- #1
Ascendant0
- 138
- 31
I'm in my 3rd year of undergrad currently, and trying to find an REU program to get into. This is my first time doing this, so I'm not sure the best approach?
My college's physics society gave us a link to a REU site here: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiat...y=astrophysics&sort=search_api_relevance_DESC
It seems like there are a ton just on that site alone, but a few of the things I don't know about as far as applying for REUs:
1a) First and foremost, being a parent with shared custody of my children, I really don't want to leave them if I'm able to do something remotely from my home. How likely/unlikely are these REU programs to allow remote work?
1b) (if applicable) If the majority will require me to be there at their location, is the travel and housing to travel and stay there something financial aid can help cover?
2) I see from that site each one has their own application instructions, but I wanted to ask above and beyond filling out the application, what is suggested as far as a REU request/proposal? What really tends to get you to stand out (other than pointing out that you've done your research into exactly what they do there, and why it appeals to you)?
3) Is it feasible to reach out to specific organizations I might be interested in that don't openly offer REUs and see if I can get engaged with them in some way? If so, tying into 2, for those that don't currently have REUs, what would you suggest as far as an optimal approach?
4) I know ideally for grad school, you want to be in some kind of published research as an undergraduate. Is there anything in particular to do in order to try and make that happen for yourself, or is that something that most REUs would offer as a part of the REU itself?
Any other advice, suggestions, etc. that you have that you feel would help would be greatly appreciated
My college's physics society gave us a link to a REU site here: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiat...y=astrophysics&sort=search_api_relevance_DESC
It seems like there are a ton just on that site alone, but a few of the things I don't know about as far as applying for REUs:
1a) First and foremost, being a parent with shared custody of my children, I really don't want to leave them if I'm able to do something remotely from my home. How likely/unlikely are these REU programs to allow remote work?
1b) (if applicable) If the majority will require me to be there at their location, is the travel and housing to travel and stay there something financial aid can help cover?
2) I see from that site each one has their own application instructions, but I wanted to ask above and beyond filling out the application, what is suggested as far as a REU request/proposal? What really tends to get you to stand out (other than pointing out that you've done your research into exactly what they do there, and why it appeals to you)?
3) Is it feasible to reach out to specific organizations I might be interested in that don't openly offer REUs and see if I can get engaged with them in some way? If so, tying into 2, for those that don't currently have REUs, what would you suggest as far as an optimal approach?
4) I know ideally for grad school, you want to be in some kind of published research as an undergraduate. Is there anything in particular to do in order to try and make that happen for yourself, or is that something that most REUs would offer as a part of the REU itself?
Any other advice, suggestions, etc. that you have that you feel would help would be greatly appreciated