The Duluth REU program was founded by Joe Gallian in 1977; it has run every year since then except for 1978. Two graduate-student advisors and several other REU alumni visit the program in order to interact mathematically and socially with the students, creating a community of peers that transcends generations. The program provides a unique experience that encourages students to work individually on research problems in combinatorics and combinatorial number theory. Occasionally, students will also collaborate with each other or with advisors or visitors. Our expectation is that each student will write at least one article based on their work from the REU and that each such article will be published in a well-regarded journal. Each week, students give talks in which they present their progress. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to practice mathematical communication. There is also a field trip each week; the field trips include hiking, alpine sliding, rafting, trampolining, ice skating, and picnicking. Duluth is a stunningly beautiful city that overlooks Lake Superior. It boasts cool summer weather, clean air, and clean water that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. UMD has furnished apartments with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. Each student will have their own room. The program rents cars that students can use to do whatever they want (students do not need to pay for the cars or for gas).
Selection of participants is based on letters of recommendation, a personal statement, performance in high school mathematical competitions and the Putnam Competition, and course work. While competition math is often a great predictor of success in the program, it is not foolproof. Many students who have done outstanding work in the program did not finish in the top 500 of the Putnam Competition or did not take it at all. Enthusiasm and work ethic are as important as raw talent. A special interest in combinatorics and the ability to interact well with others are also important considerations.
There are several important facets of being a successful research mathematician. These include
being able to solve problems,
being able to understand and apply deep mathematical concepts,
being able to formulate interesting ideas and find good research problems,
being able to communicate clearly and effectively (both through writing and oral presentations),
having motivation, perseverance, and a strong work ethic,
being able to work well with others.
It is important to be aware of both your strengths and weaknesses among these facets. Being aware of your weaknesses will allow you pinpoint where you should improve. Being aware of your strengths will give you confidence. It is great if your application highlights all of your strengths (it doesn't need to highlight your weaknesses). For example, if you have already written a research paper and posted it online, that shows us that you are motivated enough to actually write up your results. (Shockingly, many students don't do this!) In addition, we can assess your writing skills by looking at your paper.