Summer Research Programs

Links to Programs

NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). This is your main resource!! It is the list of all colleges and universities which are holding mathematics REUs this summer. From this list, you can go to the individual sites to find more details. Deadlines are usually in February and March so apply soon!
Summer Mathematics Program for Women Undergraduates at Carleton College. This is an exciting program for women after their first or second year of college.
NSA-sponsored Director's Summer Program for Undergraduates.
Park City Mathematics Institute - Undergraduate Summer School.
Rutgers DIMACS, DyDAn, and Math Department REUs. The DyDAn program is also available to foreign students attending US universities.
Summer Undergraduate Applied Mathematics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University

Tips for successful application to REUs and other programs

Applications are generally due early in the spring semester. Begin browsing the various programs using the links above and forming a list over the winter break.
These programs are getting more competitive, so plan to apply to at least 5-10 programs. Your professors can help you select good summer programs.
Don't be afraid to send a polite email to the professor in charge of the program you are interested in to ask questions about the topic and let them know of your interest. You may or may not get a reply, but your interest might make your application get a second look.
You will probably need letters of recommendation. Here are some points of etiquette when asking a professor to write your letter.
- Be sure to request these well in advance of the deadline. Your professor will be much happier with 3 weeks notice than 3 days notice, and you want a happy professor writing your letter!
- Give your professors a formal or informal resume which lists the math courses you have taken (and your grades) and describes any other math/science activities (competitions, tutoring, math club, etc.). You should also include a brief statement about what aspects of your selected programs interest you. This will help the professors to write a stronger, more detailed letter.
- Provide a list of each program for which you are requesting a letter and its deadline.
- Verify the format each program wants for the recommendation letters and provide that information to your writers. For the programs that want mailed letters, provide addressed envelopes. For programs that want online or emailed letters, send your writers an email with the appropriate links or email addresses.