Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around participants sharing their summer internship plans for 2015, specifically focusing on Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) and other internship opportunities in physics and related fields. The scope includes applications, experiences, and advice regarding internships at various institutions and national labs.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Participants list various REUs and internships they have applied for, including those at CERN, Fermilab, and several universities.
- Some participants inquire about opportunities for international students and freshmen, expressing concerns about eligibility and competitiveness.
- There are discussions about the importance of internships and research experience for graduate school applications, with some participants sharing anecdotal evidence of past applicants' successes.
- Concerns are raised regarding application statuses, deadlines, and the timing of acceptance notifications, with some participants expressing impatience or uncertainty about their chances.
- Several participants share their acceptance news, while others report rejections or being placed on reserve lists, indicating a mix of outcomes.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally share their individual experiences and plans, with no clear consensus on the best strategies for securing internships. There are competing views on the accessibility of internships for freshmen and international students, as well as differing opinions on the significance of REUs for graduate admissions.
Contextual Notes
Some participants mention specific eligibility requirements for internships, such as credit hour prerequisites, which may limit opportunities for freshmen. Additionally, there are references to varying application deadlines and the competitive nature of certain programs.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for undergraduate students seeking summer internships in STEM fields, particularly those interested in REUs and research opportunities at national labs. It may also benefit international students and freshmen looking for guidance on applying for internships.