Simons vs RSI: Which Program Is Right for You?
Both are mentor-matched research summers that feed the same science-fair pipeline. RSI is the most famous name in high school research — national, tiny, hosted at MIT; Simons places you in a Stony Brook lab, historically favoring strong regional applicants, with research that often continues toward Regeneron STS. Apply to both; treat RSI as the lottery ticket and Simons as the plan.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Simons Summer Research Program and Research Science Institute (RSI). A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.
| Simons | RSI | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | |
| Application deadline | ||
| Grade eligibility | Grades 11–12 | Grade 11 |
| Format | In person | In person |
| Location | Stony Brook, NY, USA | Cambridge, MA, USA |
| Program dates | ||
| Application destination | stonybrook.edu | cee.org |
| Organizer | Stony Brook University | Center for Excellence in Education |
Simons Summer Research Program
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Simons or RSI?
RSI: Free. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.
Can I apply to both Simons and RSI?
The application destinations are evaluated independently. Simons: stonybrook.edu. RSI: cee.org. 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 RSI?
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 RSI?
Simons: Grades 11–12. RSI: Grade 11. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.
