Admissions Questions about applying to chem REU summer internships?

AI Thread Summary
When applying to Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs, it's crucial to understand the selectivity of different schools. Researching acceptance rates and program competitiveness can help identify which institutions may serve as safeties or reaches. Contacting professors at REU sites before applying is generally recommended, as it can demonstrate interest and help establish connections, although applying without prior contact is not necessarily detrimental. The applicant expresses concern about their limited research experience and average academic performance, feeling anxious about the potential for rejection and the implications for their future, particularly regarding graduate school aspirations.
waterbottle12
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I have a few questions about applying to REU programs. I've heard that some schools are a lot more selective than others...but how would you know which ones are the hardest/easiest to get into? I mean...I want to apply a some safeties (even getting into these will probably be difficult for me) but also some reach schools...

Also how important is it that I email the professors at the REU sites before applying?
Is it bad to just apply without having contacted the professors you want to work with?

Also my summer as a rising sophomore, I spent working at a hospital because I was (past tense) premed...so I only have one summer of research (back at my own college) under my belt :(
I'm going to be a rising senior this coming summer. and i decided on being a chem major very late (didnt take any chem courses till sophomore year)...so I only have gen chem, a year of orgo, and a semester of pchem. (two more chem classes next semester)
very average grades. so I'm kind of scared. I really want to go to grad school and I'm afraid that I'll be rejected by every research place I apply to and end up jobless..which would look horrible :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
bumpity bump bump
 

Thread 'Self Learning Math/Physics'

Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
View full post »

Thread 'What should I do if I found a paper with same result as mine?'

Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
View full post »

Similar threads

Admissions What REU's to apply to with a mediocre GPA?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Other Any Virtual Summer Research/Internships for High-school Graduates?
Replies
17
Views
2K
Other Recommended work for an undergrad (internships, research, etc.)
Replies
6
Views
2K
Schools What would you do -- summer REU?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Other What to do as a research intern?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Phyics REU personal statement critiques?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Programs Questions Regarding Undergrad REU Programs
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Where Should I Apply for Physics Internships and Workshops?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Programs Help with Physics REU List for Sophomore Female Student
Replies
6
Views
2K
Other Find Physics Internships: Tips & Advice for Success
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top