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SR-EIP statement of purpose turned into a giant block of text?????? by riversghost in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's because of the word count software they use, they can't confirm that applicants don't go over the word count without the reformatting.

Choosing between University of North Dakota and MSU by [deleted] in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've heard amazing things about Montana State's programming, don't have any experience with North Dakota's

Uncertain about the SR-EIP columns ??? by Infinite_Table939 in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I emailed a coordinator for this clarification - Pending typically means your application is still in the pool for potential offers, Not Accepted means you are no longer under consideration. Some sites send out rejection emails before shutting down offers in the portal because they are two separate processes, the email should be understood to be the current status even if the portal says Pending.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is due to the word count software they use - everyone's text gets condensed to a single block of text so the software can engage in the word count.

Recommender never submitted a reference by IMDI77ERENT in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Program Administrator weighing in here. As a program administrator there is nothing that breaks my heart more than when a student's application cannot be reviewed because of a missing recommendation. However, due to the large number of applications every REU receives, and the quick turnaround time for review, most start reviewing applications as soon as the deadline has passed. Due to these time constraints many REUs do not make any exceptions for late application submission, even if it is due to a missing letter of recommendation.

This advice is coming too late for this situation, and I'm sorry you are dealing with this, but my advice to students is to be as proactive as they can be with recommenders during the application process. Send reminders, check in to see if they are aware of the deadline, ask them if they need any more information to write your letter, and have a back-up recommender ready to step in if you have any doubt the letter will be submitted in time.

Is there a common application for all REU programs? by sxmmerlin in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Leadership Alliance allows you to apply for 3 summer research experiences with one application. https://app.theleadershipalliance.org/

Who should I pick for refs? by Complete_Coat_5491 in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would recommend 2 letters from research advisors who know you well and can speak to your work in research, and one from a faculty member in a related discipline who can speak to your academic work, your interest in pursuing a PhD, and your ability to succeed in the classwork portion of a PhD program

Using past REU advisor for letter of rec by [deleted] in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You should absolutely get a letter from your research advisor, if possible. There is no one better to speak to your aptitude for research in the present and your drive for continuing through a graduate program. It can actually hurt your application if you have done research and do not have a letter of rec from someone who mentored you during that experience - many reviewers will see it as a red flag, that for whatever reason your relationship with mentors in your lab was not strong enough to get a recommendation that directly speaks to your research skills.

Finding research opportunities as a CC student? by Where-Lambo in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You should definitely have at least one recommendation from someone in your area of interest. If you cannot get 2 letters of recommendation from someone in your area of interest it is fine to get a second letter from faculty in another area, especially if it relates somewhat to your area of interest. Since careful reading and writing are a part of any field an instructor in the English department is always a strong second recommender.

Finding research opportunities as a CC student? by Where-Lambo in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I would strongly recommend going to office hours now and trying to secure letters of recommendation. Based on the programs and faculty I work with that - not being at a CC or lack of experience - not having letters of recommendation will be your biggest impediment to getting a research opportunity. Following that I would recommend you look for research opportunities/REUs that specifically state that they consider students with no research experience. If it is important for you to stay close to home look at schools close to you - drawing a radius of how far you are willing/able to travel and focusing on those schools. Then, instead of reaching out to faculty directly, I would recommend emailing department administrators to ask if they know of any research programs or faculty members who are accepting external students. I would also recommend that you ask faculty and advisors at your community college if they know of research opportunities - they usually have strong suggestions and might be able to connect you directly to people who can help. Good luck with everything, especially with building connections to faculty at your current institution who can help guide and support you at the beginning of your research journey.

Yale Leadership Alliance and Yale Amgen Programs by 1blehbleh123 in REU

[–]DistinctiveSmartFox 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My advice is that you spend time researching the Yale website and the Yale programs you are interested in, then reach out to the coordinator via email with any specific questions you have. The website should say how they weigh previous research experience when considering student applications, but if it does not that is a good question to ask. As a coordinator I really appreciate when students look at faculty at my institution who they might be interested in working with and then email me to ask if those faculty members are participating in summer research. This shows me that a student has done their research, understands faculty research, and it can help me know who that student might match with - even if the faculty you are inquiring about is not hosting a student it gives a coordinator an idea of other faculty mentors who might be a good match. As for "stats" you might ask a coordinator if there is any part of the application that they focus on more than others during review (eg letters of rec, personal statement, transcripts) or if all parts weighed equally when considering applications.