This past summer I had the pleasure of attending the NYU Simons Summer Science Program (a hefty title, I know), and I have to say it was absolutely amazing. I believe not many people actually know this program even exists, so in writing this article I hope to share some knowledge from a recent attendant.

If you are at least 16 years old and have a budding interest in science, this program was literally made for you. Bonus points if you dream of living in New York City! Basically, this program was designed to introduce high school students and young adults to science topics in four of the core subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology/neuroscience. Those who are accepted into the program will spend three weeks living in one of NYU’s dorms, most likely Weinstein Hall, and will attend lectures and labs each day. Lectures start at 9 am and are an hour long. At 10:00 we got a 30 minute break and then had to be back for another lecture. From 11:30 to 1 we got a longer lunch break, before coming back for labs. Our first lab was from 1 to 2:15, followed by a 30 minute break, and then a second section that lasted from 2:45 to 4:15. Each lesson is interesting, and through the lectures and labs I learned a lot, and I’m very grateful I got the opportunity to go.

Lecture topics included black holes, quantum computing, protein synthesis, laser technology, and much more. In labs we extracted DNA, did gel electrophoresis, observed standing waves, tested light refraction, and in one of our chemistry labs we even made lotion! This goes to say that there are many different topics within science, and this program gives you the opportunity to see if you might be interested in any.

Those attending the program are pretty much free to do whatever they like. There are guidelines, but free time can be spent however one wants. If you learn how the train works there you can practically go anywhere. One of the things I loved about the city was that there was always something to do. For those of us under 18, there was a curfew from 11 pm to 7 am and we had to turn in our id’s, though this was not a big issue for many.

There were approximately 80 students in the program, so it was pretty easy to find friends. Weinstein also hosted kids who were in other programs, so there were a lot of people we got to meet. This program specifically was special because it is completely free. If you are accepted, all costs are covered. Travel and transportation was paid for, we were provided a meal plan, and we were also given laundry cards. This was one of the key motivators for me. For most summer programs, you have to pay at least $2000, but for this one you paid $0. The things you buy for yourself are not covered of course, but basically everything else is. This is why I encourage anyone reading this article who thinks they are even remotely interested to apply! I thought there was no way I would get in, and yet I still did. It was a wonderful experience and I learned so much about the college experience.