2012 Physics and Astronomy REU Programs

[Dirac_Man]

Congratulations! Out of curiosity, what is your background, what type of research did you apply for, and what research will you be working on?

I said I wanted to do some kind of atomic-level experimental work, or something with x-ray imaging in my personal statement. I did the SULI program at SLAC last summer.

I was just really surprised by my admittance since, while my school has a very good physics program, it is very small and not especially well-known name-wise.

 

[ktb]

I said I wanted to do some kind of atomic-level experimental work, or something with x-ray imaging in my personal statement. I did the SULI program at SLAC last summer.

I was just really surprised by my admittance since, while my school has a very good physics program, it is very small and not especially well-known name-wise.

Actually, I heard that lots of times most REUs like to accept lots of students from small schools, because people from smaller schools usually don't have as much opportunity to do research. I also applied to Cornell, but my fortunes are starting to look a little grim. Congrats to you though it'll be a great experience! Are you a Junior or a sophomore?

 

[Dirac_Man]

Actually, I heard that lots of times most REUs like to accept lots of students from small schools, because people from smaller schools usually don't have as much opportunity to do research. I also applied to Cornell, but my fortunes are starting to look a little grim. Congrats to you though it'll be a great experience! Are you a Junior or a sophomore?

I am currently a junior (which means I need to start crossing my fingers about grad. school at some point in the immediate future...).

 

[d3nat]

Has anyone heard back from UChicago or Seattle yet?

 

[Dela91]

I applied for Biophysics and astrophysics at:

Wayne State
Michigan State
University of Toledo
Hope College in Michigan
lehigh
Purdue


I was wondering if anyone else applied at Wayne state or were they turned off by the fact that it is in Detroit.

 

[Elwin.Martin]

SLAC offered, Accepted!
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

 

[Stengah]

SLAC offered, Accepted!
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Congratulations! Do you know what you will be working on?

 

[Elwin.Martin]

Congratulations! Do you know what you will be working on?

Heavy Photon Search
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/gen/grad/openhouse2011/Heavy-Photon-Search-at-SLAC.pdf
Which is not really something I am familiar with, but I'm so glad it's in HEP haha :P

I know they like students from smaller schools, but I am still sort of shocked I got in.

Very, very excited though! I'm not really concerned about stipend, but housing and such would be great to know soon. @.@ It says they'll reimburse some of my travel expense, so I'm hoping they do because I live on the East coast. . .

I understand you accepted Idaho, right? It would be great to know if anyone else on the forums is going to SLAC ^^; there are quite a few interns in total, though working on very different things.

 

[Dirac_Man]

SLAC offered, Accepted!
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Congratulations! I think I said earlier that that was where I was last summer. It was a great experience. I assume you are going through SULI?

They put us up in regular Stanford housing, and I understand they did something similar the year before as well. It was really cool because we were all in a collection of dorms that open into the same enclosed courtyard area, so there was a real communal feel (Governor's Corner, if you end up in the same place).

The program director is a real trip as well. He takes some...getting used to, but he is actually a really fascinating kind person. Do not underestimate how knowledgeable he actually is about things. He sets up these weekly dinners with various people that initially (at least to me) sounded somewhat lame, but I found them to be one of the best parts of the program. I got to meet people who went to lectures Dirac gave, people who used to be office mates with Steve Weinberg, and people who played outside while their father ate dinner with Feynman, among others.

On a side note, Martin Perl, who discovered the tau lepton, eats at the same table in the SLAC cafeteria everyday, and you can just go up and talk to him. And get pictures and autographs. Just throwing that out there (it did not dawn on me who he was until about half way through the program).

 

[Dela91]

Got an Offer from Ohio Wesleyan University for Stellar Surfacing Imaging via Light Curve Inversion.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I'm just glad I landed an REU. Good Luck to everyone else!

 

[d3nat]

Congratulations to everyone so far!

I've been declined from UCLA so far.

Haven't heard back from any other place yet :/

 

[d3nat]

Just got accepted into Kansas State.
I'm not sure whether or not I'll accept at the moment because I'm still holding onto the hope that I'll somehow get into Seattle or Chicago. But, KSU looks like a good REU, so I'm not complaining at all. Just happy I actually got accepted somewhere. I can stop panicking!

 

[Dela91]

Congrats. The other day you were bumed about UCLA now I better your feeling much better. What is you research about?

 

[d3nat]

Congrats. The other day you were bumed about UCLA now I better your feeling much better. What is you research about?

Yes, so much better. Relieved actually :) When I read the email I did a little happy dance around my flat (which thank goodness none of my flatmates were up for, they already think I'm a crazy American [study abroad student] ).

Projects aren't posted until April, but looking at last years, I'd like to work on something revolving around particle physics. Nuclear would be my top choice, but I don't think that will be an option.

I'm going to hold out for a few days to see if I hear back from any other places, but if not, I'm quite happy with where I got in. Anyone else possibly going there?

 

[Stengah]

I'm going to hold out for a few days to see if I hear back from any other places, but if not, I'm quite happy with where I got in. Anyone else possibly going there?

I applied, but withdrew after I got the offer from Idaho State. But I have a professor who went to grad school there, and he had great things to say about the department. Update us with what your project is if you accept!

 

[Dirac_Man]

Accepted at Cornell and rejected at Duke?

?

That seems very strange to me. Cornell has much more highly-ranked physics program than Duke; I cannot image their program is less competitive than Duke's. I sent almost identical personal statements to each one as well; I only altered the section where I discuss specific past projects that interest me. I suppose it does not actually matter, since I already have an REU. It just strikes me as very odd.

 

[mobilehobo]

I've applied:
Cornell- CLASSE (didn't send rejection, but didn't make it)
Cornell- CCMR (they said they are sending out offers this Wednesday)
Colorado- heard nothing.. I don't think I made it.
SUNY- will decide next week.
Lehigh- nothing yet.
Wisconsin (engineering)- nothing yet
Penn State- accepted. Only a week to decide.

I thought Penn State had an excellent program but it seems no one on here even applied. Any insight? Should I accept?
Anyone heard from Colorado? They don't email status of applicants.

 

[mobilehobo]

Accepted at Cornell and rejected at Duke?

?

That seems very strange to me. Cornell has much more highly-ranked physics program than Duke; I cannot image their program is less competitive than Duke's. I sent almost identical personal statements to each one as well; I only altered the section where I discuss specific past projects that interest me. I suppose it does not actually matter, since I already have an REU. It just strikes me as very odd.
--
I think it's just where they feel you will fit in based on your academic background, habits (from what your refs said) and personality written in your essay. Congrats on Cornell!

 

[ktb]

Late last week, I contacted all of the places I've applied to and most responded that they have had record numbers of students apply and that they were just about done finalizing the selections and I was probably not going to get in. Congrats to all that made it. Anyone hear back from LSU or Texas A&M yet? Sadly these two might be my last hope. Ironically I applied to 13 programs, I've never been superstitious but... yeah.

 

[Elwin.Martin]

Accepted at Cornell and rejected at Duke?

?

That seems very strange to me. Cornell has much more highly-ranked physics program than Duke; I cannot image their program is less competitive than Duke's. I sent almost identical personal statements to each one as well; I only altered the section where I discuss specific past projects that interest me. I suppose it does not actually matter, since I already have an REU. It just strikes me as very odd.

I thought the two programs had different focuses?

 

[Dirac_Man]

I thought the two programs had different focuses?

They do (Duke is nuclear-focused, while Cornell is more accelerator-geared), but I adjusted the interests sections of the personal statements I submitted to reflect the different missions of each program (nuclear and accelerator physics really are both of great interest to me).

Of course, I should probably be far enough along in academia to recognize by now that trying to uncover deeper reasons for getting rejected by one program and accepted by another is akin to divining with tea leaves...

 

[mobilehobo]

Late last week, I contacted all of the places I've applied to and most responded that they have had record numbers of students apply and that they were just about done finalizing the selections and I was probably not going to get in. Congrats to all that made it. Anyone hear back from LSU or Texas A&M yet? Sadly these two might be my last hope. Ironically I applied to 13 programs, I've never been superstitious but... yeah.

Don't lose hope yet! Apply at Vermont. Their deadline is early April.
http://www.uvm.edu/physics/?Page=complexmaterials.html
It's materials and I don't know what your focus is, but it's worth a shot. The late deadline indicated it's less competitive (top ranking applicants are decided by now). I freaked out over the weekend about not getting offers yet and found it. Google physics REU april 2012 and maybe find some more last minutes.

 

[Elwin.Martin]

Of course, I should probably be far enough along in academia to recognize by now that trying to uncover deeper reasons for getting rejected by one program and accepted by another is akin to divining with tea leaves...

^This

 

[erogard]

Waiting to hear back from LIGO, Princeton and Montana State.
Those were pretty much the only programs I could find that consider int'l students. Kinda worried since it's already mid-March and I haven't heard from anyone yet, though I know the selection process at Princeton might continue until late April. Sounds like it's still up in the air...anyone got into one of these already?

 

[ktb]

Waiting to hear back from LIGO, Princeton and Montana State.
Those were pretty much the only programs I could find that consider int'l students. Kinda worried since it's already mid-March and I haven't heard from anyone yet, though I know the selection process at Princeton might continue until late April. Sounds like it's still up in the air...anyone got into one of these already?

I contacted Princeton and they sent me a rejection. It appears that they have already filled all of their spots, so you should contact them as well and see.

 

[Elwin.Martin]

Does anyone think it would be a good idea if I went around and emailed each of the REUs I can find for this year, and asked about the size of their applicant pools?

That or have the work of emailing people be distributed some, say each person just contacts where they applied to?

It would be great to have a thread on the forum with some information for next year's applications.

Maybe applicant pool size and number of offers available to start with?

 

[d3nat]

Does anyone think it would be a good idea if I went around and emailed each of the REUs I can find for this year, and asked about the size of their applicant pools?

I did that for a few I applied for. The pool size averaged a few hundred (400-600). I was somewhat shocked at how many applicants there were. (This was mainly West Coast)


I know I've asked already, but has anyone heard from Seattle or Chicago/know if they have completely finalized their decisions?

I'm assuming if I haven't heard back from those two I've been wait-listed. I really really want to get into one of those, but I don't want to wait too long to accept my other offer in the case that I'm far down on the wait list.

Seattle said that they would put a notice up on their website when all their positions are filled.

 

[erogard]

I contacted Princeton and they sent me a rejection. It appears that they have already filled all of their spots, so you should contact them as well and see.

Are you sure about that? I just got rejected at Montana State (they said they had over 30 applications for every opening), which I'm assuming to be less competitive than LIGO and Princeton...

 

[ktb]

Are you sure about that? I just got rejected at Montana State (they said they had over 30 applications for every opening), which I'm assuming to be less competitive than LIGO and Princeton...

Is this the program you applied to? http://science-education.pppl.gov/NUF/Overview.html

If so, I would send an e-mail to mortiz@pppl.gov and they'll let you know your status. It could be you're wait listed.

 

[erogard]

Is this the program you applied to? http://science-education.pppl.gov/NUF/Overview.html

If so, I would send an e-mail to mortiz@pppl.gov and they'll let you know your status. It could be you're wait listed.

I meant the material science one through PRISM, my bad. But thanks for your suggestion. Maybe there's still hope then.

 

[I_wonder_why]

Waiting to hear back from LIGO, Princeton and Montana State.
Those were pretty much the only programs I could find that consider int'l students. Kinda worried since it's already mid-March and I haven't heard from anyone yet, though I know the selection process at Princeton might continue until late April. Sounds like it's still up in the air...anyone got into one of these already?

Just got an offer from LIGO today, I think I'll accept.
Anyone else going there?

 

[Elwin.Martin]

Just got an offer from LIGO today, I think I'll accept.
Anyone else going there?

Congratulations on getting the offer!

I'm waiting on them, it's probably the only thing I'd take over SLAC. I'm doubting I'll be accepted though.

 

[barrinmw]

I got accepted to Minnesota about a month ago and took it after waiting a bit over a week to hear back from any others. Then last week I got accepted to an internship at Argonne National Labs that would have sent me to the US Particle Accelerator School but turned it down. Minnesota is one of the schools I want to apply to for grad school so hopefully this helps me in.

 

[raluu]

I've been rejected from UCLA, Columbia, and RIT so far. The only one left for me is Stony Brook's program which was really the one I wanted most from the start. The director of the program emailed me last Sunday asking me when and how he could contact me to discusss my application but since then hasn't responded or called. Getting a bit nervous. Should I call him myself?

 

[Elwin.Martin]

I got accepted to Minnesota about a month ago and took it after waiting a bit over a week to hear back from any others. Then last week I got accepted to an internship at Argonne National Labs that would have sent me to the US Particle Accelerator School but turned it down. Minnesota is one of the schools I want to apply to for grad school so hopefully this helps me in.

Oh wow, the Internship at Argonne looked really good. Hopefully the Minnesota program works out well.

 

[Nano-Passion]

I've been rejected from UCLA, Columbia, and RIT so far. The only one left for me is Stony Brook's program which was really the one I wanted most from the start. The director of the program emailed me last Sunday asking me when and how he could contact me to discusss my application but since then hasn't responded or called. Getting a bit nervous. Should I call him myself?

I haven't got any rejection mails so far? Are rejection mails actually sent out or you are assuming your rejected because it is past a certain date?

 

[raluu]

I haven't got any rejection mails so far? Are rejection mails actually sent out or you are assuming your rejected because it is past a certain date?

I got rejection mails from UCLA and RIT. Columbia's program doesn't email a rejection and rather just updates their site when all the spots are filled up.

Called the Stony Brook director yesterday. Looks like I'm 0/4 on REUs this year unless a person they took decided to reject their offer. Disappointing, but I guess it's okay since I'm only a freshman. Sadly, I now have nothing to do over the summer and it seems like I passed the deadline for just about every internship.

 

[Dirac_Man]

I got rejection mails from UCLA and RIT. Columbia's program doesn't email a rejection and rather just updates their site when all the spots are filled up.

Called the Stony Brook director yesterday. Looks like I'm 0/4 on REUs this year unless a person they took decided to reject their offer. Disappointing, but I guess it's okay since I'm only a freshman. Sadly, I now have nothing to do over the summer and it seems like I passed the deadline for just about every internship.

If you are freshman I wouldn't fret too much...actually, as a freshman it would have been extremely remarkable if you had gotten an REU. I do not think I have ever heard of a freshman getting an REU through the NSF before. I am sure it happens, but I think it is quite rare.

 

[Elwin.Martin]

If you are freshman I wouldn't fret too much...actually, as a freshman it would have been extremely remarkable if you had gotten an REU. I do not think I have ever heard of a freshman getting an REU through the NSF before. I am sure it happens, but I think it is quite rare.

Not to be a jerk, but I did this year. Only one of my 11 applications was accepted though, . They do seem mostly aimed at Juniors and occasionally Sophomores, which I think *can* be unfair at times. I was rejected by one program for being in my first year and they hadn't even checked my transcript, which would have showed more substantial courses.

@raluu: Good luck for next year, maybe you can ask around at your uni. for someone who is willing to let you work for free this summer? The biggest concern is usually funding ^^; but if you are covering your own room and board, they'll probably be happy to let you work if you have skills they are looking for!

You might want to check out the summer course listings, or if they are lacking take courses through cross-registration at another school!

 

[Nano-Passion]

I just got an email back from LSU. They had more than 350 applicants! And I wasn't accepted.

I'm kind of getting the feel for the competition that is to come in my later career.

 

[erin526]

I applied to:

Louisiana State University
University of Idaho
University of Chicago
University of Illinois
Vanderbilt University
Notre Dame
Michigan State

I heard back from LSU yesterday and I'm on the wait list, and I wasn't accepted to Notre Dame. Has anyone heard from any of the other schools?!

 

[ktb]

I applied to:

Louisiana State University
University of Idaho
University of Chicago
University of Illinois
Vanderbilt University
Notre Dame
Michigan State

I heard back from LSU yesterday and I'm on the wait list, and I wasn't accepted to Notre Dame. Has anyone heard from any of the other schools?!

I'm also wait listed for LSU. Hopefully we get in! A few weeks ago, I contacted all the programs on my list and they all eventually responded with my status. I would recommend doing the same.

 

[erin526]

I'm also wait listed for LSU. Hopefully we get in! A few weeks ago, I contacted all the programs on my list and they all eventually responded with my status. I would recommend doing the same.

Where are you on the wait list? I'm in the third group of ten so I'm not expecting much, but it still makes me feel better about my applications! And thanks for the advice, I just emailed my top two choices. Fingers Crossed!

 

[ADCooper]

Anyone get a reply from UPenn yet?

 

[orion726]

I applied to 20 REUs (probably overkill) and have not been accepted to any yet. I did get put on a wait list at two though. Was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? These are the ones I applied to.

X-Rejected O-Haven't Heard W-Wait-listed C-Cancelled

O SUNY
X Columbia
X Washington
O MSU
X ND
O Hawaii
O UNLV
O Wisconsin
O KSU
X Rochester
X Cern
X Minesotta
C UT (McDonald)
W NRAO
X MIT
O NAU
X KPNO
X LSU
W Caltech (LIGO)
O TAMU

 

[ktb]

I applied to 20 REUs (probably overkill) and have not been accepted to any yet. I did get put on a wait list at two though. Was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? These are the ones I applied to.

X-Rejected O-Haven't Heard W-Wait-listed C-Cancelled

O SUNY
X Columbia
X Washington
O MSU
X ND
O Hawaii
O UNLV
O Wisconsin
O KSU
X Rochester
X Cern
X Minesotta
C UT (McDonald)
W NRAO
X MIT
O NAU
X KPNO
X LSU
W Caltech (LIGO)
O TAMU

I contacted NAU(Northern Arizona University?) a few weeks ago and they said that they only had a couple positions left... probably full by now. I also contacted TAMU and they said they handed out first round acceptances around March 13th and were going to hand out second round acceptances between March 26- April 1. As I did I'd advise you to contact the REU's you haven't heard from, if you don't it is likely that you just never will hear from them at all.

 

[DougUTPhy]

Has anyone heard from Vanderbilt? I've yet to hear and I applied before the early application deadline.

 

[erin526]

Has anyone heard from Vanderbilt? I've yet to hear and I applied before the early application deadline.

I just emailed them today, The actual deadline wasn't until March 15th, so maybe they are reviewing all applications before sending anything out? I applied before the early application date too. I'll let you know if I get a response from them!

 

[DougUTPhy]

I'll let you know if I get a response from them!

Same here, good luck! I'm kind of thinking the same thing -- Maybe they're not sending anything out until all decisions are made.
I guess the other possible outcomes are I've already been rejected by the early application and I'm in the running for the regular, or I've been completed rejected ah! Haha we'll see.

 

[vicgenty]

Not sure what is happening with Vanderbilt...
I applied to 6 programs:

1. Notre Dame - Rejected
2. Colorado-Boulder - Nothing heard
3. UC-Davis - Rejected
4. TAMU - Nothing heard
5. LIGO - Rejected
6. Lehigh - Offered, Accepted

Good luck to those who are waiting! I received 3 rejection letters within about a week, it was pretty disheartening.