Q. First things first, what is an REU?
A. An REU is a Research Experience for Undergraduates funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). These are summer opportunities for undergraduates to do research full-time for 8-12 weeks while being mentored by experienced scientists. Most of these are provided through REU programs that host 10-20 undergrads at once and often provide group activities such as workshops or research presentations. However, individual researchers conducting NSF-funded research can also receive supplemental REU funding for 1 or 2 undergrads. These individual REU students will also conduct research full-time with their mentors but will not be part of a larger group of REU students.
Q. What are the benefits of doing an REU?
A. If you haven’t done scientific research before, the top benefit is likely to be gaining that experience and figuring out whether you want to continue pursuing a research career. You will also learn specific research techniques and skills, as well as fundamental skills like communication and problem-solving. You will form connections with researchers at other universities or programs, which can be helpful if you are considering applying to graduate school.
Q. What if I don’t have science research experience?
A. You can apply to REUs regardless of whether you have science research experience. Some REU programs specifically focus on opening doors to students who do not have previous research experience. If you already have research experience, applying to those types of programs may be unsuccessful unless the experience is in a different area or your research interests are an excellent match for the program. In contrast, some REUs (especially individual REU positions that aren’t part of a program) do not mind or even prefer previous research experience.
Q. Do I have to pay to participate in an REU?
A. No, and an REU will actually pay you a stipend! Most REU programs provide included or reduced-cost housing and cover the cost of travel to the program location. In some cases, you may have to pay for food or local transportation. Individual REU positions that are not part of an REU program will pay a stipend but usually don’t provide housing, long-distance travel, or food and living expenses.
Q. How can I find REUs?
A. The National Science Foundation (NSF) maintains a database of REU programs. This is sortable by research field, although unfortunately not by research experience preference. To figure that out, you’ll have to read each program’s description.
Supplemental REUs with individual researchers are advertised by the researchers on email listservs, social media, and similar platforms and usually have more specific expectations. An NSF-funded researcher can also write an REU funding proposal with a specific candidate in mind, so if you already have a very good research relationship with an NSF-funded professor, consider asking them if they are willing to write an REU supplement proposal to hire you. Note that supplement proposals are due the summer before any research would be conducted and not all proposals are funded.
Q. What is the application process like?
A. Many REU programs have their own applications, which can be anything from a Google Form to a university’s admissions portal. There is a “common application” platform called ETAP that some programs use. Regardless of how the information is submitted, REU programs usually require very similar information: transcript (usually unofficial), resume, 2 letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose or research interest. The exact prompt for the statement of purpose will vary, but reviewers generally want to know what your current and future goals are and how the REU would help you accomplish them. The application may require you to write one or two additional shorter statements.
Note: Unless a prompt specifically asks about your early experiences with science, do not write a statement that’s mostly about how you loved science growing up and wanted to be a biologist/chemist/astronaut/etc. Applicants do this because they want to show how long they’ve been excited about science, which is cool, but it doesn’t give the selection committee much useful information to work with. Why and how you’re interested in science now is much more important than what you were interested in during elementary or middle school. And if you only recently became interested in scientific research because of a class or experience you had in high school or college, your interest (and REU application) is just as valid as someone who has been interested in science for longer!
Q. How can I get help with my REU applications?
A. If you want advice on choosing REU programs, support with your applications, or feedback on your essays, you can contact the ESURC REU advisor. Some of your professors may have recommendations about REU programs in their fields. Professors who you’ve built good working relationships with will be able to write you letters of recommendation. They may also be able to provide feedback on your application essays.
The Fleishman Career Center can help you write or revise application materials, such as your resume or statement of purpose. Schedule an appointment on hireBING or stop in to UU-133 during drop-in hours Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm to meet 1:1 with a consultant.
Getting started early on your REU search can make all the difference—take advantage of your resources, seek support, and stay mindful of application deadlines.
Dr. Christina Baer serves as the campus advisor for the Goldwater Scholarships and for the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) opportunities. Dr. Baer has been a Research Educator in the First-year Research Immersion program since 2020. She has a Ph.D. and B.A. in biology, with a focus on ecology and evolution. As an undergraduate, she participated in a REU and has also been an REU mentor. In FRI, she teaches students how to plan, conduct, and write about scientific research.
