I found out when I received my likely letter. They still have a lot of applicants to review and they are not sending likely’s to everyone who will be accepted. Formal decisions will be announced in a few weeks.
@multiverse7 Thanks for your explanation. I am surprised they did not wait until they finish reviewing every applicants then decide who gets accepted. It seems like the later the applicants being reviewed, the less slots there are for those applicatns.
BTW, do you mind telling us which state you are from and the field you are interested in. Thanks.
As I said, I don’t think people should be stressing out about getting a likely or not because they still have a lot to do and they have only contacted a few people so far. From what I understand, most accepted kids will not be getting a likely first. For whatever reason they are reaching out to a few of us first. I don’t think they did this in years past other than to arrange some interviews with potential mentors. From NY- Math/CS
@multiverse7 Thanks. But you don’t know they only contact a few or most of you. There is nothing others can do at this moment except wait.
I am just relaying what I was told, so hopefully, everyone can relax a little about not getting a likely. Good luck to all of you!
Ok-- this should clarify. My brother was in the program 3 summers ago. He did not get an email in advance of acceptance but some of the participants did. He called yesterday and spoke to the coordinator to ask about it for me. They send some “inquiries” (she emphasized they are not “likely” letters) to ask if the student is STILL interested in a particular lab or area of study they indicated because some labs want assurance in advance. The letter asks for a response… Basically a commitment from the student if accepted. The expectation is that if Simons is NOT the top choice, the student will let them know that they are interested in other programs as well so that they can plan. So those of you who are applying to multiple programs–they expect you to be honest in your intentions and to not take spots from other students. Apparently these programs communicate with each other too, just like college admissions do, which I did not know.If u say u are still interested, but are really waiting for a different program, beware…as they do communicate somewhat. So they seriously look for honesty and integrity. That is what she said. Feel free to email or call yourselves.
^^ College admissions offices do not communicate with each other unless they suspect something like a violation of the rules but the rest makes sense.
@multiverse7 that is actually untrue. My Aunt is a regional admissions officer for Columbia. They travel with other schools, do panel discussions and presentations with them (we just had one at a local private school here last month where there were 12 regional officers, and they all know each other well), share notes about high schools, counselors, and students when it is pertinent.
And that is what the woman in the Simons office told my brother. I am relating the information. Call for yourself and ask.
I do realize that admissions officers do travel together but from what I have been told, for schools like Columbia, it is against the rules for any type of collusion back at the office with the other Ivies. Anyway, it is not a major point of contention for me. As I said, the rest of what you said makes perfect sense.
I think if the programs do share information with one another, they should coordinate it so they all release their acceptances around the same time and then all have the same reply date. That way, applicants don’t try to commit to one program but then reneg so that they can go to another program they like better if they are accepted to it at a later date. Just my two cents worth but I agree with the program director that a student should make a commitment to one lab and stick with it. For most of these programs, it’s more important what you accomplish in the program rather than the program name itself.
There is no “collusion” in actual admission decisions, you are correct. But you sign an integrity agreement when you commit to a college. I know for a fact that they are absolutely allowed to communicate if you breach your commitment. My brother’s best friend committed to Cornell early decision and never withdrew his application to Princeton. He got accepted to Princeton and then backed out of Cornell citing financial hardship with the package they offered. Cornell investigated and determined it was false, and contacted Princeton to inform them of his lack of integrity. Princeton withdrew his acceptance citing integrity issues. He ended up in a good state university by agreeing to start in Spring semester. So honesty is best. Just sayin’
Thanks @jamini. I agree about being honest. Are you a senior? If so, decisions are only a month away!
@jamini hmmm the email that me and multiverse got did not fit your description though. Maybe they’re doing something different this year?
@debate4ever This conversation took place with Simons yesterday. That is what she said. That’s all I know!
@ jamini
Who did your brother talk to? Ms. Kernan?
@debate4ever He said “she” so I assume it was a woman! I will ask. But you have a letter form them–I’m sure they would answer you questions if you just give them a call. 
Does anyone know what the net cost of everything for the program should be around?
It will probably be pretty similar to 2014. Look at the bottom of this page http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/simons/about/campuslife.html
There is a $1000 stipend that will be given to you at the end of the program so subtract that if you plan on reimbursing your parents.
Hey bro. What school are u from in Illinois?
In your guy’s opinions, is stonybrook really worth the amount of money it costs? Like is it that prestigious (like just below the level of rsi)? Because I mean I have the option to research in my state (Georgia Tech) for free cuz it’s not far from my house…
@minirafa I think if you have the opportunity to do an amazing research project for longer than 7 weeks you should take it. While these programs are prestigious most of the successful projects are not completed in the 6-8 weeks of the program. Even from Simons–their STS and Siemens winners mostly either lived locally and worked outside of the summer, or entered with different projects than what they had done at Simons. A meaningful experience long term is more valuable. And the letters of reference you get from mentors mor meaningful too. In my opinion.