Advice on REU application for math

  • Thread starter Thread starter doubleaxel195
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Application Reu
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on crafting effective personal statements for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) applications in mathematics. Key recommendations include focusing on personal motivations for studying math, specific areas of interest, relevant experiences, and alignment with the research projects at the target institution. Participants emphasize the importance of balancing personal insights with broader reflections on the societal impact of mathematics. Engaging with professors for feedback is also advised to enhance the quality of the statement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of personal statement structure and purpose
  • Familiarity with specific REU programs and their research focuses
  • Ability to articulate personal experiences and interests in mathematics
  • Basic knowledge of effective writing techniques for academic applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research successful personal statement examples for REU applications
  • Learn about the specific research projects available at targeted REU institutions
  • Practice writing personal statements with a focus on personal motivation and societal impact
  • Seek feedback from professors or mentors on draft personal statements
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students applying for REU programs in mathematics, aspiring researchers, and anyone looking to improve their personal statement writing skills for academic applications.

doubleaxel195
Messages
46
Reaction score
0
I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice on writing personal statements. Is there anything I should absolutely say or anything I should absolutely not say? What should the focus be?

Should it go something like: why I like math, what kind of math I like, any relevant experiences with math I have, and why I think I would be a good researcher? Should I talk about why I like math? Should I talk about the specific projects at that school and how that fits in with my interests (so like a statement of interest in my personal statement)?

Also, I was talking to a classmate and she said when she applied for an REU she talked about math on a nonpersonal level, as well, as in how she believes math is beneficial to the entire world. Is this something I should go into great detail about?

I am planning to speak to at least one of my professors about this, but any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Look under internship

http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~natalia/studyinus/guide/statement/link4.htm
 

Similar threads

Admissions Would it be a bad idea to tell an REU that they are my only option?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Questions Regarding Undergrad REU Programs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions What REU's to apply to with a mediocre GPA?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Should I submit 860 PGRE?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
934
Admissions Admission into Princeton Grad School
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Admissions Graduating a year early anxieties + grad school
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Other How Can Parents and Teachers Identify a Student's Potential for a Maths Degree?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Schools Interested in Applied Math/biomath REU's, need some help if possible
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Admissions Statement of Purpose for Physics Masters Degree Application
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
7K
Admissions Chances with a Low/mid GPA but high PGRE and research experience
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K