REU Application

Applications for the REU program are sought from undergraduate students who are interested doing physics research, and who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants should not have earned B.A. or B.S. degrees as of the start of the program. Women, members of underrepresented groups, U.S. veterans, and students from Universities with limited research programs are strongly encouraged to apply.

All applications should include:

• Two letters of recommendation
  • Recommenders will receive an email request for their letter within 24 hours of your application submission
• Personal Statement (approximately 500 words)
  • Layout:
    Include your full name and the date on all pages. Use 12-point font and 1" margins.
    Your essay should be divided into three paragraphs and should not exceed 500 words total.
    
    Part 1 - Interest in REU Program (approx. 200 words)
    Discuss how participation will fit into your goals (e.g. pursuit of graduate- or professional-level work in a specific discipline or area); what scientific questions intrigue you and why; and the area in which you would like to conduct research. Be specific about your interests, as this will help facilitate your placement.
    
    Part 2 - Background Profile (approx. 200 words)
    Talk about your life. What is your academic, personal, and service history; what are your special strengths, interests and qualities you will bring to the program; and what do you hope to gain from participating in the program.
    
    Part 3 - Biographical Sketch (approx. 100 words)
    Please write a short summary of your academic background; research and other interests; extracurricular and volunteer activities; and other items of possible personal interest that will help other students, faculty and staff to get to know you. The biographical sketch should be in a publishable format that is suitable for formal submission (such as to the National Science Foundation).
    Example Summary: Eve Archer is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, with a major in microbiology and a special interest in biophysics. Her future plans include a career that combines medicine and physics research. She is a dual citizen of Cameroon and the United States. Eve's hobbies include aerobics, music, reading, skydiving and community service.
• Unofficial Transcript

*Please note: The NSF strongly discourages programs from accepting students from their own University. If you are a University of Minnesota, Twin Cities student, it is recommended that you apply to other programs.

Applications open November 1st and close January 31st.

Apply to the REU Program