Question for those who have done an REU.

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SUMMARY

Participating in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program offers a more structured and collaborative environment compared to conducting independent research with minimal supervision. The experience heavily relies on the quality of the advisor, which influences both the level of structure and group interaction. Typically, REU participants are required to complete a paper and/or presentation, adding to the program's formal structure. Overall, the choice between an REU and independent research should consider personal preferences for collaboration and guidance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs
  • Familiarity with academic research processes
  • Knowledge of presentation and paper-writing standards in academia
  • Awareness of advisor roles in research settings
NEXT STEPS
  • Research specific REU programs in mathematics and physics
  • Explore best practices for independent research in STEM fields
  • Learn about effective collaboration techniques in research teams
  • Investigate strategies for writing academic papers and delivering presentations
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students in mathematics and physics, prospective REU applicants, and individuals interested in enhancing their research skills and collaborative experiences.

rodigee
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Hello, I'm a math major so this is primarily posed at people who have done math REUs, but I welcome comments from the physics people as well.

My question is: How does taking part REU compare to just doing research on your own under minimal supervision by a professor? Are REU's just more structured? More group oriented? If you have done both do you prefer one over the other?

I ask this because all the decisions from the summer programs I've applied to are starting to come back, and I'm trying to decide which genre of program to partake in before I chose a specific program.

Thanks for your thoughts.
 
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Your REU experience is really going to depend on your advisor. It does tend to be very group-oriented (you will spend a LOT of time with the other REUers) but how structured the research is will depend on how good your advisor is. Most likely you will have to write a paper and/or give a presentation at the end of the summer, so that by itself will provide some structure.
 

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