Couple Questions Regarding REU's and Time Commitments

[erok81]

I attended a seminar type thing at school regarding the path to graduate school and it was a wake up call of sorts. My eventual plan is to attend graduate school so of course anything I can do to help my application is good. I had or will have most of the requirements complete by the time I graduate, except a big one - research.

As summer applications have passed, I was thinking of emailing some of the professors at school asking if they had any last minute openings as well as what they had going for fall. This was a suggestion given by the two professors giving the lecture. Here are where my questions come in.

Since it isn't a formal REU application, what should one include in the email? I was thinking of asking if they had anything available and a quick academic background on myself. Nothing to long since it isn't a formal application. What else should I include do you think?

Lastly, what sort of time commitment does an REU take? In the seminar they stated around 10 hours per week in the lab was the norm. Is there usually an outside time commitment as well? Currently I work 40 hours per week and attend school 10-12. I should be able to fit an additional 10 hours in lab time (just sleep less, right?), but I don't know about outside commitment. Since it'll be my first one, I don't really want to blow it. I suppose I could cut out a class to devote more time, but I'd rather not do that.

Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated. This is in the US if that matters.

 

[Choppy]

I would recommend putting together a CV and then combine this with a cover letter. Approach this like you would applying for a job. Network. Ask the people you contact if they don't have anything if they could recommend someone who might, and feel free to forward your CV.

As far as time-in goes, it's hard to say. Over the summer, I would primarily see if I could find something that pays and then treat it like a full-time job. During class time, put in as much time as you can afford, but (1) don't do so at the expense of sacrificing marks and (2) don't do so at the expense of sacrificing sleep.

 

[Nabeshin]

Lastly, what sort of time commitment does an REU take? In the seminar they stated around 10 hours per week in the lab was the norm. Is there usually an outside time commitment as well? Currently I work 40 hours per week and attend school 10-12. I should be able to fit an additional 10 hours in lab time (just sleep less, right?), but I don't know about outside commitment. Since it'll be my first one, I don't really want to blow it. I suppose I could cut out a class to devote more time, but I'd rather not do that.

An REU is generally expected to be at least a full time job, i.e. 40hrs/week. It's been my experience (only 1 REU thus far) that this isn't a hard number or anything, as some people probably work a bit more and some a bit less (though all are paid equally). The pay for an REU is usually also quite good for a college student (~4-6k for 10 weeks), so it makes sense for it to be a full time job.

If for whatever reason you simply cannot work full time, but only maybe 10hrs/wk, I'm not sure how successful you will be. It's generally a lot of effort for a professor to accept an undergraduate, as it often takes more time than it's probably worth to train them and have them produce anything meaningful. At any rate, being willing to work full time will definitely help your chances.

 

[erok81]

Thanks for the information. It's not looking so good for me an research it seems. I think I really only have two options; take the summer off for classes and do the reu or just chance it and not have any under my belt when the time comes around to applying for graduate school.

 

[rezeew]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding REU's and time commitments. I understand the importance of research experience for graduate school applications and I commend you for taking the initiative to seek out opportunities.

In regards to your first question, when emailing professors about potential research opportunities, it is important to provide a brief introduction of yourself, including your academic background and any relevant experience or skills. You can also mention your interest in their research and ask if they have any openings for undergraduate researchers. It may also be helpful to attach your resume or CV for them to review. Keep in mind that professors may receive numerous emails from students, so make sure to be concise and professional in your communication.

As for your second question, the time commitment for an REU can vary depending on the specific program and project. However, it is generally expected that students will spend around 10-15 hours per week in the lab, with additional time for reading and preparing for lab work. It is also possible that there may be some outside commitment, such as attending seminars or workshops related to the research. It is important to carefully consider your current schedule and commitments before committing to an REU, as it is crucial to balance your academic and personal responsibilities. If necessary, you may want to speak with your advisor or a professor about potentially adjusting your course load to accommodate for the research opportunity.

Overall, my advice would be to carefully consider your options and make sure you can commit to the time and effort required for an REU. It is a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, but it is also important to maintain a healthy balance in your academic and personal life. I wish you the best of luck in your search for an REU and in your future academic pursuits.

Best,