Here's a shortcut to your participation in Google Summer of Code. Or is it? The following points are the absolute must-have-dones for a successful application. And yes, please do apply. All former participants that I have talked to say it has been more than worth their time.
📖 Take 20 minutes to read into GSoC. What it is and terms and conditions. You don't need to know every detail, but you should have a basic understanding of how it works.
https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/
📁 Check out our suggestions for projects. If you don't find anything in there, don't give up. Browse other organisations. Open Source needs you, no matter where you eventually find your sweet spot. But we at Postman are definitely the best place for APIs. https://github.com/postman-open-technologies/gsoc-2023/issues
🎙️ Get in touch with a mentor on the project(s) of your choice. You can only apply to 3 projects, so you better know who you are committing to work with. How to find a mentor? Identify them on the issues and dedicated repos, and hit them up here or on the projects' channels (could be Slack or Discord or a forum. You will learn this from the issue/repo). Ask them if they think your skillset matches the project.
🧪 Try yourself out. There will be micro-tasks and first issues on the repo. This will help you make your first steps in Open Source as well as understand if this project is a fit for you.
🪪 Register and apply on the GSoC website. You can modify your application until April 4. Don't worry if you don't have all the details ready yet. But start with something that doesn't make mentors ignore your submission (like only uploading a CV instead of an application pdf, or skipping on the details of your proposal). Expect 1h and likely more for this step. But the earlier you get to actually submitting your proposal, the better, as it creates better visibility.
👷 Continue to update your application, and stay in touch with the mentors. Engagement in the existing community is key.
🏆 You got this! 🏆
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