Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the eligibility criteria for participating in Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) for individuals who are not currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Participants explore various perspectives on the requirements and share personal experiences related to this topic.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions the possibility of participating in an REU without being enrolled in an undergraduate program, noting that some descriptions explicitly require enrollment while others do not.
- Another participant asserts that generally, only students currently enrolled in a degree program are eligible for REUs, citing a definition of an undergraduate student.
- A third participant shares their experience of searching for internships and REUs, confirming that most listings they encountered required current enrollment in a degree-seeking program.
- Some participants suggest that certain labs, like Fermilab, may accept applicants who have already graduated, indicating variability in eligibility across different programs.
- A later reply mentions that some responses to queries sent out indicated eligibility might be possible in a few cases, and suggests looking into specific programs like IMMERSE at Nebraska.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the eligibility for REUs without current enrollment in a degree program. While some assert that it is generally not possible, others suggest that exceptions may exist, leading to an unresolved discussion on this topic.
Contextual Notes
Participants note that eligibility criteria may vary by program and that some responses to inquiries about specific REUs indicated differing interpretations of the requirements.