Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible if I am NOT a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident?
NSF REU participants must be U.S. citizens or Permanent residents. BU-funded REU opportunities (Materials Science and Photonics “PURSuE”) are open to all students at U.S. colleges, including non-citizens and international students. International students must be attending a U.S. university on an F-1 Visa.

Are BU students eligible?
No, only non-Boston University students are eligible for the REU Program. Opportunities for BU students can be found on our website. 

Can current seniors in college apply?
The REU program is open to undergraduate students. Applicants must be college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or community college students. Students in their senior year are not eligible to apply if they will have earned their bachelor’s degree by the time of the REU. 

How does this program accommodate students with disabilities?
Boston University is committed to supporting the academic, social, and cultural integration of individuals with disabilities. We encourage any interested undergraduate student who identifies as disabled or having a disability to apply. Students may choose whether and how they disclose their disability or any relevant specifics. However, to support your research, we must work with you to ensure that appropriate accommodations are available and accessible. Any information disclosed to the program will be kept confidential. Participants are also encouraged to contact BU Disability & Access Services (DAS) to discuss support services and accommodations.

What research projects are available this year?
Projects will be uploaded throughout the spring. Please refer to our Past Projects and Participants page to understand the types of projects we offer.

How is a research group match decided?
The pairing of an REU student with a research group is based on the student’s personal statement. Communication with the student before arrival, once a match is found, allows the participant and faculty/graduate student mentor an opportunity to start discussing the project early. The research represents actual projects that will contribute in some way to the work already being conducted in the labs.

When is the application deadline?
Applications are due March 15 at 11:59 p.m. Applications are not complete until we receive your letter of recommendation.

Is there an application fee?
No, there is no fee to apply for the REU program.

Do we need to send an official transcript or unofficial transcript?
An unofficial transcript is OK.

What makes an application stand out?
The best applications stand out for their honesty, the thought the applicant has put into our REU program and application, and whether or not the applicant’s interests align with our program.

What are the selection criteria? What is the selection process?
Applications are reviewed based on research goals, interests, and how students will benefit from this experience and contribute to our research community. Applications are reviewed by a committee, candidates will be notified as soon as possible after selection.

When do students find out if they’ve been accepted into the REU program?
We work on a rolling admissions basis, some offers may be made before the March 15 deadline. That being said, applicants are encouraged to apply early. Final decisions will be made by mid-April.

We would appreciate you notifying us if you have accepted another offer as soon as you can.

Is the starting date flexible
No, if your semester end date overlaps with the program start date, you will be responsible for coordinating with your professors so that you can start the program on time.

Is housing provided?
Yes, on-campus housing is included for the ten weeks of the program. Boston University typically houses REU students in apartment-style residences conveniently located within walking distance to the Photonics Center and other science and engineering buildings and labs. Apartments vary in size and are furnished.

Is there a dining plan included?
No, REUs are expected to use their stipend to cover meal costs. Apartments will have small kitchens and are a short walk from grocery stores and restaurants. Students 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.

Will I have a roommate?
Yes, all apartments are multi-occupancy. Therefore, you will most likely have one roommate.

Should I bring a car to campus?
We strongly recommend against having a car in Boston for the summer. The public transportation system (MBTA) is excellent, parking permits are expensive, and do not guarantee a parking space. Our travel reimbursement does not cover summer parking.

Can I take a summer course while participating in the REU program?
No, the REU program requires a full-time commitment that does not allow time for additional summer coursework.

Can I take a vacation during the REU program?
Full-length vacations are not permitted during this REU program. The 10 weeks that participants have at BU will go fast! Participants may talk with their mentors if they wish to take a long weekend away from their lab. BU holidays include Juneteenth and July 4.