- #31
Vid
- 401
- 0
Most of the sites mention that the program is dependent on funding from the NSF.
Hearing Back from Physics REUs: My Experience
- Thread starter ehrenfest
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Experience Hearing Physics
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around participants sharing their experiences and updates regarding applications to Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) in physics and related fields. The scope includes personal anecdotes about acceptance and rejection notifications, timelines for responses, and the emotional impact of the application process.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express anxiety over not hearing back from REUs they applied to, with one noting they applied to several schools without any responses yet.
- Others share their acceptance experiences, with one participant mentioning they received an acceptance email from George Washington University and another from the University of Toledo.
- There are questions about the methods of communication for acceptance or rejection, with a consensus that emails are commonly used.
- Some participants discuss the timeline for responses, indicating that many programs may take weeks to review applications and notify applicants.
- Concerns are raised about the pressure of making quick decisions on offers, especially when waiting for responses from other programs.
- Several participants report rejections from various programs, expressing disappointment and sharing their academic backgrounds, including GPA and prior research experience.
- One participant mentions being on a short list for a program pending funding finalization, highlighting uncertainty in the acceptance process.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally share similar experiences regarding the uncertainty and anxiety of waiting for REU responses, but there is no consensus on the best strategies for managing applications or the timing of notifications.
Contextual Notes
Some participants note that their academic standing (e.g., being a sophomore or having prior research experience) may influence their chances of acceptance, indicating a variety of factors at play in the application outcomes.
Who May Find This Useful
Students considering applying to REUs, particularly in physics and related fields, may find this discussion relevant as it reflects the common experiences and challenges faced during the application process.