<p>REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates).</p>
<p>Does anyone know about this program? There are so many universities with REUs, so how many of them should one apply to? Also, how selective are they and what do they expect? Will they look down upon a freshman with only single-variable honors calculus and linear algebra, mechanics/E&M/waves, and first year honors general chemistry? (as opposed to multivariable calculus, organic chemistry, and quantum physics?) I'm currently a high school sophomore going into university next year so I would love to be enlightened with information about REUs.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Also - is prior research experience required? It would be my first experience in actual research. And are students applying from the same university hosted by the REU advantaged? Also - are any of them friendly to freshman who aren't so exceptional?</p>
<p>My D applied to five REUs for this summer and was not accepted to any of them. She is a soph. and about where you are in classes now. The REUs are primarily for college juniors and seniors (and I think that really means college seniors) to encourage them to go on to grad school.</p>
<p>One of her letters said she wasn't far enough along in her classes for their program. The programs are VERY selective--about 5% admittance for the programs she applied to, 10 applicants for each space.</p>
<p>I do think you might have an advantage at getting into a program from the college you attend, if you have some contact with one of the participating professors. I think some students are "invited" into the programs based on what I have read on some threads in the parents section.</p>
<p>My D was quite discouraged by being turned down by all five programs, and I don't think she will apply again. I think you should wait till you are a rising junior or senior in college before applying. Also, you would have to be 18 before attending an on-site program--many of them supply housing in college dorms or some other facility.</p>
<p>Dang... That is really discouraging... REUs as selective as RSI. Do you know if certain REUs are less competitive than the ones as competitive as RSI? I think I'll apply to some in freshman year for practice and then become serious once I'm a rising sophomore.</p>
<p>I second that. What if one were to pull of A's and B's in tough courses at Cornell Engineering? Make a difference? What about mid-road REU's for safeties?</p>