Geometry & Topology REU Programs - Williams, Cornell, Tennessee, Indiana?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for and experiences with Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) in the fields of geometry and topology. Participants share information about specific programs, application experiences, and the competitive nature of these opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a desire to work in geometry or topology REUs, noting the rarity of such topics in available programs.
  • One participant mentions that topology may not be a common focus due to undergraduates' limited exposure to the subject beyond basic concepts.
  • Experiences from past REU participants highlight differences in program rigor, with some describing their experiences as serious academic endeavors compared to others that felt more like summer camps.
  • Concerns about the competitiveness of REU applications are raised, with participants discussing the importance of strong letters of recommendation and personal connections with professors.
  • Participants share strategies for obtaining effective letters of recommendation, including the need for professors to highlight specific qualities and experiences.
  • There is a discussion about the logistics of requesting letters of recommendation, including the process of mailing and deadlines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the competitive nature of REU applications and the importance of letters of recommendation, but there are differing opinions on the significance of specific qualities in those letters and the overall experience of different programs.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their qualifications and the effectiveness of their letters of recommendation, indicating a reliance on personal relationships with professors and past experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Students interested in applying to math REUs, particularly in geometry and topology, as well as those seeking advice on the application process and letter of recommendation strategies.

  • #151
Is it ok to email other places to ask about your application given that you have an offer in hand and need to make a decision soon?
 
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  • #152
messidona said:
Is it ok to email other places to ask about your application given that you have an offer in hand and need to make a decision soon?

I have. Roll back a page and you'll see that I mentioned it.

Just be tactful.
 
  • #153
BolzanoWeir said:
Hey, does anyone know the offer status of other reu's.


Penn State




.

The deadline for Penn State hasn't passed yet. They receive applications until Feb 26 (or 28 not sure which).
 
  • #154
Penn state has a Feb. 28 deadline which I'm only worried about now because my application will be en route when the snow hits again.
 
  • #155
I have to decide among a couple places now. I was wondering what the people who went to greensboro thought of the program?
 
  • #156
For the people who have gotten accepted in the past, how late in the season did the e-mail come? Still haven't heard a word on any of mine.
 
  • #157
Does anyone know how the following REU's compare

UNC-Greensboro
Penn State
Texas A & M
SUNY-Potsdam
Indiana

I have to decide among them
 
  • #158
messidona said:
Does anyone know how the following REU's compare

UNC-Greensboro
Penn State
Texas A & M
SUNY-Potsdam
Indiana

I have to decide among them

Why worry about reputations? Go where the most interesting project (to you) is. By the way, congrats on getting into 5 places so early!
 
  • #159
You're right. I think I am going to take the UNC-Greensboro offer actually. Gotta check with my adviser, but that should be good
 
  • #160
messidona said:
Does anyone know how the following REU's compare

UNC-Greensboro
Penn State
Texas A & M
SUNY-Potsdam
Indiana

I have to decide among them

I see that you have listed Penn State as well. Have you already heard from them? I am only asking because the deadline hasn't passed yet for this REU.

Congrats for getting in by the way!
 
  • #161
Since I had another offer I emailed them directly and they told me I was in. I think their official offers are coming out next week though, so don't worry
 
  • #162
Just took UNC-Greensboro!
 
  • #163
Has anyone else heard back from SUNY-Potsdam?
 
  • #164
Has anyone heard back from?

UCLA RIPS
Cornell
 
  • #165
I got an offer early from SUNY because I was already into the Greensboro program. I ended up accepting greensboro. However, my friend just received notice that he is into SUNY.
 
  • #166
kungfumaster1 said:
Has anyone else heard back from SUNY-Potsdam?

I just heard from them, but I have decided on SMALL at Williams.
 
  • #167
Congrats on SMALL! It is definitely one of the top REU's!
 
  • #168
mathymathy said:
Has anyone heard back from?

UCLA RIPS
Cornell

I received an email from Cornell saying they'll be making their final decision early next week. They didn't say when they'd send out notifications, but I'd assume it would be soon thereafter.
 
  • #169
Thanks!

You should definitely email the programs you haven't heard from. When I emailed other programs to withdraw my application (the ones I hadn't hear back from), one of them emailed me back offering a position even though I told them I was picking another one and their deadline had not pass yet.
 
  • #170
mc15 said:
Thanks!

You should definitely email the programs you haven't heard from. When I emailed other programs to withdraw my application (the ones I hadn't hear back from), one of them emailed me back offering a position even though I told them I was picking another one and their deadline had not pass yet.

What program was that? You must have a really strong background! Congratulations by the way!
 
  • #171
Gratz, btw to all getting accepted already.
 
  • #172
I'm jealous that people are getting accepted this early.

This is an email that I got today:

"Dear SMALL Applicant,

We have now filled all of our positions for this coming summer. We had 340 applicants for 17 spots.

We found the pool this year highly qualified, and we trust that you will find (or have already found) something good for this coming summer.
Thank you for your interest in our program."

:(

I've also applied to Canisius and SUNY Potsdam-Clarkson, but have not heard anything from them yet, which doesn't sound good, since some people on here said they got contacted by one of these schools.
 
  • #173
so I've been reading this thread (w/o an account) for at least three months. Finally creating a voice.

I applied to 18 schools.
2 let me know there won't be any this year (waste).
2 denied me, Williams and Duluth, (surprise)
1 accepted me today! (Central Michigan)

And now I have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to respond. Gonna have to call up some top choices!

Besides UNC-Green, Anyone hear back from any of this list? (I know most haven't started yet, but I'm just curious)

Cornell, Asheville, Penn State, Rutgers, UCSB, SUNY, RIT, Wabash, BYU, JMU, Hope
 
  • #174
To those that are accepted to the Penn State REU program, you will be given the opportunity to participate in the Penn State MASS program during the Fall semester.
 
  • #175
eNew said:
I applied to 18 schools.

 
  • #176
surprised the world's comprised of passionate people? lol
 
  • #177
eNew said:
surprised the world's comprised of passionate people? lol

Actually, i envy you for being able to apply to as many as you wish!
 
  • #178
What's the etiquette on letting other REU's know you've accepted an offer from a different one? Is it proper to email them before they notify you and ask to be taken out of consideration? I've also heard of some people waiting to see what else they get into to get a better idea of the strength of their application.
 
  • #179
I would think that a polite "thank you for your consideration, but I have already been accepted to another program" would good if you feel like letting them know that you are no longer interested. It would save them the time of considering your application and allow them to make offers to their next choices sooner.
That said, I don't see any real harm in waiting until they accept you to decline if you'd like to see how successful your application was.
 
  • #180
Has anyone heard from any other REUs today?
 

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