Many of you know that right now I'm at the University of Connecticut participating in a summer REU program. I've tried to explain in several of my youtube videos what an REU is. However, I thought a written explanation on this topic specific might be beneficial.
An REU is a Research Experience for Undergraduates. Thats what the acronym stands for. In theory the concept is pretty straight forward. REU's are summer research programs designed to show potential graduate students what graduate school for research is like. That's the nuts and bolts of it. If the definition is all you came for then there you go.
But! If you are a college student struggling to figure out if research is right for you, then I would suggest sticking around to learn the specifics of REU's. Even if you aren't a college student, I would suggest sticking around because REU's are pretty cool.
Let's back up to why I applied for this REU. Around Christmas of 2018, I began struggling with the idea of medical school vs. graduate school. Up until that point I had been set on medical school. I have a history of panic attacks and sometimes when I'm really unsure of what to do, they get really bad.
I wasn't sure if medical school was right for me and I was having more panic attacks than usual. I approached my advisor and asked him about summer research. I wanted to see if graduate school was something I would enjoy. He mentioned to me that I should apply to REU's for the summer.
I'll be honest, at first I thought he was nuts. I had looked at REU's before and the deadlines for applying were coming up quick. I basically had one weekend to decide if I wanted to apply.
I thought really hard for that weekend and finally decided just to do it. Otherwise I would work as a CNA again for the summer which I didn't really want to do. So I asked a couple professors for letters of recommendation and I started applying.
While I was applying, I realized that I wanted to go to graduate school and eventually teach at the college level. I love teaching (hence the Teach Me to Science platform). But that's a story for another post.
All right so now that you know why I applied to a REU, let's get into the nitty gritty of what REU's are.
1. Find programs to apply to.
When I began applying to REU's I looked for a couple things.
- When the deadline was.
I applied pretty late and so there were only so many REU programs which still had applications open.
- Programs which interested me.
In general I was looking for a program which involved biochemistry to some degree. I also applied for several molecular biology and neurobiology REU programs.
*Be careful*
If you think neurobiology is very cool but you have absolutely no experience in the subject, it might be a stretch. I thought neurobiology was extremely interesting and so I applied for some programs just because. However, I have NO background in neurobiology so it was a bit of a tough sell. I got very lucky and was accepted into the program even though I lack the foundation that most of the students here have.
- If they required extra essay questions or just my personal statement.
This SHOULDN'T be the most important thing, but it is something to consider. If you're crunched for time, an extra essay or two can be the difference between getting your application in on time or not.
*******Tip*******
Apply to several programs AT LEAST. I applied to 13 different programs and I only got into this one. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, as they say.
A great place to find REU's.
*BE AWARE*
There is a huge resitriction for applying and that is that YOU HAVE TO BE AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT. Meaning, if you are a senior in college, you can't apply. Students who are just finishing their freshman year through their junior year are encouraged to apply to most REU programs.
2. Gather your materials for applying.
Here's a list of the things I needed:
- personal statement (an essay which is pretty general explaining your background and why you are applying to the program)
- 2 letter's of recommendation* (sometimes only one is required.)
- transcripts (official or unofficial, programs will specify which they prefer)
- Extra essay questions
- A complete application
******Tip*******
When writing your personal statement, leave room to adjust the statement for each REU program. It makes an impression if the program coordinators know that you wrote a statement specifically for their program.
3. Apply
Be sure to have your applications in by the deadlines. As you apply, email the people who are providing you letters of recommendation telling them you've applied. I made this mistake and probably didn't get into the REU I wanted most because of it. Also include any information they need such as where to submit the letter of recommendation.
4. Celebrate when you get in!
Getting into an REU is a huge accomplishment! Give yourself a pat on the back and then ENJOY the experience!
To follow me in my journey through my REU experience, check out my youtube channel or the video linked below!
youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0V2t1C64vHvk2_qTS-EqOQ
-Saren
Comments