<p>The NSF-REU program is wonderful, but it is not that easy to get in the internships. They are very competitive. My D applied to 10 internships, each requiring a separate application comparable to a college application. She had great grades and recommendations, but goes to a smaller state college with no "ins" from any professor in the programs. She was not accepted to any of the internships. It was quite heartbreaking for her.</p>