Second Physics REU: Not sure if I should apply.

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the decision-making process regarding applying for NSF Physics REUs, particularly from the perspective of a physics and mathematics major who is uncertain about their qualifications due to part-time college attendance and credit accumulation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their candidacy for REUs due to part-time status and limited credits, despite having a strong GPA and previous research experience.
  • Another participant encourages the original poster to apply, emphasizing that the decision to accept or reject lies with the REU program, not with the applicant.
  • A different participant reiterates the point that previous REU experience and a good GPA make the original poster a strong candidate, suggesting they should definitely apply.
  • Several participants echo the sentiment that self-doubt should not prevent the original poster from applying.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the original poster should apply for the REUs, highlighting their qualifications. However, the original poster's self-doubt remains a point of contention.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying perspectives on self-assessment and qualifications for REU applications, with no consensus on the original poster's feelings of inadequacy.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering applying for research experiences, particularly those with similar backgrounds or uncertainties about their qualifications.

PFStudent
Messages
169
Reaction score
0
Hey,

I'm a physics and mathematics major 1.5-2 years into my degree and I am not sure if I should apply to some of the NSF Physics REUs. Mainly because I am not sure if I am a good candidate. I was lucky enough to get a NSF Physics REU at another University at the end of my freshman year with interesting research working with a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The research which I later presented at a local regional Zone SPS Meeting. However, academically while I have nearly all "A's" I have only been going to college part time. So, I do not exactly have a whole lot of credits compared to your full time college sophomore/rising junior.

So, I am not sure if I should trouble my professors for recommendations to apply to some of these REUs since I am not sure if I am a good candidate.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

-PFStudent
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your job is to apply, their job is to decide whether to accept or reject you. Don't reject yourself.
 
The fact that you have a great GPA, and more importantly, previous REU experience, makes you a pretty good candidate. You should definitely apply.
 
Asphodel said:
Your job is to apply, their job is to decide whether to accept or reject you. Don't reject yourself.

Exactly.
 

Similar threads

Programs Questions Regarding Undergrad REU Programs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Help with Physics REU List for Sophomore Female Student
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Schools Interested in Applied Math/biomath REU's, need some help if possible
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Admissions What REU's to apply to with a mediocre GPA?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Programs How many REUs should I apply to? (sophomore Physics/Astro double major)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Admissions Comments on my physics PhD applicant profile
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Admissions Admission into Princeton Grad School
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Admissions Should I submit 860 PGRE?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Programs US Citizen Studying Abroad: Eligible for US REU Programs?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What Should I Do After Completing My Physics/Math Double-Major BS Degrees?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K