Simons STEM Research
Are you a serious math or science student looking to test drive live at the research bench? Consider this program offered by Stony Brook University, where you will be exposed to cutting edge and hands-on work in the fields of science, math and engineering. This is a great way to get started on a larger research project that you can continue at home (and also a great way to identify an adult mentor to help)!
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. Simons Fellows work with distinguished faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques and tools, become part of active research teams, and experience life at a research university.
How do I get started? Click here.
How do I expand this narrative arc? Looking for more ways to pursue your interest in research science? There are a number of excellent and prestigious summer programs at some of the top research institutions in the country:
Test drive “life at the bench” in the intensive four-week RIBS lab research program at U. Chicago.
Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Internship
Cancer Research Internship at Fred Hutch
Children’s Health Research Internship at Colorado Children’s Hospital
Want to take your summer research further? Enlist a teacher supervisor and enter into one of the many prestigious national science fair competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SUMMER PROGRAMS: College admissions officers are very adept at identifying “resume padders”: expensive, one-off programs paid for by your parents which do not mesh with your narrative arc. Therefore, make sure any summer program or course you consider falls into one (or more) of these four buckets:
Highly selective/competitive
Totally unique + linked to your narrative arc
Evidence of adulthood (long hours, multi-year commitment or simply hard work)
A jumping off point or expansion for an authentic narrative arc.
If none of the above apply, a program could still have value to you if it allows you to test a potential interest. However, if it does not end up being a jumping off point for further interests, then you may not want to mention it in your high school resume