Simons vs RSI: Which Program Is Right for You?
Both are free, 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 live side-by-side comparison of Simons Summer Research Program and Research Science Institute (RSI), built from ExtracurricularHub's verified catalog.
| Simons | RSI | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Application deadline | February 5, 2027 | December 16, 2026 (verified July 4, 2026) |
| Grade eligibility | Grades 11–12 | Grade 11 |
| Format | In-person — Stony Brook, NY | In-person — Cambridge, MA |
| Time commitment | ~40 hrs/week | Varies |
| Organizer | Stony Brook University | Center for Excellence in Education |
Simons Summer Research Program
Explore STEM fields in the fully funded Simons Summer Research Program. Conduct hands-on research, gain mentorship, and boost college applications. Perfect for grades 11-12!
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Most selective free summer science program in the US.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Simons or RSI?
Both are free: neither Simons nor RSI charges a participation fee. Budget only for travel or materials if the program is in person.
Can I apply to both Simons and RSI?
Yes — applying to both is common and there's no penalty. Selective programs reject strong applicants routinely, so treating Simons and RSI as one combined chance is the smart strategy. Track both deadlines and reuse essay material where the prompts overlap.
Which is better for college applications, Simons or RSI?
Neither is automatically "better" — admissions readers care about what you did there, not the logo. Both are free, 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. Pick the one whose work you'd actually finish, and go deep.
What grades can apply to Simons and RSI?
Simons: grades 11–12. RSI: grade 11. Eligibility can shift between cycles — confirm on each program's official page before planning your year around it.