<p>Sojuicy, students work everyday. Lectures are usually once or twice a week and depend on your institute. You will get a schedule your first day of SIMR. Congratulations to all those accepted! It is an amazing opportunity that I hope you guys all cherish. </p>
<p>To those less fortunate. It’s 4%. That’s lower than Stanford acceptance rate. Most SIMR applicants are self selecting, so it is a hypercompetitive pool. No they aren’t always looking for the ISEF qualifier, or Siemens Semifinalist. Nothing can guarantee your way into SIMR. But from what I discern, the SIMR staff really takes the time to read essays and recommendations to see if you have the passion for science. That is what is important. So what? Where do you go from here? Move on. Don’t stress over your SIMR rejection. SIMR isn’t an automatic acceptance at Stanford and a rejection isn’t an automatic rejection from Stanford. Were you like me a basically rejected at all your other summer programs? Fine. Start emailing lab PIs. Sometimes that connection is even better than anything SIMR will provide as it shows initiative. Sure you may be cleaning petri dishes, but it’s a step in the process.</p>
<p>And a tip for all throughout the next year. Don’t stress over stats and college confidential. Honestly, avoid chance threads like a plague. They can tear down your confidence or give you false hope, but most importantly, they’re just stats. You’ll be better in the long run. A 2250 and a 2390 are already in the same pool. That extra 5 won’t guarantee your Harvard acceptance. Being a biogenius international qualifer, Synopsys grand prize winner, Siemens semifinalist won’t be an automatic in at an Ivy. The fact of the matter is, the applicant pool is amazing and they can’t take everyone. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, just focus on what you can improve that won’t be superficial. So no don’t retake the SAT to make your 2320 a 2330. Focus on your essays and enjoying your school year because those will ultimately show your character and differentiate you from the next applicant.</p>