Comparing All Open Source Programs

Why choose GSoC?
✓ Most prestigious (companies know it)
✓ Most widely recognized (international)
✓ Largest organization selection (150+)
✓ Two sizes: 10-week or 22-week

Why NOT choose GSoC?
✗ Hardest to get accepted (only 20%)
✗ Super competitive (thousands apply)
✗ Requires deep project knowledge
✗ Salary not the best (just $1.5-6.6K)

Who should apply?
→ Already contributed to OSS
→ Have coding skills
→ Can handle competition
→ Want maximum resume value

Why choose Outreachy?
✓ BEST MENTORSHIP (structured support)
✓ Highest stipend ($7,000)
✓ Designed for underrepresented groups
✓ EASIEST application (more flexibility)
✓ 13-week focused period

Why NOT choose Outreachy?
✗ Not for everyone (targeted programs)
✗ Less prestige than GSoC
✗ Fewer companies recognize it
✗ Smaller organization pool

Who should apply?
→ Women, minorities, LGBTQ+
→ First time contributing
→ Want mentorship over prestige
→ Like structured programs

Why choose LFX?
✓ Solid salary ($3-6.6K, similar to GSoC)
✓ Longer duration (12-24 weeks)
✓ Focus on enterprise projects
✓ Learning the "real" systems
✓ Good community

Why NOT choose LFX?
✗ Less prestige than GSoC
✗ Enterprise focus (not startups)
✗ Linux Foundation specific

Who should apply?
→ Interested in enterprise software
→ Want longer internship
→ Like working with established projects
→ Want networking with big tech

1. Are you in underrepresented group?
   YES → OUTREACHY (designed for you)
   NO → continue

2. Are you in India?
   YES → C4GT (but can also do GSoC)
   NO → continue

3. Are you in Europe?
   YES → ESoC or Erasmus+ (check eligibility)
   NO → continue

4. Have you contributed before?
   YES → GSoC (leverage that)
   NO → LFX or Outreachy (easier)

5. What's most important to you?
   Career prestige → GSoC
   Mentorship → Outreachy
   Technical skills → LFX
   Impact → C4GT

Program         Raw Acceptance  Success Rate
                Rate            (completion)
─────────────────────────────────────────────
GSoC            15-20%          95%+ (students finish)
LFX             25-30%          90%+ (good support)
Outreachy       8-10%           98%+ (screened carefully)
C4GT            20-25%          92%+ (strong support)
ESoC            18-22%          85%+ (varies by org)
SOB             22-28%          88%+ (security orgs)

Best approach: Apply to 2-3 programs

Tier 1 (Apply first):
- Outreachy (if eligible) - 5-10% harder
- C4GT (if in India) - 20-25% acceptance
- LFX (if enterprise-interested) - 25-30%

Tier 2 (Backup):
- GSoC (hardest but most prestigious)
- ESoC (if in Europe)

Timing:
Month 1: Contribute to projects
Month 2: Apply to Tier 1 (usually Feb-Mar)
Month 3: If rejected, apply to Tier 2 (usually Mar-Apr)

Real scenario:
You apply to Outreachy (rejected, happens to 90%).
You already have 2-3 months contributions.
You apply to GSoC (now you're stronger, better chance).
You get accepted to GSoC (happened because you didn't give up).

## Financial Comparison

For 3 months of work:

| Program | Total Stipend | Monthly Rate | Taxes |
|---------|---------------|-------------|-------|
| **GSoC** | ~$3,000 | $1,000 | Variable |
| **LFX** | ~$4,500 | $1,500 | Variable |
| **Outreachy** | $7,000 | $2,333 | Usually covered |
| **C4GT** | ~₹75,000 | ~₹25,000 | TDS applies |

## Questions to Ask Yourself

- **Time availability**: Can I do 20-40 hours/week?
- **Learning goals**: What tech skills do I want to build?
- **Location**: Where am I based? (affects eligibility)
- **Support needs**: How much mentorship do I need?
- **Impact**: Do I care about real-world impact?
- **Career**: What will help my resume most?

## Smart Strategy

### Tier 1: Apply to 1-2 Flagship Programs
- GSoC (if student and globally visible)
- C4GT (if in India and want impact)
- Outreachy (if underrepresented and want support)

### Tier 2: Apply to 2-3 Backup Programs
- LFX (always year-round)
- ESoC (if in Europe)
- SOB (if security-interested)

### Tier 3: Start Contributing Early
- Apply 6 months before program cycle
- Show consistent effort
- Build relationships with mentors

## Rejection Handling

If rejected from first-choice:
1. Get feedback from mentors
2. Keep contributing to that project
3. Apply to Tier 2 program immediately
4. Try again next cycle

Remember: Even top contributors face rejections.

## Post-Program Path

All programs lead to similar outcomes:

The program you choose matters less than what you do after it.

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> **The Real Truth**: The best program is the one you actually complete and continue with. Pick based on fit, not prestige alone.