Simons vs Garcia: Which Program Is Right for You?
Both put you in a Stony Brook lab. Simons is the university-wide flagship (any STEM field, highly selective, stipended); Garcia is the materials-science center's program with a tradition of students continuing through the school year toward publication.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Simons Summer Research Program and Garcia SUMMER at Stony Brook. A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.
| Simons | Garcia | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,200 | |
| Application deadline | ||
| Grade eligibility | Grades 11–12 | Grades 11–12 |
| Format | In person | In person |
| Location | Stony Brook, NY, USA | Stony Brook, NY, USA |
| Program dates | July 1, 2026–August 15, 2026 | |
| Application destination | stonybrook.edu | stonybrook.edu |
| Organizer | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook |
Simons Summer Research Program
Garcia SUMMER at Stony Brook
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Simons or Garcia?
Garcia: $1,200. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.
Can I apply to both Simons and Garcia?
The application destinations are evaluated independently. Simons: stonybrook.edu. Garcia: stonybrook.edu. Review each provider's current instructions before assuming either application is open or compatible with the other.
Which is better for college applications, Simons or Garcia?
We do not rank enrichment programs by admissions value. Use the comparison to assess whether each program's documented constraints fit your situation, and check the details that decide it for you on each program's official page.
What grades can apply to Simons and Garcia?
Simons: Grades 11–12. Garcia: Grades 11–12. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.
