Summer 2013 Math and Science REU Thread

[Hercuflea]

just remember that getting accepted to REU programs is significantly harder than getting accepted to grad programs.

Really? Is that your intuition or do you know of some statistics that indicate this? I would be really interested in finding out more info.

 

[Stengah]

Really? Is that your intuition or do you know of some statistics that indicate this? I would be really interested in finding out more info.

There are statistics. Last year UC Davis reported getting over 500 applications for about 10 spots. Even unknown schools get about 100 applications for 10 spots or less.

 

[Takuza]

Ooops I read and responded to your post assuming you were applying to physics REUs. I can't speak for engineering REUs, but I'm sure they're very competitive as well...

While competitive, I don't think engineering REU's are as competitive as those for physics (or even biology for that matter). Nearly every physics major plans on going to grad school, where as most engineering majors will be seeking internships over the summer. Pre-med and physics research programs are probably notably more competitive than all others.

 

[James LeBron]

Got an offer from UNC Greensboro a few days ago for algorithmic combinatorics on words. I will likely accept, so let me know if you're going. I applied to 12 places, but it looks like I'll be withdrawing my application for 11 of them soon.

 

[dh363]

Are you up for the Probability and Number Theory project, or a different one?

Nah, Geometry. Does anyone have any idea how many people make this short-list type thing?

 

[usnavi13]

Nah, Geometry. Does anyone have any idea how many people make this short-list type thing?

I know there are 30 on the short list for Probability and Number Theory. It's probably the same for the other projects. And the prof for the project said he can take 9 of us.

 

[dkotschessaa]

There are statistics. Last year UC Davis reported getting over 500 applications for about 10 spots. Even unknown schools get about 100 applications for 10 spots or less.

I've kind of heard the opposite - that often not many people apply at all, due to the restrictions/deadlines/time constraints, etc. This is not easy to do while you are taking classes and studying and such. At least that's my experience.

I'm trying to motivate people in my math club to all sign up for REUs so that at least one of us gets into something, and I'm having a hard time.

I guess we would need more global statistics to know for sure.

-Dave K

 

[James LeBron]

I've kind of heard the opposite - that often not many people apply at all, due to the restrictions/deadlines/time constraints, etc. This is not easy to do while you are taking classes and studying and such. At least that's my experience.

I'm trying to motivate people in my math club to all sign up for REUs so that at least one of us gets into something, and I'm having a hard time.

I guess we would need more global statistics to know for sure.

-Dave K

Here are some of the ones I've heard of. All are last years. The program directors told me directly for the first two.

1. RIT Imaging REU had 240 applicants for 6 spots (I think these 6 were the first round of offers, though, there might have been more)
2. UMass Amherst Computer Science had 140 applicants for 9 spots, but they were able to fund an additional 8 or 9 through outside support, so there were actually a lot of opportunities there.

And in addition,

3. Bard College math now has a twitter account where they're letting us know how many applicants there are. They have 190 a week before the deadline, for 10 spots.
4. UPenn GRASP last year had over 80 for 10 spots, but that was their first year, so the number of applicants will likely increase.

 

[myranaira]

Here are some of the ones I've heard of. All are last years. The program directors told me directly for the first two.

1. RIT Imaging REU had 240 applicants for 6 spots (I think these 6 were the first round of offers, though, there might have been more)
2. UMass Amherst Computer Science had 140 applicants for 9 spots, but they were able to fund an additional 8 or 9 through outside support, so there were actually a lot of opportunities there.

And in addition,

3. Bard College math now has a twitter account where they're letting us know how many applicants there are. They have 190 a week before the deadline, for 10 spots.
4. UPenn GRASP last year had over 80 for 10 spots, but that was their first year, so the number of applicants will likely increase.

For the RIT imaging REU did you also get an email saying you were "ranked highly" amongst the 240 applicants if you didn't get in? I got one such email (never got in that year), but now I'm not sure whether they just sent that to everyone to be nice.

 

[James LeBron]

I was among those who were accepted into RIT imaging, so i can't really answer your question.

 

[Stengah]

I've kind of heard the opposite - that often not many people apply at all, due to the restrictions/deadlines/time constraints, etc. This is not easy to do while you are taking classes and studying and such. At least that's my experience.

Yeah I don't know where you heard that, but I don't think it is even close to being true. It's not difficult to get the applications done over winter break. It's not even difficult to get them done while taking classes. Maybe some people don't apply because they are lazy, but it's not like those kind of people would be getting accepted anyways.

Here are some more statistics from last year:
Montana State - 30 applicants per spot
Kansas State - over 160 applicants for unspecified number of spots
Columbia - over 300 applications for 10 spots
U Michigan (CERN) - over 250 applications for unspecified number of spots

And this year:
Nothern Arizona University (astronomy) - over 160 applicants for about 8 spots

 

[stardawg]

Anyone hear anything from NC State math? They said they started to review applications a while ago

 

[MechE2015]

Anyone hear anything from NC State math? They said they started to review applications a while ago

I applied there, have not heard anything as of yet. I, personally, would not expect an offer though; I'm not a mathematics major.

 

[mege]

I got an email from McDonald observatory (UTA) - they didn't get funding for their REU and are in the process of emailing the applicants the news. They just found this out last Thursday (2/7/13)

 

[hsetennis]

Anyone hear anything from NC State math? They said they started to review applications a while ago

I think they said that they would start giving offers a few days after the due date.

 

[dh363]

I just finished my call this afternoon and was accepted to the Williams REU for Geometry just now! Other groups are on completely different schedules I'm pretty sure. It's done individually by the faculty mentors, and I don't even know the way the Geometry group is accepting people so don't get worried if you haven't heard back yet!

I normally am not one to post success stories, as I like to stay humble, but I'm posting this here just to let you guys know, that without this community, I would not be where I am today. Idk how many people here know me, but when I first started posting here I was a business school student disillusioned about my motivations in life. I had always liked mathematics throughout high school and was motivated to start again as a sophomore after realizing how empty I felt doing finance work (I was actually initially interested in "physics." One of the typical kids interested in physics from popular science books. Y'all got me out of that phase. Dabbling in proofs and open courseware made me realize that math was really what I wanted to do).

I started taking huge math courseloads every semester, as well as more courses over the summer, and independent studies with professors. All of my course choices, self studying, etc. were guided by this community, especially mathwonk, who gave me a lot of very personal advice (thank you for putting up with all of my annoying PMs). I had read through the whole "who wants to be a mathematician thread," and it was only after learning from your experiences that I was able to figure out how to best position myself for an REU this summer. This was my top choice in REUs and I have already sent Dr. Morgan an acceptance. Thank you all so much for helping me get here. I really was clueless about mathematics before finding this forum, and I wish I was capable of expressing over the internet just how sincere this thank you is. You guys have changed my life.

DH

P.S. For future applicants: I think one thing my situation really makes clear is the importance of good letters of recommendation. I come from a school not known that much for math but pushed really hard to do as much as I could in math, and so the professors I got close with at my school really pushed for me (one wrote tailored letters of recommendation for different programs). I think this ended up helping my application more than anything.

 

[Mmm_Pasta]

Just heard from Nebraska that they will not be having their optics REU.

 

[Takuza]

i'm interested in nanotech / solid state stuff mostly.

Applied to:

Center of Integrated Nanomechanical Systems REU
Center for Energy Efficient Electronics Science REU
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network REU
CIAN Integrated Optics for Undergraduates REU
Colorado Renewable Energy Materials Research Science and Engineering Center REU
Hooked On Photonics REU
Princeton Center for Complex Materials REU
MassNanoTech SURE
UCSB Materials Research Lab Research Internships in Science and Engineering
Summer Research Early Identification Program

Haven't heard back from anywhere yet.

 

[PhysicsGente]

I'm only applying to the Columbia Nevis one. Hopefully I'll have better luck than last year ;).

 

[Stengah]

I'm only applying to the Columbia Nevis one. Hopefully I'll have better luck than last year ;).

Only one? You must be confident.

 

[PCSL]

I got into a SULI program ~5 days ago. It was my first choice (so I'm obviously not complaining) but still a little odd that they only give you 10 days to decide. I've only heard back from 1/6 REUs and I already accepted an offer lol... Really excited, though!

To the guy a few posts above. A friend of mine got into Nevis two years ago and the amount of people who apply is extremely large. Once you finish your first app you might as well do a few more.

 

[deskswirl]

Do you guys think I would have a decent chance at an engineering REU with relatively little physics course completion (physics I and II, thermodynamics)? I have mathematics completed up to and including differential equations, chemistry I and II, little research at a small university, and a 3.9 GPA. Any comments would be appreciated!

My first REU I was in pretty much the same boat. I hadn't even had thermodynamics and ended up spending the summer doing energy analysis of internal combustion engines (programming). I enjoyed it so much I returned the next year and help baseline a research grade engine testbench. Not bad for a physics major with a few engineering courses :).

They won't expect you to know everything walking in the door, just be willing to learn. In fact I think it is better not to have a good idea of the subject material as the group (or prof) you will be with may have their own distinct way of conducting research.

Both summers there were freshman much less qualified than you are.

 

[MechE2015]

My first REU I was in pretty much the same boat. I hadn't even had thermodynamics and ended up spending the summer doing energy analysis of internal combustion engines (programming). I enjoyed it so much I returned the next year and help baseline a research grade engine testbench. Not bad for a physics major with a few engineering courses :).

They won't expect you to know everything walking in the door, just be willing to learn. In fact I think it is better not to have a good idea of the subject material as the group (or prof) you will be with may have their own distinct way of conducting research.

Both summers there were freshman much less qualified than you are.

That's great to hear! Thank you very much for sharing. I'm crossing my fingers since most of my applied schools just had their deadlines close, so I should hear something soon. I've also heard that coming from a small university helps a lot, which I would be from.

On a side note (in hopes that I actually did get a gig), did you feel unprepared at all entering your REU since your physics background wasn't as deep as some of the others?

Thanks again!

 

[deskswirl]

That's great to hear! Thank you very much for sharing. I'm crossing my fingers since most of my applied schools just had their deadlines close, so I should hear something soon. I've also heard that coming from a small university helps a lot, which I would be from.

On a side note (in hopes that I actually did get a gig), did you feel unprepared at all entering your REU since your physics background wasn't as deep as some of the others?

Thanks again!

I did feel underprepared in the beginning primarily due to my background being more beginning EE based (Phys I & II, modern, circuit theory, digital design) rather than ME. But honestly I don't think you should worry too much as they won't expect you to perform above what is feasibly possible for you at this level.

The purpose of a REU is not for you to get a paper published (although some do) rather it is intended to serve as a first research experience for students from small universities (such as you and myself) who don't have opportunities at their home university AND to inspire one to pursue graduate studies.

I very much enjoyed both REUs and think that they provided me with invaluable experience which will lead me to continue in academia. Talk with all the professors and graduate students that you meet as they will be a good source of information as to what comes next.

 

[alabala]

Got an offer from UNC Greensboro a few days ago for algorithmic combinatorics on words. I will likely accept, so let me know if you're going. I applied to 12 places, but it looks like I'll be withdrawing my application for 11 of them soon.

Hi. Congratulations for getting selected. I thought however that the deadline for that REU was Feb 18. Did they give you an indication as to why they were making offers before the deadline?

 

[James LeBron]

Hi. Congratulations for getting selected. I thought however that the deadline for that REU was Feb 18. Did they give you an indication as to why they were making offers before the deadline?

I wasn't expecting to get one this early. I have a couple of theories, but the biggest one is that REUs aren't obligated to wait until a certain date before reviewing applications.

 

[Stengah]

In case anyone was wondering, I know people who have been accepted at U Michigan and UCLA for physics.

 

[Stengah]

Does anyone here have any experience with phone interviews for REUs? If so, please share what it was like and what kinds of questions they asked you. Thanks!

 

[Takuza]

Do you guys do anything special to thank your letter writers? I wasn't planning on it but my roommate bought each of his a small gift with a thank you card and said that was standard practice. I hadn't done any such thing in the past so I don't know

 

[ofb]

Do you guys do anything special to thank your letter writers? I wasn't planning on it but my roommate bought each of his a small gift with a thank you card and said that was standard practice. I hadn't done any such thing in the past so I don't know

I would be interested in this as well; if gift is a practice, what possible gift?

 

[Takuza]

I got a call from a guy who runs one of the programs I applied to, I missed it but he left a very long voice mail, saying that he would like for me to discuss what I'd be interested in working on and that there were people who wanted to work with me. While I'm very happy to have obtained what I assume is tentative acceptance into a program (and I really did not think I would get into this one), it was towards the bottom of the list of the programs I was interested in, and I can't expect to here back from anywhere else for another few weeks. Since I will apparently need to call the guy back tomorrow (why would they not just send emails to make this less awkward...), does anyone know a polite way I could ask how long I could put off making a decision to weigh my options, or a polite way to decline if need be? I imagine that it be wrong of me to chat with the various researchers simply to drag the process out a bit. And I'd really hate to turn down this offer only to be rejected from all the rest : (

Also I missed the call like 10pm Friday night, should I just wait until monday to respond or what.

 

[hsetennis]

Do you guys do anything special to thank your letter writers? I wasn't planning on it but my roommate bought each of his a small gift with a thank you card and said that was standard practice. I hadn't done any such thing in the past so I don't know

I would be interested in this as well; if gift is a practice, what possible gift?

Professors, employers, etc. are busy people, so I always, always give some sort of token of appreciation. At least a hand-written thank you card is customary. I often give a 10-20 dollar gift card. This year, I'm giving my letter writers a card and a copy of a classic science book by poincare, feynman, einstein, kuhn, Heisenberg, etc.

 

[poorasian]

Does anyone know of links to find REUs (math specifically) that aren't NSF funded? I've applied to all the ones with projects I'm interested in, but that really isn't that much.

Also, I have an offer already but I haven't heard back from any of the other ones I applied to. Is it okay to send an e-mail asking if they have made a decision on me yet? I need to reply really soon.

 

[mathskier]

Anyone know when we start to hear back? Is it standardized so that we get all the acceptances before having to reply?

 

[ktb]

Anyone know when we start to hear back? Is it standardized so that we get all the acceptances before having to reply?

Offers come at any time and it is not standardized, unfortunately. I've heard of a few people getting offers now and I think by the next week most of the initial offers will be out. By about the 2nd week of March if you haven't heard from anywhere it might be a good idea to e-mail programs about your status.

 

[Rampant Lion]

I think that these next 10 days responses for Physics REU's will be coming in so good luck to everyone and please post as you hear news so the rest of us know when offers are made!

 

[mathskier]

Anyone hear from Maryland, Lehigh, Alabama, Columbia, or CalTech yet?

 

[MechE2015]

Anyone hear from Maryland, Lehigh, Alabama, Columbia, or CalTech yet?

Of those, I applied to Alabama only and have not heard back. Good luck to you on all of those!

 

[Mmm_Pasta]

Anyone hear from Maryland, Lehigh, Alabama, Columbia, or CalTech yet?

Lehigh's deadline is on 7 March, so I wouldn't expect anything until maybe after then. As for Maryland, they told me they would be making decisions by 1 March. This is for the TREND program. I don't know if that is the one you applied to.

 

[mathskier]

Lehigh's website says decisions start coming in late February is why I asked.

 

[PhysicsGente]

I have my fingers crossed!

 

[mathskier]

Anyone know how to predict chances? For instance, I come from a mid-sized school, have one semester of research experience, and very high grades, but I'm a sophomore and not a girl/ minority.

 

[Stengah]

Anyone know how to predict chances? For instance, I come from a mid-sized school, have one semester of research experience, and very high grades, but I'm a sophomore and not a girl/ minority.

What I have heard from talking to REU directors and other people is that your personal statement and letters of recommendation carry a majority of the weight. Of course this will vary from program to program, but there are just too many applicants with good grades. So hopefully your semester of research transferred to a good recommendation letter. If you read the rest of this thread, you should have seen some acceptance statistics. The acceptance rates for these is incredibly low. Some put a ton of weight on minority status and the type of university you attend, and other programs seem to care more just about merit. So it's pretty difficult to predict chances.

 

[Null_]

I applied to several programs this year. One program said they will notify students by March 1st. I'm going backpacking on March 1st and will be away from email and phone for 11 days. Should I send them an email tomorrow explaining this? I'm worried that they might only give a week or so to make a decision. That is if I get in... Or should I set up an auto-response email? I'm hesitant to do this though because I get many emails that are sent to large groups of people, and the sender doesn't need to get a reply from me for every email..

 

[Stengah]

I applied to several programs this year. One program said they will notify students by March 1st. I'm going backpacking on March 1st and will be away from email and phone for 11 days. Should I send them an email tomorrow explaining this? I'm worried that they might only give a week or so to make a decision. That is if I get in... Or should I set up an auto-response email? I'm hesitant to do this though because I get many emails that are sent to large groups of people, and the sender doesn't need to get a reply from me for every email..

That's a terrible situation and I would definitely send them an email explaining it.

 

[mege]

I applied to several programs this year. One program said they will notify students by March 1st. I'm going backpacking on March 1st and will be away from email and phone for 11 days. Should I send them an email tomorrow explaining this? I'm worried that they might only give a week or so to make a decision. That is if I get in... Or should I set up an auto-response email? I'm hesitant to do this though because I get many emails that are sent to large groups of people, and the sender doesn't need to get a reply from me for every email..

Auto-response emails are generally sent only once per-person (presuming you have a 'normal' email provider/client). You could also ask someone to check your email for you.

Think about it this way: if you get an acceptance, and can't respond in 5 days, you're delaying the possible acceptance of someone else. So, why would you even want to delay the entire process because you're unavailable?

 

[notphysicsguy]

Does anyone have any experience at the William and Mary Matrix Analysis REU? Also, the SMALL program at Williams is done with applications. I was shortlisted for Ergodic theory but apparently most people took the offer =/

 

[ofb]

FYI I applied to [math REUs at Emory, Duluth, SMALL, SUNY Potsdam, Cornell, Iowa State, LSU, Mt. Holyoke, Penn State, Texas A&M], and [Vic Reiner's REU at Minnesota], and got responses from four: rejections from Emory, Duluth, and SMALL, acceptance from LSU. I accepted the offer from LSU since out of the REUs I hadn't been rejected from, the topics at the LSU REU interested me most (I want to do something related to Galois theory). Remaining applications have been retracted. I am a sophomore at a mid-sized research university.

Also, with regards to giving gifts to letter writers, after poking around some more I have come to the conclusion that gifts are frowned upon as a sort of bribe but a handwritten letter is much appreciated.

Good luck to everyone.

 

[mathskier]

If they say they will notify by March 1st I take that to mean you will hear today (the 28th) so I say just wait until this evening and email them asking if you hear nothing.

 

[dustbin]

Declined by U Minnesota this morning.