Google Summer of Code Guide
A comprehensive guide to successfully applying for Google Summer of Code, based on my experience clearing GSoC '24.
GSoC is a highly competitive program, but with the right preparation and strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of success. This guide breaks down the entire process into four phases, spanning from January to June.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
I do not encourage low-quality contributions, spam, or meaningless README edits. Please don't do that — it helps no one.
GSoC mentors can spot superficial contributions from a mile away. Quality always beats quantity.
Tip: Before jumping into open source, try contributing to your own projects first. It gives you hands-on experience and makes your open-source journey much smoother.
GSoC Application Roadmap
Click on any image to view it in full screen
Phase 1: Research & Prep (Jan-Feb)
→ Affirm that you're done with all 4 steps in the image above!
→ Learn Git: Master version control basics. Recommended resource: boot.dev/courses/learn-git
→ Select Your Domain: I can't tell you what domain you should follow tbh, think practically. Discuss with an LLM what makes the most sense for you based on your interests and skills.
Phase 2: Engage & Contribute (Feb-Mar)
→ How I browse Organizations:
- Go to gsocorganizations.dev
- Choose an org / try multiple (you have to invest time here - one of the most hard and decisive factors)
→ Getting Started: In the demo repo, you can ask for an issue and someone will assign you. Solve it to get ahead and build trust with the community!
Phase 3: Proposal Writing (Mar-Apr) — Most Critical!
This is the most critical phase of your GSoC journey!
→ My Proposal: I'll be sharing my successful GSoC '24 proposal as a reference. (Coming soon - check back later!)
→ Need Help? You can send me your proposal over email or Discord and I'll try to review it! Getting feedback is crucial - iterate multiple times before submitting.
Phase 4: Selection & Coding (May-Jun+) — Easy!
→ Just Keep Going: Follow the flow and stay consistent with your work.
→ Use LLMs: Leverage AI tools to help with coding, debugging, and documentation.
→ Make Your Report Look Good: Documentation matters! Here's mine as an example: (Coming soon - check back later!)
→ Celebrate: You made it! This is just the beginning of your open source journey.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Start Early: Begin preparation in January for the best results
- ✓Build Trust: Contribute early and consistently to your chosen organizations
- ✓Communicate: Engage with mentors, ask questions, and be proactive
- ✓Quality over Quantity: Focus on 1-2 organizations rather than spreading yourself thin
- ✓Phase 3 is Critical: Your proposal makes or breaks your application - invest time here
- ✓Stay Committed: GSoC is just the beginning of your open source journey
Want Help with Your Application?
Feel free to reach out to me for proposal reviews or questions about the GSoC process. I cleared GSoC '24 and I'm happy to help guide others through this journey!
Based on my successful GSoC '24 experience. Good luck with your application!