<p>I am looking for a little advise on REU's. My S1 is a Physics major and is thinking of going to grad school in Engineering to get a Masters. He is applying to REU's for the summer of 2014 in both Physics and Eng. I have no idea how difficult it is to get one of these internships. I know he is low man on the totem pole as he is a white male and these programs are trying for women and under represented minorities. How many should he apply to? Any other advise on how to land one of these would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>He should probably start very soon because deadlines are coming up fast and professors like to have a lot of notice for writing a rec letter. Most REU applications require 1-2 rec letters. And professors get busy and don’t always answer their emails. Getting a rec letter seems to be the determining factor for whether an REU application will even get done.</p>
<p>Thank you for responding! He has already lined up the letters of req and he has started to write applications. He will be a rising Junior next year. He is doing his best to try and identify programs that he really wants but might be tough to get into and ones that he thinks will be less tough - but how does one really tell? His plan is to apply to 6 or 8 - is this enough? How many do people apply to?</p>
<p>If your son searchs for REU sites at the NSF website, he can read the Abstract of Award for the programs that interest him under “Additional Information”. That may give him a clearer picture of what type of applicants that particular program is looking for. </p>
<p>Last year my non-minority son found one program in mechanical engineering and a medium sized midwestern school that really interested him. The Prof who wrote the rec letter was pessimistic about his chances, since he was only a sophomore and his gpa was 3.3. But he got in and had a great experience. </p>
<p>The group he was with was diverse in many ways. Ages ranged from rising sophomore to seniors. Schools represented ranged form a California CC to Ivy League. They were from various engineering majors, not just MECH, and came from all over the country…</p>
<p>This year my son is only applying to two programs They are in an area where he has a strong interest and can convey his passion in his personal statement.</p>
<p>Good luck to your son!</p>
<p>Thanks for your thoughts! It is nice to hear that kids do make it in! I found a Physics forum that had a lot of anecdotal stories. Looks like most kids applied to approx. 9 programs and that there were approx. 300 applications for 10 spots on average my cursory reading.</p>