<p>Among summer REU programs, is there any kind of aversion toward students who have already completed a prior REU? am wondering whether or not I should list my REU experience in the application. Would a program be less willing to take me on because I have already learned various skillsets and have already financially supported by the NSF? </p>
<p>Along the same lines, should my last REU mentor be one of the application writers? </p>
<p>Woops. Should my mentor be a letter of recommendation writer?*</p>
<p>I think you should definitely put it on there.
There are REU’s that give preference to people with little research experience and no previous REU under their belt. However, they’re going to ask you if you participated in previous REU’s anyhow.</p>
<p>It’s very common to do multiple REUs. After your first, you’ll have that research experience plus another year of classes under your belt, which makes you a stronger candidate for more competitive REUs. Definitely list the REU on your application and use the mentor for a letter of recommendation!</p>