Hearing Back from Physics REUs: My Experience

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Many applicants are expressing anxiety over the lack of responses from various physics REUs, with some noting that they have only received a few acceptances or rejections. Most participants report that notifications typically come via email, and timelines for responses can vary significantly, often extending into late March or April. Some applicants are concerned about the ethical implications of programs accepting applications without confirmed funding, leading to uncertainty about the viability of the REUs. It's common for applicants to feel pressure when faced with tight deadlines to accept offers while still waiting on other applications. Overall, patience is advised as many programs are still in the review process.
  • #31
Most of the sites mention that the program is dependent on funding from the NSF.
 
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  • #32
ehrenfest said:
How is it ethical are even legal to "accept" hundreds of time-consuming applications for a research program that has not even been funded. Don't you think they should warn the applicants that their funding is not secure or something? I would be really annoyed if I find out I applied to an REU that is not happening this summer.

The applications are free. Also, they may not find out soon enough, so it'd be easier for them to just assume they were funded.
 
  • #33
I too have not heard back from 2 REUs yet. At this point though I am pretty much accepting it as a denial, since many of those programs start within weeks.
 
  • #34
If you haven't heard back in a timely fashion, you should ask about your status. Many REUs don't bother to send out rejections.
 

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