Research Experience for Undergraduates in Photonics - FAQs -

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen?

Yes. REU participants must be U.S. citizen's or permanent residenst.

Do I have an advantage as a BU student?
No. A small number of BU students are accepted each year into the program, but the majority of participants are from other colleges and universities from around the country.

Is there an application fee?

No, there is no fee to apply for the REU program.

What are the selection criteria? What is the selection process?
Applications are reviewed by the program coordinators and the faculty members sponsoring the 1st and 2nd choice projects indicated by the student. Reviews are based on current GPA, research goals and interests, and what the students will add to the project. Candidates are notified as soon as possible after selection.

What if I can't decide on one project? Will I be considered for any project?
Not generally. It is required that you make a primary choice.

What if I can't begin the program on June 2nd because I have final exams at my home school that end later than June 2nd?

While we'd like all REU students to participate the full 10 weeks of the program, we understand that this may not be possible due to a conflicting school schedule. In this case, we encourage students to apply, as long as they do not miss more than one week of the program.

Do my letter of recommendation and official transcript need to arrive in the same envelope?
No, that is not necessary; they can arrive separately or together.

Can you tell me if I am a finalist?

No. All applications are reviewed by individual faculty members after the February deadline according to each professor's particular availability. Applications are not ranked and faculty choices are generally unknown before an individual offer is made. We do hope to make our first round of offers by early April.

I was offered a summer research position at another institution, but my first choice is Boston University. What should I do? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Faculty review over 500 applications in approximately two weeks time so that we can make offers as quickly as possible. While we empathize with the dilemma of whether or not to accept a position that was offered first, we are unable to give individuals any indication of whether they will be accepted into the BU program before an actual offer is made.

When will I be notified if I have been accepted into the REU program or not?
We expect to notify all applicants no later than May 1st.

Where will I live at Boston University?

Free on-campus housing is included for the 10-weeks of the program. Boston University typically houses all REU students in on-campus apartments in what is call "South Campus". South Campus is conveniently located in short walking distance to all Engineering buildings and labs. Apartments come in a variety of configurations (1, 2 or 3 bedrooms) completely furnished and includes a kitchen. Students also have the option to purchase a meal plan and eat in the many dining facilities available on campus.

Will I have a roommate?

Yes. All rooms are double-occupancy. Therefore, you will have a roommate and you may also have additional housemates depending on whether you are assigned to a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom unit.

Will I live with other REU students?

Yes. In most cases, your roommates/housemates will be other REU students.

How does the travel subsidy work?
We have a limited budget for travel subsidies. In general, we will be able to reimburse students for round-trip airfare to Boston, economy class. Students participating in the program will be asked to save all receipts, and will receive the subsidy towards the end of the program.

Should I bring a car to campus?
We recommend strongly against having a car in Boston for the summer, for a few reasons: the public transportation system is excellent, parking stickers are expensive ($22.89/week), and do not guarantee you a spot, and the travel subsidy may not cover all of your driving expenses.

Can I take a summer course while in the REU program?

No. The REU program requires a full-time commitment that does not allow time for additional summer course work.

If you still have questions:

• Send us mail at reu@bu.edu, or
• Call us at 617-353-6447 or 1-800-578-1223