REU or Cornell for Summer

Career Opportunities & Internships
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<p>I am currently a sophomore Engineering Physics student at Cornell U. I am looking for some advice on what to do this summer. I was offered a job doing research with the Nanotechnology group that I am currently involved with here at Cornell, but I am also interested in some REU programs. I think I could get the same pay at both, but I'm not sure which would be better for me as a student. On the one hand, I could get diversity and experience with students from around the country at an REU, but on the other hand, the research would have to start AND stop in 10 weeks. I could work on developing a project and relationship this summer that I could keep going all year at Cornell.</p>

<p>REU's I was looking at are University of Minnesota, NIST in Maryland, and Rice in TX. I am interested currently in nano and medical physics. However, I'm not sure this is want I will always want to do. Is it possible to do an REU in something like astrophysics or something like that if I have a rec from a nanotech professor?</p>

<p>Anyway, and insight would be really helpful. It's about time for me to start applying to REU's.</p>

<p>PS I have a 3.7 with a good amount of math/science, but I got a C- freshman year in calc (A's since in everything). What types of REU's are in my range for admission?</p>

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<p>Hey, I'm a frosh (with soph) status applying for some REUs and SURFs too. You should remember that you already have a strength of courseload advantage coming from Cornell. But temper this by noting that the essay is a critical part of the application. Why you want to pursue studies at a specific institution is the most critical part of the application. Despite the opportunities offered by the NSF REU program the reason more students do NOT participate is because they are deterred by the essays. </p>

<p>If you are interested in pursuing some more individually focused research, I would recommend applying to CalTech's SURF program.</p>

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<p>I'd second the Caltech SURF program. Astronomy prof there is exceptional in expertise & personality.</p>