<p>Can somebody tell me what REU is and what the program entails? Also, could I apply for it after my freshman year - for that summer? How competitive is it? Thanks!</p>
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<p>Generally, the point of a lot of REU programs is to get students that can’t pursue research at their home institutions a chance to perform it elsewhere. So, if you’re at a school that doesn’t really have any chances to do research they won’t hold it against you.</p>
<p>@jobforme, I conducted funded cancer research along with a research professor last summer and got a paper out of it, but that was high school. </p>
<p>@RacinReaver, so if I do go to an institution that is known for research, I probably won’t be accepted? </p>
<p>Thanks for the posts, guys!</p>
<p>Yeah, that’s usually the case, but apply anyways.</p>
<p>You should apply, especially if you got a paper and are thinking about science/medicine.</p>