Physics REU Program at University of Pittsburgh

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the Physics REU Program at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on participants' experiences, expectations, and the nature of the program. It includes personal reflections on acceptance into the program, inquiries about work expectations, and sharing of past experiences related to REU programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses relief and excitement about being accepted into the program, indicating it allows for summer planning.
  • Another participant shares that their experience in a previous REU program involved a flexible schedule, depending on the adviser, and highlights the difference between theoretical and experimental work demands.
  • Some participants inquire about the typical work hours expected in REU programs, with one noting that the program's website suggests a commitment of 40-50 hours per week.
  • A participant mentions that their adviser was lenient, allowing for travel and flexible hours, contrasting with others who had to work late hours for experimental access.
  • Another participant, a junior at Pitt, shares a positive perspective on the physics professors at the university, contributing to the overall sentiment of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share positive sentiments about the program and express excitement, but there are varying perspectives on the expected workload and flexibility based on individual advisers and roles within the program.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences and expectations may vary significantly based on their specific advisers and the nature of their work (theoretical vs. experimental). There is no consensus on the exact nature of the workload or structure of the program.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering applying to REU programs, particularly in physics, and those interested in the experiences of past participants may find this discussion relevant.

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I was just accepted to the Physics REU Program at the University of Pittsburgh.:cool: Will anyone else here be a part of this program?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So you got in, congrats!
 
I told you not to worry.
 
mattmns said:
So you got in, congrats!

Thanks :smile:

cyrusabdollahi said:
I told you not to worry.

yeah i should have listened!

Anyway, its a load off of my mind. I can't even describe the relief of being able to make summer plans. Up until this point, I had no idea where I was going to be living! Wow, what a relief!
 
To those of you who have done REU programs in the past, what are they like? Is it like a 9-5 job or what? How much of your time should you expect to be working?
 
Well, this one will be my first, but on their website, they expected 40-50 of work a week, so yes it would be a full time job, but if you like the job, then you probably wouldn't mind putting in even more time than this.
 
misterme09 said:
To those of you who have done REU programs in the past, what are they like? Is it like a 9-5 job or what? How much of your time should you expect to be working?

It really seems to depend on who you are working for. My adviser was pretty lenient...I could come in and leave when I liked (during the day), and so I was free to travel around that part of the country with my fellow REU students on the weekends once or twice if we asked for a Monday or Friday off. However, I was doing theoretical work, so I didn't have to compete for time on experimental equipment -- some of my fellow REUers had to go in at all hours of the night to get those elusive time slots. When I was writing up my results during the last week, I stayed until well past midnight a few times, but for most of the program I was able to leave in time to join my friends for dinner (there were at least 4 REU programs going on, and they had us all living together, so there were always people around).

Seems to depend on your adviser for the most part though.

Congratulations everyone!
 
Congratulations. I'm a junior math and physics students at Pitt and I really enjoy it. All of the physics professors I've had have been excellent.
 

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