is it bad if your undergrad REU essay sounds like a grad student research proposal?

<p>Would it show that you are more mature, focused, and passionate, or should essays talk more about general experiences, etc.?</p>

<p>the hell is an REU essay</p>

<p>Is the essay prompt “Please write a research proposal”? Because otherwise, yes, sounding like a research proposal is bad.</p>

<p>Your essay should convey two points: that you really want to participate in this particular program, and what you can contribute to the program in return. For example, if you have some relevant technical experience that many of your peers would not have, that’s worth mentioning.</p>

<p>The exact format of your statement should depend on the format and goal of the program you are applying to. If you are applying to an REU with individual student projects, an application essay that sounds like a research proposal might be very appropriate. If you would be working with a group of students on a project assigned by a professor, there’s really nothing to “propose.”</p>

<p>it’s also like “write about your interests and career goals”…</p>

<p>I don’t really know how to explain my career goals beyond saying that I like scientific research a lot and explaining the importance and significance of my research interests.</p>

<p>No, it says that you are incapable of understanding instructions and making basic decisions on your own.</p>

<p>how would you write about your research interests? I mean, it doesn’t sound like a research proposal research proposal. I keep my language accessible. What I mean is that the focus of the essay is rather like one in the sense that I’m trying to convey my passion for research and scientific investigation and you should allow me to join this program because I will be making contributions in these highly valuable but understudied areas.</p>

<p>sometimes I toss in a little childhood story in there (length permitting) </p>

<p>still my essay tends to be idea-dominated rather people-dominated… like I’m really into concepts and less into “so this is what I did when I was x years old…”</p>

<p>seriously could someone enlighten us plebes on what an REU is?</p>

<p>research experience for undergraduates</p>

<p>it gets funded by the NSF</p>

<p>ok how does this essay sound</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>top 10char</p>

<p>I’m a second-year by graduation date but fourth-year by credit standing… actually I don’t know whether to mention this or not.</p>

<p>ok thanks for the contribution</p>

<p>Why not just ask one of the professors that’s writing you a recommendation to read through it and get their opinion.</p>