STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY/Continuing, Professional and Online Education
Simons Summer Research Program

Frequently Asked Questions

For Applicants

No. Each high school determines its own nomination process and may use a lottery, first-come, first-served process, or pre-application. Each school may designate up to three nominees. Applications that exceed the school’s three-student nomination limit, as well as independent, late, or incomplete applications, may be disqualified.

Yes. Schools that have not previously nominated a student may not yet appear in the database. A designated school official, typically a science teacher or research coordinator, may complete the nomination form to establish the school’s contact information. We strongly recommend that each school designate one official to manage the nomination process and ensure no more than three students are nominated.

No. Applicants must:

  • Be in 11th grade at the time of application.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be at least 16 years old by the start of the program.

No. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Admitted students will be required to provide documentation confirming their status. There are no exceptions.

Yes. A nonrefundable $75 fee is required to submit an application. Fee waivers are available for students with significant financial need.

No. All applicants must be in 11th grade at the time of application, regardless of age or coursework. There are no exceptions.

The student application deadline is Friday, February 5, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applications cannot be accepted or considered after the deadline.

Teacher recommendations should be submitted by February 12, 2027.

 No. A complete application includes:

  1. Online application
  2. Student transcript
  3. Two teacher recommendations (math or science teachers preferred)
  4. School nomination from a designated high school official
  5. Application fee

Please do not submit additional materials, such as test scores, resumes, or awards. These materials will not be included in application files.

No. Applicants may select up to three faculty mentor preferences from the published Research Mentor list. We cannot accommodate requests for mentors who are not listed.

Students interested in independent research outside the SSRP program may contact faculty directly to explore opportunities.

No. Contacting prospective mentors is not required and does not increase an applicant’s chances of admission. Faculty mentors may be unable to respond to individual inquiries. Applicants may be contacted by SSRP staff or prospective mentors during the application process if needed.

Applicants will receive a notification when each letter of recommendation is submitted. Teachers will receive an automated confirmation when they submit a recommendation. Applicants and teachers should check their spam or junk folders in case these messages are filtered there.

All applicants will receive their admissions decision in early April. SSRP cannot provide early admissions decisions. Applicants who receive an offer from another program and must commit before SSRP decisions are released are encouraged to take advantage of that opportunity.

To withdraw an application or candidacy, email SSRP.

There are no program fees or tuition. Residential participants are responsible for housing, dining and any personal expenses. Commuter participants are responsible for their own transportation and dining expenses.

Admitted students and their parent or guardian will need to provide documentation such as proof of medical insurance, liability waivers, and emergency contact information. Additional details will be provided after admission.

No. Admissions decisions are final, and SSRP cannot provide individualized feedback. The program is highly selective and receives far more qualified applicants than it can accommodate.

Students may pursue research opportunities outside the SSRP program through individual arrangements with Stony Brook faculty. These opportunities are subject to faculty availability and University guidelines and may require additional paperwork coordinated through the faculty member’s department.

Applicants are also encouraged to explore other research and science education opportunities at Stony Brook University. Not being selected for SSRP should not discourage you from pursuing research through other avenues.