Applications to REUs, before or after the semester?

[Jack21222]

Applications to some summer research opportunities are now open, but the current semester isn't over. I expect to get grades back by the end of this month. Right now, I still have a 4.0, but I fully expect to lose that this semester (I expect a B in my lab class, might also get a B in the junior level Mechanics class, 89% going into the final).

If I send in the application now, I get to say I have a 4.0 GPA, but I won't have grades to put down for upper-level classes. If I send in the application in say early January, I'll have around a 3.9 GPA, but I'll have definitive grades for the harder classes.

I've already sent in one application, because applications opened very early and I didn't consider waiting. For the others, I think it makes more sense to wait until after this semester is over.

Thoughts?

 

[R.Mesri]

It really depends on the summer research program you are applying for. Some programs may be more focused on your GPA rather than the grades you get in specific classes, while others may take a closer look at how you performed in upper-level courses. If you have already sent in one application, then it may be worth waiting to submit the others until after the semester is over so that you can include your definitive grades. However, you should also do some research to see which programs value what. That way, you can make an informed decision on when to submit the applications.