Summer 2013 Math and Science REU Thread

Stengah

Hey Everyone,

Just like in years past we should have a thread where we post what REU programs we are applying for and when we get accepted so we know when to expect decisions and stuff. Also feel free to discuss projects and ask questions so we can all help each other out.

I thought we could do things differently this year and put Math and Physics and related subjects all in one thread since the application process is the same and some people apply to multiple fields. And I like reading both threads. But it doesn't really matter too much.

See last year's threads for example:
Physics - http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=573752
Math - http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=576725

So have at it!

Stengah

I guess I will start...

I'm applying to mostly astronomy programs with an emphasis on computational astrophysics

Northern Arizona University
NC State
UNC Chapel Hill
Wisconsin
SAO
Vanderbilt
Wyoming
Maria Mitchell Observatory
Baylor

Alienjoey

I'm not applying for any REU's this summer since I'm graduating, but I've learned that Rutgers is starting an REU program this year, and only put their application online this week, with a due date of February 22nd. Might be good to check out for those who thought they were too late to start looking into REUs...

http://reu.physics.rutgers.edu/

Mmm_Pasta

I'm applying to programs related to optics, photonics, imaging, and optical materials.

CIAN - Integrated Optics
Hooked on Photonics
University of Colorado at Boulder
Liquid Crystal Materials Research Center
University of Rochester
Rochester Institute of Technology
Lehigh University
University of Nebraska
University of New Mexico
University of Maryland at College Park
University of Texas at Brownsville

Takuza

I did Hooked on Photonics last year at GT, it was a lot fun! I'm also applying to CIAN this year.

I'll probably update this post later with everywhere I'm applying to.

mege

I have/will be applying to (observational Astronomy):

Kit Peak
SARA
SROP
McDonald (UT-Austin)
Maria Mitchell
Univ of Oklahoma
Univ of Wyoming
Baylor
North Carolina State
TCU

Does anyone have any experience applying to REUs as an older student? (I'm 30)

deekin

I put in my application at:

Boulder
Texas at Brownsville
Baylor
Indiana
UC Davis
Univ. of Nebraska
LSU
Idaho State
Notre Dame

In reply to mege, I'm 25, but this is the first time I've applied for anything like this, so unfortunately I don't have anything to share but encouragement. Best of luck, everyone.

Hercuflea

School: unknown state university
Major: mathematics and spanish (don't hate)
GPA: 3.8
Research: very little

Accepted to University of Michigan SROP program (nuclear engineering) Yes! It was my top choice!
Penn State TWFP nuclear engineering- applied, but did not finish application (didn't care after UM acceptance)
Idaho State University physics/nuclear engineering - applied
University of Utah materials science engineering - applied
University of Arkansas planetary science/astronomy - applied
Louisiana State University astronomy/physics - applied
University of Michigan CERN REU - rejected (they said they had 250 applicants for 14 spots)
George Mason University mathematics - applied
Central Michigan University Mathematics - applied
Vanderbilt University physics - applied (don't think i finished the app though)

also could we sticky this thread?

Stengah

Congrats. In response to your question, most REU programs require 40 hours of work per week. But sometimes you have to work more to get stuff done. In general I don't think the program would be too happy about you taking an online course, especially an intensive one like abstract algebra. I remember a few program websites actually saying they forbid it. So I would ask them if I were you.

dkotschessaa

Oh wow. I did a google search on REUs in physicsforums and it pointed me right to this current thread. Wonderful.

I'm applying to the following for math:

Bard College - http://math.bard.edu/reu/
Mt. Holyoke https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/math/reu
St. Mary's College of Maryland http://www.smcm.edu/mathcs/reu.html
Grand Valley State University http://www.gvsu.edu/mathreu/how-to-apply-9.htm
San Diego State University http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/math-reu/apply.html

I have a question I feel is a little bit silly. Do "returning adults" represent an "underrepresented group?" I can certainly emphasize my work experience and such as a plus, but I'm not sure if 'somewhat older guy' is the kind of diversity they are looking for or not.

-Dave K

dkotschessaa

Reading through this thread I'm wondering if 5 is enough... The thing is I've noticed that the procedure for recommendations is different for each, and I don't want to create too much work for my professors.

Hercuflea

What I did was put all of the links to the exact webpages/emails where they would submit the letters in a Word document, and then put an additional instructions page on there. My recommenders wrote the letter, but they had me do the details of tailoring them for each individual school.

stardawg

I applied to GVSU too for the wavelet program. Almost applied to SDSU.

Got all my applications in. Now the waiting game...

jtbell

Congratulations! Ann Arbor is a nice place to spend the summer, even if you have to work, unless of course you want to do stuff like mountain climbing or surfing on weekends.

I was into bicycle touring myself, while I was in grad school there. Heading generally west and south, you hit open countryside pretty quickly. The local bike club is very active.

dkotschessaa

I'm even older (how I tire of saying that!) by six years. I look about 25 so most people don't realize...

I am increasingly convinced that returning adults and older students in general represent an "underrepresented group" even if they are not part of some other minority, and that this might actually be helpful, rather than harmful. We tend to have work ethics and experience, maturity, charm, good looks... Oh sorry I was mostly talking about me. But you get the idea.

-Dave K

Edit to add: I created a thread to propose this question:
Do adults in school constitute an "underrepresented group?"

guitarguy633

School: an unknown state university
Major: physics
GPA: 3.99
Research: 1 REU, 2 semesters of research with a professor at my school

Applied:
Vanderbilt University Physics

Probably should apply to a few more...

myranaira

Has anyone applied and heard back from REMRSEC yet?