Preparing a Physics Resume for REU Applications

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing a resume for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) applications, focusing on what experiences and skills to include. Participants explore the relevance of high school activities and the importance of research experience in the application process.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the inclusion of high school clubs on their resume, particularly those not directly related to physics, while considering the value of leadership roles.
  • Some participants suggest that REU programs prioritize research skills and relevant coursework over leadership experience.
  • There is a consensus that having research experience is beneficial and should be emphasized in the application.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the necessity of including leadership experience, indicating a desire for social acceptability in their resume choices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that research experience is important for REU applications, while there is some disagreement about the relevance of leadership skills and high school activities.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the question of whether to include high school leadership roles, indicating a dependence on individual circumstances and the specific REU program's expectations.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students preparing applications for REU programs, particularly those seeking guidance on resume content and structure.

tourjete
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I'm getting a head start on applying for REUs this weekend and am currently typing up my resume since one of the applications asks for one.

Should I put clubs I was in during high school on the resume? A lot of what I did in high school isn't relevant to physics at all (I was heavily involved in theatre and music during high school) so I understand leaving that off the resume. But I was also the vice-president of a club and would like to put that on my resume if its socially acceptable... I go to a university of 25,000 and don't really have anything that screams "leader" on my application otherwise.
 
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REU programs don't really care about leadership skills. They care about whether or not you'll be good at research. They want to see things like computer skills (programming, multiple operating systems, MATLAB, Mathematica, etc), good grades in your classes, and hopefully that you've done some research at your own school already.
 
eri said:
REU programs don't really care about leadership skills. They care about whether or not you'll be good at research. They want to see things like computer skills (programming, multiple operating systems, MATLAB, Mathematica, etc), good grades in your classes, and hopefully that you've done some research at your own school already.

Thanks! I guess I'll leave off the leadership experience. I am currently doing research at my school, so I guess that gives me a better chance?
 
Having some research experience definitely helps - play that up in your application, and ask that professor for a letter of recommendation.
 

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