<p>Sorry. I was a bit recondite in my comment.</p>
<p>Specifically, I was referring in the broadest sense to (1) "good" students learning how to (2) pick the REU and the mentor (investigation + common sense + some educated guesses, "homework"). It was merely an allusion implying that an important part of the REU process is the grunt work that comes with deciding where to apply. No reflection intended on you or your work ethic, neither of which I'm familiar with at all. Again, I apologize.</p>
<p>For a student, it helps to find a mentor in the proper setting who knows the ropes -- has had success getting students published and has a history with particular journals. Even that will not guarantee publication but can increase the odds; i.e., you, personally, are already a "good" student for doing the "homework" behind choosing the school you've selected. </p>
<p>You also bring up an excellent point that deserves some attention: the nature of research. Sometimes it's successful and sometimes not; it goes where it goes. Often it's just as "simple" as building on the literature -- "We tried A, B, and C, none of which worked but which pointed to the need for further investigation of fill-in-the-blank" -- so that colleagues will know which blind alleys to avoid.</p>
<p>A lot of research can be mindnumbingly mundane, like crunching vast amounts of numbers, say, or spending tedious hours in the lab. It still has to be done. </p>
<p>The ability to persevere with grace and determination in the aftermath of failure, without sacrificing enthusiasm -- and still remain alert to the possibility of the unexpected -- is an essential character trait for researchers. The ability to independently educate oneself broadly and deeply, think in unconventional ways, collaborate with more- and less-experienced team members, and remain unawed by the process and the people is important, too. At the end, results and conclusions still have to be communicated, both orally and in writing. Often all this is without glory (e.g., publication). Not everyone is suited to the vagaries of research. </p>
<p>Undoubtedly, there are plenty of kids who won't do well in REUs or other research experiences like SURFs. Some don't have the work ethic and/or academic foundation. Some find out research is just not for them, or they wind up in a suboptimal situation. It isn't always tied to whether or not they get published quickly because most will not, especially if the investigation is ongoing and/or with a succession of collaborators. The possibility of publication, along with the heady exhilaration of discovery itself, are strong motivators; but experience with both success and failure is what separates the eagle scouts from the cub scouts. </p>
<p>There's another benefit to student researchers, however: oral or poster presentation of results at conference. It's a great chance to network with other students, professionals, and recruiters. REU sites put the abstracts online, and lots of people read them.</p>
<p>Opportunties like REUs offer neophyte researchers a terrific chance to test out their training wheels in a supportive, low-risk environment. And preview grad schools, I might add. (It's not as if the REU sites don't use the app as a rudimentary screen for future grad students, either.)</p>
<p>I wish you only the best in the future. I'll be on the lookout for news about a guitar-playing astronomer who most definitely is NOT yet senile.... :)</p>
<p>***[Aside to bookiemom: Can your D find a mentor at her school, maybe someone who will give her a chance to help with some research? Prior experience is extremely helpful; it doesn't have to be earth-shattering. Can she concentrate on sites that encourage women applicants, as many do? Maybe she'd have the best chance at a very large school that accepts a number of students to different REUs or one in an out-of-the-way locale that might not appeal to many students. Many sites, as terms of their NSF agreement, cannot accept their own students. Dr. Reynolds, a prof at a small state school, posts over on the engineering board here and might be able to give some advice.]</p>
<p>***[Apologies, too, to Newbyreborn for the hijack. Maybe someone at your school can help identify programs available through the Canadian government?]</p>
<p>[/prolixity]</p>