<p>Does anyone have experience applying to REU's? I'm not exactly sure how to go about writing these personal and research statements. I mean for example, one simply says to try to convince them why I would be a best fit.</p>
<p>However I don't know the exact writing style that they are looking for. Is it similar to college app essays in that it is supposed to be eye catching and tell a story? Or is it more like trying to brag to them and tell them why you're so awesome?</p>
<p>If anyone has any past ones they have written that they'd be willing to post or PM me, that would also be very much appreciated!</p>
<p>Keep it on topic. Tell them what you are hoping to get out of the REU, what your plans are for the future (e.g. grad school) and what you can contribute to the project. Elaborate on any past research experience or significant projects you worked on (e.g. final projects for a class) and mention special skills (e.g. programming languages you know). Maybe take one paragraph to tell a short story about one instance of your college work that highlights one of your strength (e.g. creative problem-solving, the ability to work independently without constant supervision, or the ability to collaborate with a group). </p>
<p>That’s probably the best you can do. My REU adviser said that he picked his students primarily from the letters of recommendation. He only looked at our personal statements to see if we could talk coherently about our past work and to see if we have a sense of purpose and direction (“where do I want to go and how would this REU help me get there?”).</p>