Summer 2013 Math and Science REU Thread

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread focuses on the application process for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) in mathematics, physics, and related fields for the summer of 2013. Participants share their application statuses, discuss various programs, and seek advice on the application process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants are applying to astronomy programs with a focus on computational astrophysics, listing various institutions.
  • Others are focused on optics, photonics, and related fields, sharing their application choices and experiences from previous REUs.
  • A participant mentions the establishment of a new REU program at Rutgers, suggesting it may be a late opportunity for applicants.
  • Concerns are raised about the workload of REU programs and the feasibility of taking additional courses concurrently.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of being an older student applying for REUs, questioning if they represent an underrepresented group and sharing personal experiences.
  • Discussion includes logistical aspects of the application process, such as recommendation letters and the diversity of applicants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of experiences and opinions regarding the application process, with no clear consensus on the status of older students as an underrepresented group or the best strategies for applying. Multiple competing views remain on various aspects of the REU application process.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note variations in application procedures and requirements across different REU programs, indicating potential challenges in managing applications and recommendations.

  • #211
Got an email from LSU - 300 applicants for 10 spots - rejected :/
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #212
Hercuflea said:
Got an email from LSU - 300 applicants for 10 spots - rejected :/

Same here.
 
  • #213
Just received an offer from MSU, anyone know anything about the program?
 
  • #214
Is anyone else here going to be attending the Cornell SMI?
 
  • #215
Got an offer from Iowa State that I will probably take. Anyone else going?
 
  • #216
Has anyone heard from the Oakland University math reu?
 
  • #217
Is anyone here also going to the Central Michigan math REU?
 
  • #218
verdricity said:
Is anyone here also going to the Central Michigan math REU?

What project will you be there for? (I'm not going, just curious.)
 
  • #219
verdricity said:
Is anyone here also going to the Central Michigan math REU?

Sent a confirmation email yesterday!
 
  • #220
Anyone doing SUNY Potsdam?
 
  • #221
alabala said:
What project will you be there for? (I'm not going, just curious.)

We don't formally decide until a few days into the REU, but I'm pretty sure I'll be doing the project on frame theory (it's the one I geared my application towards and the professor leading the project wants me on it as well).

bsghost, what project are you interested in?
 
  • #222
Is it safe to say that programs with applications due in February are all filled up now? It's starting to look grim for me now... even after applying to so many :/
 
  • #223
verdricity said:
bsghost, what project are you interested in?

I haven't decided on a particular one yet, but currently I'm interested in the Thermostats and Frames topics.
 
  • #224
Anyone heard from Rochester, Cornell LEPP, or Purdue? (all physics) I'm getting a bit nervous.
 
  • #225
Has anyone heard from Kent State, Grand Valley State, or UGA (infectious disease) REUs?
 
  • #226
Grand Valley has already sent out their offers.
 
  • #227
Rejection from SDSU math REU. They said they had 350 applicants for 12 spots.
 
  • #228
Anyone got back form Kansas State University?
 
  • #229
For physics/astronomy:

Rutgers, UWyoming - rejected
Maria Mitchell Observatory - waitlisted (180 apps for 6 spots)
TCU, UT-Austin (McDonald Obs) - no NSF funding
Still waiting to hear back from: UOklahoma, NCSU (URCA), Baylor (CASPER) and any member schools from the SARA REU or CIC-SROP
 
  • #230
Accepted to KSU and LSU. Anyone know which has better condensed matter mentors/facilities? I'm leaning towards LSU. Also asked for more decision time because I haven't heard back from the majority of my applications :(
 
  • #231
Invyz said:
Accepted to KSU and LSU. Anyone know which has better condensed matter mentors/facilities? I'm leaning towards LSU. Also asked for more decision time because I haven't heard back from the majority of my applications :(

Congratulations on both of those. Did LSU tell you what your project would be? Because I thought KSU didn't tell you your project until April or something. Also, KSU lists the projects from prior years on their website, and it looks like there were only two condensed matter projects last year. LSU lists the potential projects for this year, and there are 6 in condensed matter, so that's a pretty big difference.
 
  • #232
No, they didn't specify a project, but they pointed me towards the experimental condensed matter guys. Also LSU has apartment style living versus dorms at KSU
 
  • #233
Oakland U. sent out rejections
 
  • #234
MPKU said:
Oakland U. sent out rejections

When did you hear from them? I haven't heard anything
 
  • #235
Has anyone heard from Miami U (SUMSRI)?
 
  • #236
Lehigh University and Brigham sent out rejections today.. to me at least. Hey, at least Lehigh offered to waive the application fee when I apply to graduate school next semester.
 
  • #237
foxmichellem said:
When did you hear from them? I haven't heard anything

Friday they e-mailed me. It was for the SMaRT program.
 
  • #238
I accepted my offer for Boulder, Colorado. My roommate accepted CIAN today. His project will be at Columbia University.
 
  • #239
Does anyone know whether an REU would be considered an internship? Fellowship? Something else?
 
  • #240
I believe the REU I accepted coins it as a research "internship".
 

Similar threads

Programs Questions Regarding Undergrad REU Programs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions What REU's to apply to with a mediocre GPA?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Schools Math Reu Season 2016: Results & Questions
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
9K
Programs 2019 REU/Summer Program Acceptance Thread
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
14K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Schools Interested in Applied Math/biomath REU's, need some help if possible
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Programs US Citizen Studying Abroad: Eligible for US REU Programs?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Do I have a good shot at CalTech/MIT's graduate program for physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
Schools What would you do -- summer REU?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Graduating a year early anxieties + grad school
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K