Math REU Chances & Applying Strategy for Sophomore

[BSCMath]

I was just wondering what my chances are of being placed in a Math REU for the summer of 2011 are. I'm a sophomore and by the end of spring semester i will have taken Cal 1-3, ODE, transition to higher math, linear algebra, and topology I. I've made A's in all but the last two, which i have yet to take. Am i competitive for programs as just a sophomore?

Also what's the accepted applying strategy? I don't care what the topic is, i just want to get in. Are they all equally competitive and should i just apply to the ones close by, or are some easier than others? thanks

 

[iironiic]

Hello! I am currently in the same exact boat as you are (except I took Calc 1-3, two semesters of linear algebra, an introductory proofs class, and probability and stats, and will be taking number theory and differential equations). Which REUs are you considering applying to for the summer?

 

[BSCMath]

Funny that i get a reply now, i just got done making a list of where to apply. I just went through the list of programs and picked the ones that i qualified for, had interesting projects, or were close by. I came up with about 8. i hope this goes well. if anyone else has anything to chime in about the math reu application process, that'd be great

 

[iironiic]

Yeah I think I'm aiming around 10, just because I'm a little inferior about my chances lol.

From what I've heard, the SMALL Program at Williams and the Duluth Program (now at Emory I think) are very difficult to be admitted into. I also know that Cornell's REU program is rather selective but not as difficult as the previous two I mentioned.

 

[BSCMath]

Alright thanks. i had emory on the list. i figured SMALL and Cornell would be too tough for me

 

[shravas]

I got into an REU as a freshman last summer with single and multi-variable calc (at my school that's just Calc 1 and Calc 2, I'm not sure what Calc 3 is), discrete math and linear algebra. I got A's in all of them, but on my transcript, they were just listed as passing, so I don't remember which grades were on my application and which ones weren't, and this probably differed for different applications. And then I took Real Analysis in the spring. So you definitely have a chance, though they're all so competitive it's hard to say whether or not you'll end up getting into one.

And the ones iironiic mentioned are I think the most difficult ones to get into, but I'm pretty sure the Duluth REU is still at Duluth, and there's a separate REU at Emory. I used to think that new programs were also easier to get into since they might no have as much publicity, but the one I went to was in its first year and had like, 300 applicants, so I'm not really sure.

 

[tcbh]

How well did you know the professors that wrote your rec letters? I haven't gone to many office hours and there's not much in-class discussion, so I feel like I wouldn't have good recommendations even though my grades are pretty good.

 

[iironiic]

How well did you know the professors that wrote your rec letters? I haven't gone to many office hours and there's not much in-class discussion, so I feel like I wouldn't have good recommendations even though my grades are pretty good.

Yeah! I heard that teacher recommendations are substantially important in the application process, so it's really important to know your professors well. Fortunately I know my professors very well so hopefully this will help me during the application process.

I have taken two classes last summer (Calc III and Japanese I as an elective). When the application asks for your overall/math GPA, should I include these classes in the GPA? Thanks!

 

[skimnc]

iironiic is right that SMALL at Williams and the program at Duluth are both the most difficult to get into. Cornell is also fairly selective. I wouldn't recommend applying to these unless you've had second semester undergraduate analysis (i.e. compactness, completeness, etc).

As your GPA question, every class you've had should be included in the overall GPA, and your math GPA should only include your GPA calculated from using math courses only.

For letters, you should know your writer fairly well. I've been told letters are the most important part of your application.

 

[Spriteling]

I'm going to be applying to both maths and physics REUs for this summer. I've decided on my physics ones, but I'm still up in the air about maths. Williams is definitely on my short list, but it is so very competitive. Same for Cornell. Ah well.

I'm worried, because I won't have any fall 2010 grades when I apply, since we take all our exams in spring at my school.