Summer of Code applications: get them in!

UPDATE: The application process has ended. Thank you for all the great applications.

Google is still accepting applications until May 8.

Here is a list of projects which we proposed but either nobody has applied to them, or we feel that there is room for more than one student working on the project. It goes without saying that you have a better chance of making the cut if you apply either for one of these projects or for a project of your own creation.

Some observations on applying based on reading the applications we've reviewed to date:

  • Be thorough. Research your project before you apply and be prepared to describe the specific goals, the specific problems and the specific solutions that you intend to code.
  • Don't just reference a project on an external site. We want you to tell us in your own words what you intend to deliver, and it is best if you do it in the actual application.
  • One good application will get you further than several weak applications, so pick your favorite project and focus on writing one applicaton for that project.
  • We do want to know that you are qualified to achieve the goals that you make for yourself, but we're much more interested in finding out what thinking you've already done on the project itself. Given the choice between the candidate who says "I've got X, Y and Z skills, have done foo and bar, and can huba huba huba...." and the candidate who says "To implement this project I plan to yada yada yada, plus w00t w00t w00t, because it needs to whir, buzz and chirp", we'll pick the second candidate.
  • APPLY! We (and several other mentoring organizations) are surprised at how few applications we're getting. Be brave. Apply.
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