[Documentation] update to 2026 application instructions (#727)

draft of 2026 GSOC contributor application template

Co-authored-by: Barb Cutler <Barb Cutler>

Author: bmcutler

_docs/developer/google_summer_of_code/GSoC_application.md

@@ -3,7 +3,17 @@ title: GSoC Application
 category: Developer > Google Summer of Code 
 ---
 
-## How to Apply to Submitty for Google Summer of Code 20XX
+
+---
+
+_Submitty has applied for acceptance to [Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2026](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/).
+The organizations selected for Summer 2026 Google Summer of Code will be announced in
+[late February](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline)._
+
+---
+
+
+## How to Apply to Submitty for Google Summer of Code 2026
 
 1. Read the GSOC information for contributors to confirm your eligibility:  
 
@@ -27,19 +37,20 @@ category: Developer > Google Summer of Code
    issues and help answer technical questions from other new developers if
    you think you can help.  Your engagement in the community discussion
    during the application period (both asking and answering questions) will 
-
-
    be taken into account as we evaluate your application.
 
    NOTE: The Submitty mentors for Google Summer of Code are on our
-   Zulip server.  Please communicate through the public streams and
+   Zulip server.  Please communicate through the public channels/streams and
    do not direct message (DM) / private message any mentors. 
    Mentors will generally not respond to private messages.
 
-   New developers should start with an issue labeled "Good First Issue".
+6. New developers should start with an issue labeled "Good First Issue".
    To understand the existing functionality/bug, reproduce and test this feature on your development VM.
    Inspect the relevant system files and database contents.
-
+   Carefully read through all messages posted under the issue, and read through
+   other issues or pull requests that are linked to the issue.
+   New developers can also get up to speed by reviewing and testing the pull requests
+   of other developers that aim to solve and close issues labeled "Good First Issue".
 
    NOTE:  More recent issues in the Submitty Github database tagged "Awaiting Triage"
    have not yet been reviewed by the Submitty Project administrators.
@@ -49,8 +60,8 @@ category: Developer > Google Summer of Code
    project team by creating a new discussion thread about the issue on our [Zulip server](/contact).
 
 7. Submit a pull request to solve an open issue.  
-   [https://submitty.org/developer/getting_started/make_a_pull_request](/developer/getting_started/make_a_pull_request)
-   
+   [https://submitty.org/developer/getting_started/make_a_pull_request](/developer/getting_started/make_a_pull_request)  
+
 8. Help test and review [open pull requests](https://github.com/Submitty/Submitty/pulls) contributed by other developers.
    [https://submitty.org/developer/getting_started/review_a_pull_request](/developer/getting_started/review_a_pull_request)
 
@@ -60,6 +71,8 @@ category: Developer > Google Summer of Code
    help review these PRs.  Contributing to the review process is
    beneficial to everyone.
 
+   [Submitty Open Pull Request Project Board](https://github.com/orgs/Submitty/projects/1)
+
 9. Begin work on your GSoC Project application. We recommend
     prospective contributors focus on one of our suggested projects
     from the [project ideas](/developer/getting_started/project_ideas)
@@ -85,11 +98,10 @@ category: Developer > Google Summer of Code
     authoring of new pull requests (both in progress and merged), and
     detailed and constructive reviews of PRs from other developers.
 
-
-11. The application window for Google Summer of Code closes on April XXth, 20XX at 18:00 UTC.
+11. The application window for Google Summer of Code closes on March 31st, 2026 at 18:00 UTC.
    Please carefully read all of the program requirements.  
 
-     * [Google Summer of Code 20XX Timeline](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline)  
+     * [Google Summer of Code 2026 Timeline](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline)  
 
      * [https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/)  
 

_docs/developer/google_summer_of_code/applicant_template.md

@@ -3,13 +3,23 @@ title: Applicant Template
 category: Developer > Google Summer of Code
 ---
 
+
 [comment]: <> **NOTE: The 20XX Submitty GSoC Template will be available for download
 [comment]: <>   when Google announces the organizations accepted for Google Summer
 [comment]: <>   of Code 20XX.**
 
+
+
+_Submitty has applied for acceptance to [Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2026](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/).
+The organizations selected for Summer 2026 Google Summer of Code will be announced in
+[late February](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline)._
+
+---
+
+
 To ensure that the Submitty Org Admins and Mentors have all of the
 information about your ideas, project plan, and availability for
-Google Summer of Code 20XX, we ask you to use the Submitty Applicant
+Google Summer of Code 2026, we ask you to use the Submitty Applicant
 Template.
 
 The template will include:
@@ -36,6 +46,13 @@ The template will include:
   not merged before the GSoC application deadline._
 
 * Links to all Submitty PRs authored by other developers that you have
-  reviewed.  _NOTE: reviews should be thoughtful and substantive.  PR
-  reviews that simply comment "LGTM" are not as helpful._
+  reviewed.  _NOTE: reviews should be thoughtful and substantive with
+  specific details about how the code was manually tested and whether
+  any improvements to the code for readability/maintainability are
+  suggested.  PR reviews that simply comment "LGTM" are not as
+  helpful._
+
+
+See also: [How to Apply to Submitty for Google Summer of Code 2026](/developer/google_summer_of_code/GSoC_application)
+
 

_docs/developer/google_summer_of_code/index.md

@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ redirect_from:
 [comment]: <> are from 20XX and will be updated if Submitty is accepted!_
 
 
-[comment]: <> [Google Summer of Code Application](/developer/google_summer_of_code/GSoC_application)
+
 
 
 ----
@@ -35,6 +35,10 @@ Project reports from participants in previous summers are linked below.  The org
 2026 Google Summer of Code will be announced in
 [late February](https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline)._
 
+
+_[How to Apply to Submitty for Google Summer of Code 2026](/developer/google_summer_of_code/GSoC_application)_
+
+
 ---