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All participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. REU participants must:
Be a rising college sophomores, juniors and seniors. Graduating seniors are not eligible.
Not be a BU, FIU, or UM student. Students from these universities are not eligible for REU positions, but are eligible for non-REU research opportunities and should contact CELL-MET at infonerc@bu.edu, to be connected with appropriate faculty researchers.
Community college students are encouraged to apply!

Unofficial transcript is OK for undergraduate applicants.

We work on a rolling admissions basis. Applications are reviewed based on research goals and interests, as well as what a student will bring to the project. Candidates are notified as soon as possible after selection. We expect to notify all applicants no later than April 30. We would appreciate you letting us know if you have accepted another offer for summer research as soon as you can.

Pairing of an REU student with a research group is based on the student’s personal statement. Upon acceptance of a position, all REU participants are given an opportunity to rank project interest for the coming summer. A second level of review based upon research rigor and student experience will be used to complete the match. Communication with the student prior to arrival once a match is found allows the REU participant and the faculty/graduate student mentor an opportunity to start discussing the project before the summer begins.

Only in rare circumstances, it may be possible to adjust the starting date.

Free on-campus housing is included for the ten weeks of the REU program. Boston University typically houses REU students in apartment-style residences that are conveniently located within walking distance to the Photonics Center and buildings and labs. Apartments vary in size, are furnished, and include kitchens. Students also have the option to independently purchase a dining plan and eat in the dining facilities available on campus. Special needs can be accommodated upon notification as well. At FIU and UM, dormitory housing and a meal-plan are included. Move in date is the Friday before the program starts before 5 pm, move out date is Saturday at the end of the program by noon.

Yes. All accommodations are multiple-occupancy. Therefore, you will have at least one roommate who will also be an REU student

We strongly recommend against having a car for the summer. The public transportation systems and other independent vendors are excellent. The given travel subsidy may not cover all of your driving expenses.

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