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REU Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an REU?
- Where can I find out about specific REU's?
- What are the deadlines?
- How many should I apply to?
- REU programs
- The National Science Foundation makes possible a number of opportunities for undergraduates to join research projects each summer. This allows students to experience first-hand how basic research is done, and to contribute consequentially.
The principal support by NSF of such activities is through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. REU "Sites" are established in all fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. Each Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates, who work in the research programs of the host institution. Students are in general accepted from throughout the country. Each student is assigned to a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty, post-docs, and graduate students. In addition, seminars, lunch meetings, and social functions are organized to facilitate interaction between the undergraduates. Students are granted stipends, and in some cases assistance with housing and travel. Women and members of under- represented minorities are particularly urged to apply.
- Where can I find out about specific REU's?
- NSF Mathematics REU List
- This is a good place to start your search. If the link does not work, go to the NSF Website and enter "REU" in the search tool.
- Another excellent starting point is the MAA REU web page:
- http://www.maa.org/students/reustuff/pages/REU.html as well as http://www.maa.org/students/reustuff/pages/smrpage.html which lists graduate programs and other summer opportunites as well links to REU's. There is also the American Mathematical Society's list of current REU programs.
- What are the deadlines?
- Applications are due for the most part in January and early February.
- How many should I apply to?
- Each REU accepts only a few (6 or 7) students so it is a good idea to apply to several REU's. Perhaps 7 to 10. Some REU's are very selective and some are not. Each REU experience is different so gather as much information as you can.
Second year students (and first year students) who apply to REU's should apply to more places since the REU's tend to give preferences to third year students. They don't get a chance the next year.
Last year nearly everyone who applied to several REU's was accepted at one of them.