Here are responses to some frequently asked questions about our REU.
- What can you do to make your application more attractive to us?
1. Most important: take advanced classes in subjects such as combinatorics, algebra, topology, representation theory, algebraic geometry. Graduate courses are even better.
2. Reading courses supervised by faculty who can write a letter are also good.
3. Previous research experience is good (but not mandatory), especially if the topic was somewhat algebraic.
4. Get A-s on your math courses.
5. If you are not in one of the top departments in the country, you still have a good chance of getting into our REU.
6. A heartfelt personal statement of interest in your application - that shows that you know a little about our REU and it aligns with your personal interests in mathematics - can help a lot.
- We do not decide on specific research questions until the end of Spring. The best way to predict the type of questions we will pose is to look at the reports from previous years.
- The admission to the REU is highly competitive. The best and only way to get in is to apply. Currently all applications are being done through http://www.mathprograms.org.
- The Summer REU is a full-time commitment for its duration.
- We do not accept graduating seniors, nor do we accept Master students.
- We insist on you being present for the entire duration of the program. If your final exam schedule does not allow for that, we regrettably will not be able to accommodate you.
- The starting date for the REU varies year to year, be sure to have the correct date for the year you are applying.
- We do take international students. The funding we provide for international students may be smaller than for the US citizens and green card holders. This has to do with NSF rules attached to our grants. Recently we have been able to provide what we consider a decent level of funding for international students.
- In our REU team effort is important: we offer about twice less problems than there are participants, so teams are unavoidable. Be prepared to work with others, which includes being courteous and respectful to everybody on the team.