REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates).

<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>Howdy... I recently just applied to a few REUs for bioengineering... MIT, USC, UPenn... and I think that previous research is quite important. If you're going to be a freshmen in college, you don't qualify for most REUs... they want sophomores and juniors in college. Anyways, you can PM me if you have more questions.</p>

<p>Ahh, I see... Are you currently a soph or junior? Also - umm, do a lot of people who get into REUs do high school research ? Are REUs the most prestigious research programs an undergraduate can do?</p>

<p>well, you don't have to have prior research experience. Moreover, one can do research informally too. Like take a class with a prof. and ask him if you can get some research experience with him. It's a lot easier after your sophomore year to do that, otherwise you have to read ahead.</p>

<p>if you want to know more, pm me.</p>