Questions Regarding Undergrad REU Programs

[Ascendant0]

I'm in my 3rd year of undergrad currently, and trying to find an REU program to get into. This is my first time doing this, so I'm not sure the best approach?

My college's physics society gave us a link to a REU site here: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiat...y=astrophysics&sort=search_api_relevance_DESC

It seems like there are a ton just on that site alone, but a few of the things I don't know about as far as applying for REUs:

1a) First and foremost, being a parent with shared custody of my children, I really don't want to leave them if I'm able to do something remotely from my home. How likely/unlikely are these REU programs to allow remote work?

1b) (if applicable) If the majority will require me to be there at their location, is the travel and housing to travel and stay there something financial aid can help cover?

2) I see from that site each one has their own application instructions, but I wanted to ask above and beyond filling out the application, what is suggested as far as a REU request/proposal? What really tends to get you to stand out (other than pointing out that you've done your research into exactly what they do there, and why it appeals to you)?

3) Is it feasible to reach out to specific organizations I might be interested in that don't openly offer REUs and see if I can get engaged with them in some way? If so, tying into 2, for those that don't currently have REUs, what would you suggest as far as an optimal approach?

4) I know ideally for grad school, you want to be in some kind of published research as an undergraduate. Is there anything in particular to do in order to try and make that happen for yourself, or is that something that most REUs would offer as a part of the REU itself?

Any other advice, suggestions, etc. that you have that you feel would help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Choppy]

I can't speak much toward the formal US REU program itself however...

3) Is it feasible to reach out to specific organizations I might be interested in that don't openly offer REUs and see if I can get engaged with them in some way? If so, tying into 2, for those that don't currently have REUs, what would you suggest as far as an optimal approach?

Absolutely.
Most students will stary by asking their professors if they know of any opportunities to get involved in research. Not all professors will have such opportunities, but many will know of someone who does, or who has taken on undergraduate students in the past. Then it's a matter of emailing and following up.

4) I know ideally for grad school, you want to be in some kind of published research as an undergraduate. Is there anything in particular to do in order to try and make that happen for yourself, or is that something that most REUs would offer as a part of the REU itself?

I wouldn't focus too much on publications. While a publication is tangible evidence of academic productivity if you can get one, there are often factors well out of your control. Usually it's best to focus on skill development, exploring the subfield you end up working in, and learn as much as you can about the process of doing research itself. If you end up with a publication as an undergrad, that's great. But you can also look for opportunities to present the work (or your contribution to it) at conferences, or even at events within the university itself. While a conference abstract doesn't carry the same weight as a peer-reviewed paper, it's something, and you might have more control over producing it. Other things you can put together include procedures, instruction manuals, internal reports, and commissioning documents. Sometimes as an undergraduate researcher your contribution is simply proving that a new device works as advertised, and while that may not lead to an immediate paper, it can provide the basis for work down the road.

2) I see from that site each one has their own application instructions, but I wanted to ask above and beyond filling out the application, what is suggested as far as a REU request/proposal? What really tends to get you to stand out (other than pointing out that you've done your research into exactly what they do there, and why it appeals to you)?

Put together your CV and figure out what skills you can bring to the table. Do you have any programming experience? What kinds of big projects have you been involved with so far in your courses? Are there any extra-curricular activities that might relate to the work? Hobbies?
When you speak with your professors, it's okay to ask them direction what they're looking for when they hire undergraduates.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Contact the university, sire. But don't be a pest. Don't asl what's a;ready on the web site. Don;t ask for advice on every single line in the applicayion. Don't ask them "chance me". Every year there is one. I have never seen them selected.

Your message nakes you look like a "box checker" - you dsplayed no interest in the reseach itself or what you might learn, You present as someone who wants to beef up their grad apps. This dpes not go over well.

Remote REUs were tried dueing covic. I think its fair to say the results were unsatisfctory.

 

[Ascendant0]

I can't speak much toward the formal US REU program itself however...


Absolutely.
Most students will stary by asking their professors if they know of any opportunities to get involved in research. Not all professors will have such opportunities, but many will know of someone who does, or who has taken on undergraduate students in the past. Then it's a matter of emailing and following up.


I wouldn't focus too much on publications. While a publication is tangible evidence of academic productivity if you can get one, there are often factors well out of your control. Usually it's best to focus on skill development, exploring the subfield you end up working in, and learn as much as you can about the process of doing research itself. If you end up with a publication as an undergrad, that's great. But you can also look for opportunities to present the work (or your contribution to it) at conferences, or even at events within the university itself. While a conference abstract doesn't carry the same weight as a peer-reviewed paper, it's something, and you might have more control over producing it. Other things you can put together include procedures, instruction manuals, internal reports, and commissioning documents. Sometimes as an undergraduate researcher your contribution is simply proving that a new device works as advertised, and while that may not lead to an immediate paper, it can provide the basis for work down the road.


Put together your CV and figure out what skills you can bring to the table. Do you have any programming experience? What kinds of big projects have you been involved with so far in your courses? Are there any extra-curricular activities that might relate to the work? Hobbies?
When you speak with your professors, it's okay to ask them direction what they're looking for when they hire undergraduates.

Thank you for all the information. I don't have time to give a thorough response right now, as class is about to start, but real quick:

I do have C++ experience, but it's been years. I need to brush up and plan to after our exams that finish up next week.

My college actually has a requirement for undergrads to do a summer research project on the summer of your 3rd year that is a sort of course for the college. However, none of the professors are doing any research I'm particularly interested in at this time (mostly astrophysics and astroparticle physics - dark energy, dark matter, black holes, etc.). That's why I'm looking for something additional outside of my college.

I need to update and tweak my CV, but fortunately, my college has a career center that assists with that. Another thing I plan to do after these ongoing exams.

I had done a lot of things when I was in college prior to this (coming back after an 8yr hiatus). I started at a state college, which had no physics internships. So, I created my own by coordinating with the nuclear medicine department of the local hospital. I developed an internship program for future students, but that was just the best I could find at the time. It's not what I want to actually pursue down the road.

I did a ton of other things, but like I said, very limited on time at this point with exams going on. I greatly appreciate the feedback and suggestions you gave

 

[MidgetDwarf]

Reach out to the physics chair/undergrad advisor. Also, check out the physics department online website.

Do you belong to a minority group?