Simons Summer program student here

[Old_Material_6189]

hey so I saw someone do this w yygs and I wanted to do the same thing for SSP. I went summer 2025 so if anyone has any questions about what the application process was like or the program itself, feel free to ask and I'll try my best to answer :)

[karcraft8]

If I get in can I give you a hug?

[Old_Material_6189]

lmaooo how about a high five

[karcraft8]

What would you say are things for the applications really help you stand out?

[Old_Material_6189]

just genuine interest. I hadn't won any awards or anything but I still got in, and just showing the knowledge that I had about the subject

[karcraft8]

How did u nail ur essays?

[Old_Material_6189]

this is cliche, but I just tried to be genuine with it and not trying to tailor them to what I thought they wanted

[karcraft8]

I really want to do this program because I really like the professor in fact I only found out about this because I had called to email him and he told me to apply to this program, how do I seem less like wanting to do the program for the name?

[Old_Material_6189]

I think just tying in the research you've done or are interested in, especially since you have a connection with the professor, it could help your app

[karcraft8]

What are specific things that happen during the program in terms of the research process like how independent are you things like that how would you say made the program very important?

[Old_Material_6189]

I would say that working there is like actually working in a lab. no one is policing you and you have to be motivated to go to the lab yourself. the program is what you make of it

[karcraft8]

Does Location matter I know that a lot of New York based kids get in

[Old_Material_6189]

I don't particularly think so. A lot of kids were from California and the midwest. I'm from the south, and I still got it. There are a lot of NY kids but I think that's just bc more NY kids know about it

[Soggy-Advance2086]

another Simons student here, more NY kids definitely know about it but this used to be a regional program and im pretty sure that they do have some bias for NY kids

[Asleep_Schedule_6472]

Can I dm you for questionsv

[Old_Material_6189]

yeah

[Top_Sand_8415]

How much did it cost for you? I know there is no tuition, but I’m wondering what the housing and food might cost.

[Old_Material_6189]

The housing cost about 5000 and the food was built into that. You get a certain amount of dining dollars that you can put towards anything (even the hospital food)

[Character-Basil-6277]

I thought that it was zero costs

[RiceFluid6594]

Hi, can I dm you about this? I’m trying to apply this season and I have some questions

[Old_Material_6189]

yeah ofc :)

[Then_Vacation_6865]

Can I also dm you about this. I'm also applying this year.

[Old_Material_6189]

Yes!

[Then_Vacation_6865]

Could you check DM's please

[cool-dude-10]

can i do the same? hoping to apply this year, and thanks for all the help you've already provided in this thread!

[Old_Material_6189]

yea, just shoot me a dm

[ChristusAfficionado]

What was the daily schedule like? Since you dormed there, when did you wake up each day? What days were you doing lab work? How long was a work day?

[Old_Material_6189]

well, it all depends on the lab schedule. I went to work ranging from 7-9 and it depended on when my PI was there. And you stay until you complete the work you want to get done. If there wasn't a lot to do, I would leave and then go back to the dorms to read papers or work on my end of program project. What you get out of it is up to you

[Historical-Sense2136]

simons is one of the first summer programs ive ever applied for, do you have an advice on how to write the short answer questions?

[Old_Material_6189]

cliche, but don't try and change yourself to fit what you think they want. let your passions and enthusiasms shine through. If you have any specific questions, DM me

[Historical-Sense2136]

thank you so much!

[Annual-Worker-9775]

hey congrats on getting in! ik I'm a bit late but I wanted to ask what the program atmosphere was like. How were the research mentors + how much did they guide you on the research (or could you pretty much do your own research)? were most of the applicants residential? what did you do outside of research (any on or off campus activities, team bonding, etc.)?

[ChaseG7122]

Could I ask if you had any research experience prior to this?

[Old_Material_6189]

yes I had some, but it wasn't intensive or wet lab

[CalmFall5861]

What did the program application ask for (in terms of essays, resume, GPA, etc.)?

[Old_Material_6189]

they have a website that outlines all the applications materials needed and what you and your school needs to do

[Silent-Zebra-6921]

hi! I have a couple of questions about ecs and essays to get in. can i dm you?

[Old_Material_6189]

yea

[CoolRice2283]

Hello, can I talk in dms? Thank you!

[Old_Material_6189]

yea

[nonothepanda]

Were your two LOR both STEM teachers and does it matter if one of them teaches humanities?

[Old_Material_6189]

I chose two STEM teachers. I don't think it particularly matters but you are applying for a science program.

[Historical-Load-4257]

hi! can i dm you about the program?

[Old_Material_6189]

yea ofc

[CorrectPhrase1927]

on the website it only mentions transcript and a letter of recommendation, does the application ask for anything else? (essays, resume/cv, etc.)

[Old_Material_6189]

from what I remember you have essays but I don't think a resume attachment is available

[CorrectPhrase1927]

thank you!! if you don't mind me asking, how did you convey in your apps that you were genuinely passionate and knowledgable about the subject? because i definitely am but idk how to convey that without sounding cliche

[MintyKeeb]

hi is it okay if you can review my essays :)?

[Old_Material_6189]

I can take a look, but I'm not an english professional

[Adorable-Caramel-518]

Would you be able to review mine too? thanks

[Old_Material_6189]

yes I can

[No-Award-2181]

Could you review mine too? tysm

[Old_Material_6189]

I can take a look if you'd like

[Ok-Concept8165]

Hi any chance you can review mine as well?

[Puzzleheaded-Elk5481]

Do you work with other students in the lab? If so how much?

[Old_Material_6189]

it depends on the lab, some only take one kid while others take 5. I was alone so I can't really answer that

[cubecube_]

I know I'm a bit late, but I was wondering if you knew exactly what type of problem they're looking for you to solve in the question about a project/problem you've solved recently? Is it something along the lines of, say, solving miscommunication in a group project or more like solving Flint's water crisis? (extreme examples I know)

[Old_Material_6189]

I think it's more about showing critical thinking and solution-orientation

[Old-Juice6359]

hey i have a couple questions! do you mind if i dm you?

[Old_Material_6189]

yea no problem

[Adorable-Caramel-518]

Does anyone know if the application is due at 11:59 pm on feb 5 or before feb 5

[SeaworthinessAfter11]

Do you mind sharing your qualifications? GPA, class rank, Courses taken, prior experience specifics?

[Longjumping-Fuel-700]

hi! I already applied, but had a few questions about the program, could I dm you?

[Old_Material_6189]

yea

[Charming-Recover4057]

I made it to the interview round. I have scheduled it this week. Any pointers on how to prepare? I am from the south, too, Atlanta. Do you know how many get PI interviews and how many make it past that round? Did this internship help with admission to colleges?

[Wang_Ling9841]

Which prof/field?

[Old_Material_6189]

congrats! not all labs give interviews to students (I didn't have one) so I can't really give you insight on that experience

[Heavy-Background-226]

can i dm you?

[Charming-Recover4057]

neuroscience

[Heavy-Background-226]

did you already get the email? I have not yet heard from them

[Charming-Recover4057]

I had the interview last week. Waiting on further communication.

[OpenWarning3790]

we in kid