Hack the GSoC: The Untold Strategy for Preparation and Selection in Google Summer of Code

Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is an incredible opportunity for students to contribute to open-source projects, learn new skills, and get involved with real-world development environments. However, the road to GSoC success can often feel daunting, especially for first- and second-year students. Questions like "What should I contribute to?", "Which technologies should I focus on?", and "How do I start?" can seem overwhelming.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step approach to identifying your niche, contributing to projects, and ultimately increasing your chances of getting selected for GSoC. Along the way, I'll share insights from my own GSoC journey, explain how I navigated the process, and offer practical advice for standing out.

1. Overcoming the Initial Hesitation: Finding Your Niche

As a first-year or second-year student, it's common to feel unsure about your abilities. You might think: "I only know the basics of computer science," or "I’ve just learned C++, how can I contribute to big projects like NumPy?"

The key to overcoming this uncertainty is exploration. Begin by experimenting with different domains—whether it’s web development, machine learning (ML), robotics, or even more specialized areas like neuroscience or physics-related projects. Don’t stress too much about picking the "right" field immediately. The goal is to try out different technologies and gradually discover what excites you and aligns with your skills.

Personal tip: During my first year, I dabbled in various fields—web development, ML, Android app development—and realized that my strong math background made ML a natural fit. I followed my curiosity, worked on small projects for fun, and gradually found my niche in AI/ML.

2. Finding Projects and Organizations on the GSoC Website

Once you’ve zeroed in on a field of interest, the next step is identifying projects you’d like to contribute to. The GSoC website is your starting point for this.

Here’s how to get started:

• Explore Organizations: Use filters like AI, development tools, or programming languages to narrow down organizations related to your field of interest.

• Browse Project Lists: GSoC provides lists of past and current projects, which give you an idea of the type of work each organization does.

For example, if you’re interested in Computer Vision, you might filter by AI and discover organizations like OpenCV or TensorFlow. Dive deeper into the project descriptions, check out their previous contributions, and take note of what catches your attention.

3. Shortlisting Projects

After exploring the GSoC project lists, it’s time to shortlist projects. I recommend selecting 4-5 projects for each of your areas of interest.

For example, you might have:

• 5 projects in AI/ML

• 5 in Web Development

• 5 in Blockchain

• 5 in Android Development

Once you have this list, narrow it down by removing projects that feel too complex or don’t align with your skills. For example, if Android development feels too Java-heavy, you can eliminate those projects. Keep refining until you have about 5 projects you're confident about.

4. Start Contributing Early

The earlier you begin contributing, the better your chances of being noticed by mentors and organizations. Aim to start contributing by October or November. Here’s how you can approach it:

• Study the Source Code: Download the source code of the projects you’re interested in and understand how they work.

• Read GitHub Issues: Open-source projects often have open issues on GitHub that are perfect for new contributors. Look for beginner-friendly issues and start solving them.

• Interact with the Community: Join discussions on GitHub, ask questions, and engage with maintainers. This builds your reputation as a serious contributor.

Many organizations open GSoC-specific issues early on. Keep an eye out for these on their GitHub repositories. You’ll often find issues marked as "good first issues," which are ideal for newcomers.

Personal tip: During my GSoC preparation, I contributed heavily to Keras and TensorFlow by working on small issues first, which gradually built my understanding of their codebases. By the time applications opened, the maintainers knew me well, which boosted my chances of selection.

5. Prior Contributions Build Trust

Consistent contributions show that you understand the project’s codebase and can handle development tasks. This trust becomes crucial when organizations choose candidates for GSoC.

Organizations look for candidates they can rely on—someone who won’t drop out midway and can deliver on their promises. Prior contributions are your proof of capability. By contributing early and consistently, you not only gain experience but also make a strong case for your selection.

6. Finalizing Your Project List

By the time you’ve contributed to several projects, you’ll have a good understanding of what each organization expects. Narrow down your focus to 3 projects that you feel most confident about contributing to.

GSoC allows you to apply to up to three organizations. Choose one or two organizations with a strong track record of being selected every year and at least one organization that genuinely excites you, even if it’s less well-known.

Pro tip: Don’t place all your bets on one organization. I made this mistake in my third year when I focused solely on DeepChem and ended up being rejected. The following year, I applied to three organizations—TensorFlow, Keras, and Julia—after making substantial contributions to each.

7. Talk to Mentors Early

Once you’ve shortlisted your projects, start talking to the mentors. Use GitHub discussions, LinkedIn, or even Twitter to reach out to them. Asking questions about code quality, project requirements, and expectations early on will show them that you’re serious and committed.

This conversation can also give you valuable insights into what the organization is looking for in its GSoC applicants, which will help you tailor your proposal.

8. Crafting a Strong Proposal

Your GSoC proposal is a crucial part of the application process. It should be as detailed as possible, outlining the timeline, project specifics, and your approach. A well-crafted proposal demonstrates that you’ve thoroughly thought through the project and are prepared to take it on.

If possible, get feedback from the project’s mentors as you draft your proposal. This feedback can be invaluable in refining your ideas and ensuring that your proposal aligns with the organization’s goals.

9. Leverage Your Early Contributions

Your prior contributions give you an edge over others. When mentors already know you and have seen your work, your proposal is more likely to stand out. They know you can deliver, and that trust can be a game-changer.

Conclusion: The Secret to GSoC Success

The road to GSoC selection isn't just about having the right technical skills—it’s about starting early, contributing consistently, and building relationships with mentors. By doing your homework, staying focused, and continuously engaging with your chosen organizations, you can significantly increase your chances of being selected.

Remember: GSoC is not just a one-time opportunity to contribute to open source, it’s a gateway to becoming part of a vibrant, collaborative developer community. Good luck, and I hope to see your name on the GSoC list soon!

In future posts, I’ll go into more detail about crafting a winning proposal and offer tips for excelling during the GSoC period. Stay tuned!