Discussion Overview
The thread discusses various Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) that participants are considering or applying to for the upcoming summer. Participants share their lists of REUs, experiences with applications, and seek advice on application processes and group selections.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants are applying to multiple REUs, including SMALL, Cornell, and others, while others are still finalizing their lists.
- Concerns about the competitiveness of certain programs are expressed, with some participants mentioning their status as underrepresented minorities as a potential advantage.
- Questions arise regarding the acknowledgment of applications, with mixed experiences reported about receiving confirmations from institutions.
- Participants discuss the ambiguity surrounding application requirements, such as the formatting of personal statements and word limits.
- Some participants share their experiences with specific REUs, including acceptance notifications and group preferences within programs like SMALL.
- There are inquiries about the chances of reapplying to the same REU after previously attending, with some expressing concerns about demographic factors influencing acceptance.
- Discussions include the timing of offers from various REUs and the possibility of requesting expedited decisions from programs when already holding an offer from another REU.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally share their individual experiences and opinions, but no consensus is reached on specific application strategies or the implications of demographic factors on acceptance rates.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions highlight the variability in application processes and responses from different institutions, indicating that experiences may differ widely based on the specific REU.
Who May Find This Useful
Students seeking REU opportunities, particularly in mathematics and related fields, may find the shared experiences and advice relevant to their application processes.