Program Overview
The Simons Summer Research Program gives academically talented, motivated high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math or engineering at Stony Brook University. (https://www.stonybrook.edu/simons/)
Elite Research Opportunity
Third-Party Validation
Faculty Research Mentorship
Program Statistics (The Below May Change)
Administrative Details (The Below May Change)
Overall: 4.1/5 – Outstanding research opportunity with regional limitations but excellent value
This program represents exceptional value for families seeking authentic research experience without the $5,000+ price tags of programs like SSP or PROMYS. The combination of free tuition, genuine faculty mentorship, and ultra-selective admissions makes it arguably the best value among competitive summer research programs.
The unique nomination requirement means students need strong relationships with their schools—this isn’t a program you can access through wealth or test prep, but through demonstrated excellence within your school community. Each school can only nominate two students, creating an additional filter that ensures participants are their school’s top STEM talent.
The Long Island location and preference for local students (though not explicit) means this particularly benefits Northeast students who can commute. For those willing to travel, the modest housing cost of ~$2,400 is a fraction of what comparable programs charge, making it accessible to middle-class families who can’t afford $10,000+ programs.
+ Recommended for: Top STEM students whose schools will nominate them. Perfect for those with genuine research interest who want faculty mentorship without financial burden. Ideal for Northeast students who can commute or those willing to relocate for exceptional opportunity. Best for juniors who’ve exhausted local research options.
× Not recommended for: Students without strong school support or whose schools don’t participate in nominations. Not suitable for international students or those under 16. Also not ideal if you need a program with stronger brand recognition outside the Northeast or prefer West Coast/Southern locations.
Research Science Institute (RSI at MIT)
Summer Science Program (SSP)
Garcia Summer Scholar Program (also at Stony Brook)
Research Mentorship Program at UCSB
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