An important ingredient for success in the Google Summer of Code program is early involvement.  Being prepared well ahead of deadlines makes success much easier.  The steps below will help you do just that.

Students

Before Applying

1. Review the GSoC FAQs.
   
2. Look at the timeline for the GSoC program.
3. Look at the ideas lists and decide if you will submit a proposal based upon one of the listed ideas or if you will submit your own idea proposal - either will be considered.
4. Join the redhat-summer group.
5. Discuss your idea with potential mentors on the redhat-summer list.  If your proposal comes from the ideas lists, it is a good idea to talk to the mentor listed with the idea.
6. Use IRC?  Join #redhat-summer on Freenode.
7. Watch the timeline closely to avoid missing deadlines.  You can also follow redhatsummer on Twitter for announcements.
8. Get involved.  Speak to potential mentors and listen carefully to their advice.  Try to get involved in the larger community, as your peers in the community can be a great support tool as you work on your summer project.

IMPORTANT: You cannot participate as both a mentor and a student.  If you sign up as a mentor through the GSoC webapp or join the redhat-summer-mentors group, you will not be considered for participation as a student.

Submitting Your Proposal

Once the student application window opens, promptly submit your detailed proposal through the GSoC webapp.

Mentors

1. Look at the timeline for the GSoC program.
2. Fedora team members: Post your name on the Summer coding mentors for 2009 page.
3. Create your profile and apply as a Red Hat mentor through the GSoC webapp.
4. Join the redhat-summer and redhat-summer-mentors groups.
5. Introduce yourself on the lists.
6. Use IRC?  Join #redhat-summer on Freenode.
   
7. Watch the timeline closely to avoid missing deadlines.  You can also follow redhatsummer on Twitter for announcements.