I am a freshmen chemistry major, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to what internships or other summer programs to apply to. I have been looking into REU programs, but it seems like they are difficult for freshmen to get into.
They are difficult, but if you are flexible and apply to a fair few it is possible. More often, though, your home university is a good source of summer research opportunities.Go talk to your advisor/chem teacher(s) asap- it is deadline season and you need to get your skates on.
Look into unpaid positions at colleges near your home, as well. Even “non-research” colleges have faculty with research ideas – and at that sort of school they often lack for graduate students to run ideas to ground over the summer.
Actually, at this stage, if you are a strong chem student, I only you should look for paid internships. If none of them pan out unpaid is the next best thing (obviously!). Many colleges - poss including yours- have a fund for that.
For REU applications, what should I discuss in my statement of research interest? I have no prior research experience, so I am currently basing my research interests of off coursework and off the research that professors at my university have talked about.