Emma Jonson How hard is it to get into an REU program?
It’s important to remember that REUs are extremely competitive, and even the very best students do not get accepted by every program to which they apply. Do some research, and choose a variety of programs (perhaps 3-10) that suit your interests and abilities.
Is REU good for grad school?
REU experience can be like an internship in a research group/lab, and it can play a good role in whatever you choose to do, including getting a better job. For the most part, it definitely helps with future graduate school admissions.
What is an REU program?
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. Students apply directly to REU Sites or to NSF-funded investigators who receive REU Supplements.
Is REUs prestigious?
NSF-REUs are extremely competitive and ‘prestigious’. They are normally research positions that are fully-funded, more on the money later, which last 6-10 weeks during the summer.
How competitive is REUs?
Summer programs such as REUs are highly competitive. It is not unusual for a program with 8-‐10 participants to receive 100-‐200 applications. If you have unique experiences that set you apart from other applicants, make sure to mention these.
What can I expect from an REU?
During an REU, you learn a lot about a general research field, and even more about a specific research problem… but you also learn a huge amount about collaborative work. You will certainly work closely with your faculty adviser, but you will also find collaborators in your peers in the lab and in the REU.
How competitive is REU?
REU programs are very competitive pick between 10 – 15 programs to apply to, most have a similar application with no application fee.
How many REU should I apply to?
This number is pretty typical. It is like college applications – some students apply to a couple, most apply to 8-10, some apply to 20 or more. There is generally no ‘cost’ involved with applying, at least not monetarily but there is cost in your time for application essays and your recommender’s time.
How many REUs should you apply to?
REU programs are highly competitive and you should apply to several programs to maximize your chances of an acceptance. Most students apply to around 10-15 programs, and at least 8 is reasonable.
How many applications do REUs get?
How many to apply for: I applied to somewhere between 8 – 10 programs. This number is pretty typical. It is like college applications – some students apply to a couple, most apply to 8-10, some apply to 20 or more.
Why do you want to participate in this REU?
The REU gives students a “taste” of graduate school and research which, ultimately, helps students in choosing their career path. Through the National Science Foundation Chemistry REU Sites Program, eligible students from any institution in the US and its associated territories can participate in chemical research.
Why should I do an REU?
REU programs are an excellent opportunity for students to explore their research interests and gain valuable research experience. Helps you to decide if you are graduate school material. Provides and opportunity to learn about a possible graduate school of interest.
Can a mentor be mentioned on a resume?
Some mentoring experiences may not necessarily fit on a resume, but still prove incredibly valuable to one’s job search. If you feel that your presence as a mentor is relevant to a job you are applying for, but the experience is not appropriate for a resume, try referencing it in your cover letter.
What to do if your REU application is bad?
Show the reader that you spent some time researching and applying specifically to their REU. Carefully proofread your application. An application with spelling or grammatical errors leaves a bad first impression. Read your application carefully before you submit it, and ask someone else to give you some feedback as well.
How to know if someone is a bad mentor?
3. They don’t feel the need to improve. A bad mentor will honestly believe they have no room to improve. They might even constantly discuss how they could do a better job than the leaders of the company. This type of person isn’t just a bad mentor, they’re a bad employee.
How often should you have interactions with a mentor?
If you have less than two interactions with a mentor a year (and desire more), you should re-evaluate whether this mentor relationship needs to survive. It’s completely understandable if he/she has a big name and can help you network into a great school or job, but don’t totally rely on his/her advice or support for major decisions.