Program Benefits
Beyond just financial support, the Simons STEM Scholars Program aims to be a one stop shop for students to find assistance and advocacy for any challenge they may face in their educational pursuits. Our goal for our scholars is to ensure their only task is to excel academically and pursue the science that fuels their passion.
Financial support
The Stony Brook Simons STEM Scholars program is a merit-based scholarship offer which covers the full cost of tuition, housing, meal plan, books, research, study abroad and much more. This scholarship is not need-based, which means regardless of family financial circumstances, all students accepted into the program will receive full funding. Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, the program will assist students seeking placement into a fully funded PhD or MD/PhD for the completion of a doctoral degree. The goal of the program is that no student will pay for tuition from their first day of college through the completion of their doctoral degree.
Cohort-based advising model
Work with in-house academic advisors to ensure your courses are tailored to your needs and the academic journey you wish to pursue. This hand tailored advising approach allows you more access to ask questions and explore educational possibilities.
Honors distinction
Like the other honors programs at Stony Brook you will receive honors distinction on your transcript upon graduation! You will also take part in a program specific honors curriculum and receive access to other honors courses when applicable.
Summer Bridge program
Our scholars receive an all expenses paid summer bridge preparation program prior to their induction into Stony Brook in the fall. This program helps to develop strong academic habits which sets our students up for success in college and beyond.
Priority course registration
Our scholars get the opportunity to register for courses with priority, meaning they can find the courses that best suit their needs. This helps our students have a schedule that better fits their lifestyle.
Dedicated Staff for Family Engagement
Staff collaborates with the Simons Parents Association to ensure that families remain a key part of their students' academic success journey. In addition, staff is readily available to answer any questions families may have when applicable.
Dedicated staff for Research Placement
Staff is ready to assist students in finding the labs and PI’s which will ensure that our scholars grow as scientists. In addition to this, our staff will prepare our scholars for the transition to graduate school and help our students find and apply to the right program for them.
How to apply
Applying to the Simons STEM Scholars program is simple! You first apply to your major of choice at Stony Brook University, and then via the honors tab of your student portal, fill out the three essay questions for our program. All three essay questions can be found on the Application Roadmap section on our website.
You may still apply to the other honors programs at Stony Brook as well as the Simons STEM Scholars program, you will only be able to be a part of one program however. The only exception to this rule, is that students can be both a Simons STEM Scholar, and a Scholar for Medicine at SBU.
You will also need to submit a Program Specific letter of recommendation. You can input your recommenders email address on the application and have them upload it directly. Letters are due on November 1st, however, late letters will not be held against a students application.
More info on the application process
Admissions Criteria: To be eligible for the Simons STEM Scholars program you must be a high school senior or academically
equivalent and entering your freshman year of college on the traditional timeline (ie; not transferring from Stony Brook or another institution into the program).
Scholars must have at least a 3.0 or an 87 on a 100 Point scale. Students must have a personal commitment to letting their STEM knowledge serve their community. Students must have a strong interest in research and a research based career. It is preferred that students have documented leadership and community service experiences.
Follow the Application Roadmap: For step by step instructions on how to apply and eventually become a Simons STEM Scholar, please consult the application roadmap!
