How to apply (playbook)

Programs differ, but successful applicants usually do the same things.

1. Start 3–6 months before applications

• Join the project’s chat / mailing list (Matrix, Slack, Discord, or lists — use what they ask for).
• Fix good-first-issue bugs and improve docs.
• Link your PRs in your application — selectors want evidence you can ship.

2. Pick fewer orgs, go deeper

• Two strong org relationships beat ten shallow ones.
• Read their roadmap and open proposals from past years (GSoC publishes archives).

3. Write proposals like a mini design doc

• Problem, approach, milestones, risks, schedule.
• Name your mentor contact only if the org allows it.

4. Calendar discipline

• Put every deadline in your calendar in UTC.
• Outreachy initial apps are short — do not wait for the full project list.

5. Parallel tracks

If you are…	Consider
University student, Bitcoin-curious	Summer of Bitcoin + GSoC
Underrepresented in tech	Outreachy (often highest stipend)
Cloud / CNCF stack	LFX Mentorship
Complete beginner	24 Pull Requests, then GSoC or GSSoC
Technical writer	Season of Docs

6. After rejection

• Ask mentors for feedback (politely).
• Keep contributing — many acceptances happen on the second try.

7. Use the calendar

See when-to-apply.md so you do not miss short windows (Outreachy initial apps, SoB in February, etc.).

8. Pick orgs deliberately

See find-organizations.md for GSoC/LFX/Outreachy org browsers and contribution norms.

9. Templates & FAQ

• choose-a-program.md — pick 2–3 targets
• first-contribution.md — before you apply
• ../templates/gsoc-proposal-outline.md
• ../templates/outreachy-checklist.md
• ../FAQ.md