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 Simmons Research Program.
The key to a strong essay is to be super specific:
- What are the questions that fascinate you?
- What did you do outside of the classroom to pursue these questions and explore the topic further?
- What projects or research have you already been involved in?
- What attracts you to the Simmons program?
- If you’ve already done your research, include what you learned about the process and what happens when things don’t go as planned?
- How did you manage your project?
You also have the chance to write a brief about specific areas of research you are interested in. This will help faculty match you with a mentor for the program. You can choose three areas of research/mentors from list available every year. (This will be something similar “Why Major” essay..)
Again, be specific and show that you have thought deeply about the topics you are 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 rec letters:
When choosing your recommenders, consider asking math or science teachers who know you well. If you already have a research mentor, they would be an excellent choice. Ask people who have seen your scientific curiosity in action. These letters will support the skills and qualities you demonstrate in your academic record and essays.
Remember, a strong candidate for the Simmons Research Program will have:
- Excellent academic record
- Strong intellectual curiosity
- Research potential (even if you don’t have research experience yet)
SSRP Costs
There is no fee or tuition to attend the Simmons Summer Research Program. However, you will be responsible for either your transportation and meal expenses (if you live nearby and commute to campus), or your dining and housing expenses if you live on campus. Estimated price: $2450.
If you have questions about costs or other aspects of the program, check out Simmons’ FAQ page here.
Simmons 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). Typically around 600-800 highly qualified students apply for 30 places 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 possible.
If the Simmons Summer Research Program isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you can learn more about a whole host of other summer opportunities here:
Jane Longley is a devoted reader, writer and educator. Her love for stories began when she discovered the joy of reading at an early age. She is rarely without a book, and this interest continues today in her work as an essay coach, helping others share their stories. After graduating from Oxford University with a BA 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, movies, characters and the best way to write about them.
Top Values: Honesty | Empathy | Communication
