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. For summer 2026, all our REU positions are NSF-funded, and international students are not eligible.

Are BU students eligible?
Only non-BU students are eligible for the REU program. Opportunities for BU students can be found on our website. 

Can current seniors in college apply?
Current seniors who will graduate in May 2026 are not eligible to apply for summer 2026. 

How does this program accommodate students with disabilities?
Boston University is committed to supporting the academic, social, and cultural integration of individuals with disabilities. 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?
Research projects will be uploaded throughout the winter and spring. Please refer to our Past Projects to see the types of projects we offer.

How are students matched with labs?
Summer research projects typically contribute to ongoing projects underway in the labs. The pairing of an REU student with a research group is based on information provided by the student in their application. In some cases, we will contact “REU finalists” and ask them to rank their top choices for faculty mentors and projects.

When is the application deadline?
Applications are due March 15 at 11:59 p.m.

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

Is the 2026 REU application available on the NSF ETAP website?
Our 2026 REU application is only available here, on this BU website. Because we use a single application for three programs, we cannot use the ETAP application system.

What makes an application stand out?
Honesty, passion, and your own voice are greatly appreciated by our reviewers. We suggest that you don’t rely on ChatGPT to write your open-ended answers. You are much better than ChatGPT at expressing why and how you will be a good fit for our program.

We also like to see that an applicant has done their research and can tell us why our program would be a good fit for them. Clearly mention how this specific program will help you achieve your goals. Although “gaining scientific research experience” and “preparing for graduate school” are excellent reasons to do an REU program, try to be more specific about why a research project with our program (vs. another) will specifically help you achieve your goals. You want your application to stand out to us as someone who would really benefit from our program.

Do we need to send an official transcript or unofficial transcript?  Letters of recommendation?
An unofficial transcript is OK. We will need to receive one letter of recommendation from a professor, research advisor, or academic mentor who knows you well and can speak to your academic strengths, research skills, or professional potential.

What are the selection criteria? What is the selection process?
Applications are reviewed by staff and faculty. Reviewers look for a good fit between applicants’ interests and goals and our program. We consider the impact this REU may have on applicants’ career paths and the qualities, characteristics, and skills that applicants might bring to the REU program as a result of their prior experiences.

When do students find out if they’ve been accepted into the REU program?
We work on a rolling admissions basis, and some offers will be made before the March 15 deadline, potentially as early as mid-February. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. All final decisions will be made by mid-April.

If I am not accepted for this REU program, can I receive feedback on my application?
Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of applicants, we are not able to give individual feedback to applicants.

Is the starting date flexible
The start date is not flexible. 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 REU program on time.

Is housing provided?
On-campus housing is included. 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?
A meal plan is not provided. REUs are expected to use their stipend to cover meal costs. REU apartments will have small kitchens and are located a short walk from grocery stores and restaurants. Students have the option to independently purchase a campus meal plan, but campus dining options are considerably scaled back at BU during the summer.

Will I have a roommate?
Dorm apartments are multi-occupancy, and you will likely have a roommate.

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

Can I take a summer course while participating in the REU program?
The REU program requires a full-time commitment and 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.