So I’m majoring in mathematics and I know I will need to do research a lot in order to appeal to top grad schools (note: I don’t only want to do this for admissions purpose, I also just really like math). Anyway, I’m entering as a freshman undergrad this fall and I want to know how soon I’d be able to start getting research experience and applying to programs like summer REU’s. I figured that most ‘prereqs’ for getting involved in research would be based more on how much math you’ve been exposed to rather than what year you were in, so I’d also like to know what courses do most math majors have completed by the time they start participating in research (Whether it be throughout the school year, or over summer).
I’ll be entering my freshman year having already taken the standard calc sequence, LA, DE, PDE, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Topology, and 2 semesters Algebra… and so far I think I’ll be taking number theory, graduate algebra, and maybe differential geometry my first year (not 100% sure though, I haven’t scheduled classes officially)… so I’m hoping I would be prepared enough after my first year to be applying to programs (and if not summer programs elsewhere, maybe with a professor at my university, I’m still new to this so I’m unsure), but I’m still feeling disheartened because I’ve seen a lot of those who do apply to do research are upperclassmen, and not so much freshmen or even sophomores.
D is doing a Math/CS/Chem research project this summer after just completing freshman year. I don’t know all her classes but I know she completed Calc3, Linear Algebra, Reasoning and Discreet Structures and Org Chem1. I would think it would depend on the school.
I see, well that’s heartening to hear. I’ll probably discuss it more with professors once I’ve become acquainted with some, I just want to make sure I’m not going to come off as over eager yet under prepared
I got into a research project during my first semester. I’m a cs major but the research was through engineering. My programming skills got me in. Don’t be afraid to email professors and ask about joining in. They love undergrads because we’re free labour.
Given your advanced background, I think you’ll be able to get into an REU for next summer, although some programs may reject you in order to accept rising seniors who won’t have another chance. I would recommend applying to at least ten programs. There are some programs that specifically target rising sophomores and juniors (such as [url=<a href=“http://www.valpo.edu/mathematics-statistics/academics/verum-summer-research-program/%5DVERUM%5B/url”>http://www.valpo.edu/mathematics-statistics/academics/verum-summer-research-program/]VERUM[/url] at Valparaiso University).
If you’re an American citizen or permanent resident, you’ll probably be able to find an REU if you follow the advice above even though you’ll be at some disadvantage your first year. Spots with funding at many places are limited for non US citizens, though. If you are just looking for undergrad research and not an REU per se, then citizenship won’t matter nearly as much. Additionally, most REU’s I know don’t allow graduated seniors to attend, so you are only competing against rising juniors and seniors. I know of one that allowed a high school student to attend, without funding.
I would add it is a good idea to get to know at least one professor by visiting office hours (and asking good questions) so you can ask for a letter of recommendation. Also, when the time comes, don’t focus on the prestige of the institutions running the REU. Focus on finding ones that match your interests and qualifications.
Some REUs are more prestigious than others ([here[/url] is a short list of some really well-known programs), but this isn’t related to the prestige of the institutions offering them. Arguably the [url=<a href=“http://www.d.umn.edu/math/graduates/%5Dbest”>http://www.d.umn.edu/math/graduates/]best REU](https://blogs.princeton.edu/mathclub/guide/summer/reus/) is offered by the [University of Minnesota at Duluth](http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-minnesota-duluth-2388), which is a regional university with no Ph.D. program. You should understand, of course, that there is no such thing as a less-selective REU: almost all of them have acceptance rates below ten percent.
I wouldn’t worry about prestige when you’re choosing where to apply, except to the extent that you should apply to some REUs at universities where you’d like to attend graduate school (since they will allow you to make connections). If you get into multiple programs and need help making a decision, I would recommend seeking the advice of professors at your university.
As far as recommendation letters, my limited experience (junior math major) has indicated that it helps to focus on professors who are active researchers and have connections with other schools. I’m attending a math REU this summer, and I think I was accepted partially because my mentors are familiar with my recommender’s work and saw that I was interested in it.