Simons - NYU Science Explorations Program

The Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program is an intensive, three-week residential program for high school students interested in studying biology, chemistry, neural science, physics, and psychology at the introductory college level. This no cost program is designed to give students a taste of college-level coursework and research, with exposure to disciplines central to the life and physical sciences, while also providing opportunities to learn from distinguished NYU faculty and guest speakers.

The program is held on the NYU campus and is open to rising high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen, with a demonstrated interest in any of the following subjects: biology, chemistry, neural science, physics, and psychology. During the course of this three week program, students will have the chance to participate in laboratory research and attend lectures and workshops where they will be exposed to the basic principles of all five of these major disciplines. Students will also take part in social and cultural activities in New York City. 

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are under-represented in the sciences, across race, ethnic and national origin, physical ability, gender and sexual identity, or any other legally protected basis.

• Applicants with a passion for biology, chemistry, neural science, physics, and psychology
• Rising high school juniors (you must be over the age of 16 at the time the program starts in order to apply), rising high school seniors, recent high school graduates, and college freshmen currently residing in the United States
• Applicants who are available to attend the entire program, full time (approximately 9:00-4:00, Monday-Friday)
• Academically prepared, highly motivated students who have demonstrated an ability to make and fulfill commitments, timeliness, and persistence
• Eligible applicants for this program must meet all the above criteria

All transportation, housing, dining, and tuition costs will be generously covered for all students by our funder, the Simons Foundation. Therefore, we encourage applicants who are concerned about affordability to continue to apply.

• Placements are available for approximately 80 students for summer 2024.
• Applicants will be considered by an experienced panel.
• The program will run full-time, 5 days per week (approximately 9:00-4:00, Monday-Friday).
• Housing is located in the NYU dormitories near Washington Square Park, in Manhattan, New York.
• Please note that we cannot accept applications from students who reside outside of the United States at this time.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• The application deadline for this year's summer program has passed. Please check back in February, 2024, for next year's summer program application.

REPLY DEADLINE

• Application decisions will be issued in late April or the first week of May. Admitted students must accept or decline their admissions offer within one week of receipt, and submit all program forms before May 31.

PROGRAM ORIENTATIONS AND TRAININGS

• Students will participate in 2 orientations prior to the program start date:
  • The first university orientation will take place virtually before the program start date. Students will receive an email in the weeks leading up to the program start date and fill out a form to sign up for the university orientation that best fits their personal and scheduling needs.
  • The second program orientation will take place on the program start date.
• Students will also be required to complete safety trainings on Lab Safety and Hazardous Waste before they can participate in any labs.

This year's summer program has already passed. Please check back in February, 2024, for next year's summer program application.

If you are an admitted student, you have one week to respond to your offer of admission. To do this, you must:

1. Activate your NYU NetID and accept/deny your admission to the program (instructions on how to do this can be found in your admission letter).

2. Read the NYU Summer Programs Student Handbook.

3. Submit the required program forms. If you are an admitted student and want to inquire about commuting from home, do not fill out the Housing License Form; instead please contact us at 212-998-3800 or by emailing <experiencescience@nyu.edu>.

4. Register with the Moses Center for Student Accessibility (if applicable). The Moses Center determines and implements appropriate and reasonable accommodations for students with hearing and visual, mobility, learning and attention, chronic illness, psychological and temporary needs. Because of the time required to properly assess need and set-up support services, students are asked to please contact the Moses Center before mid-June.

Our office will be reaching out to you in early May with details about booking your travel to campus, your stay at NYU, and other planning details for before you arrive. An Admitted Students page will also be published to this website with further details, so please check back in May for more information.