How to Prepare for GSoC Before Proposal Season
1️⃣ Start Early
- Begin contributing well before the proposal season.
- Explore the organization’s code, issues, and community.
- Early contributions make you visible to mentors.
2️⃣ Become a Known Contributor
- Participate in chats, discussions, and mailing lists.
- Help other newcomers and answer questions if you can.
- Your consistent presence builds trust.
3️⃣ Prioritize Meetings Over Chats
- Meetings with mentors are stronger signals than casual chats.
- Schedule short calls or voice/video meetings to discuss ideas.
- Mentors notice students who actively seek guidance.
4️⃣ Build Prototypes Early
- A working prototype or small demo is more persuasive than promises.
- Share prototypes before the application deadline.
- Mentors use this as proof that you can actually implement your project.
5️⃣ Gather Evidence, Not Just Confidence
- Accepted pull requests, small contributions, or test fixes count more than self-confidence.
- Show clear proof that you can finish tasks reliably.
6️⃣ Contact Previous Contributors
- Reach out to past GSoC students for tips and guidance.
- They can help you understand the project better and avoid common mistakes.
7️⃣ Be Consistent and Communicate Clearly
- Contribute regularly, not just in bursts.
- Ask clear, specific questions.
- Update mentors on progress and issues.