Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)

Picture this. You've wrapped up your third year of college, feeling strong but ready for a break. You spend two weeks back at home, soaking in some good home cooking, your siblings' company, and the sun that's finally decided to come out. After two weeks you hug your family farewell, and the adventure begins! You hop on a plane (ticket paid for!), to Boston Massachusetts, where you'll be participating in a 10-week research program focusing on biology. You'll spend the next 10 weeks immersed in learning about research, conducting research, presenting your findings, and much more. By the end you'll have learned a tremendous amount about research processes and your own specific interests, you'll have made lifelong friends from across the country, built mentorship relationships with experts in your field, and you're even thinking of grad school down the road...

This is the life of a student completing a Research Undergraduate Experience, or an REU, and it could be you! 

I have been continually amazed at the breadth and quality of research being performed by undergraduate students. The critical thinking skills, the passion, and the confidence they have in their work is impressive. But in students who have no history of higher education in their families, I have seen this confidence slip away only to be replaced by a certain type of anxiety, anxiety that is personal and emerges from the desire to pursue their own dreams while at the same time honoring their families expectations. Hope Medina

Hope Medina, Ph.D., is the first in her family to earn a college degree. She is currently the Director of Transfer and Veteran Services at UC Davis. She also coordinated the MURALS program at UC Davis, a pre-graduate opportunity program designed to enrich the research experience of students situationally disadvantaged in their access to graduate school. Click on the image above to read more about Hope's thoughts about discussing undergraduate summer research and graduate school with your family as a first-generation student. 

What are REUs?

REUs are competitive summer research programs for college students who are studying subjects in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields. They are funded by the National Science Foundation, and are typically 10 weeks long, with locations all around the country. 

Most REUs offer a generous stipend (around $4000-$6000) and pay for travel, housing, and food. 

To get an idea of what types of REUs are out there, take a look at the official list Links to an external site.of all REUs put together by the National Science Foundation. 

Why should I Apply?

Put simply, this truly could be a life-changing opportunity. REUs are a chance to get hands-on experience in your area of study, working alongside experts in the field and students from different universities. Sounds pretty awesome, right?!

Here are a few more reasons we think REUs are worth applying too:

  • Professional development & building your academic foundation
  • Contribute to valuable research and innovation
  • Making connections with faculty in your field of interest
  • Learn more about graduate school and the opportunities ahead
  • Travel, make new friends, and have fun!

The Process of Applying 

If you're reading this during your senior year of high school, you still have some time before you begin applying for REUs. But we don't want you to miss out on this opportunity, which is why we're telling you about it now. The application process can be pretty intensive, as each REU has separate applications and deadlines. Plus, REUs are highly competitive, so it is recommended to apply to more than one. 

We recommend starting the process of applying to REUs early, and we love Download this handy checklist

of everything you'll need to do the year leading up to your REU that the Institute for Broadening Participation (an organization geared toward increasing diversity in the STEM fields) put together! 

I realized that initiative went a long way. If I stayed focused and learned how to work in lab teams, I would be okay. This experience was much more than a typical college class; it offered me a new scientific outlook on the world. It made me realize that the only one who could hold me back was me. Dianna Lizarraga

Diana Lizarraga, Ed.D., is a Student Equity & Success STEM Leader for Cal NERDS (New Experiences for Research and Diversity in Science) at UC Berkeley. She has done extensive work and research in supporting underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Click the image above to read an article she wrote about "The Benefits of an Undergraduate Research Experience" and her personal experience as a transfer student and re-entry, low-income, minority, female student in science. 

A Note on Underrepresented Groups in STEM

Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "I couldn't possibly be good enough...this opportunity just isn't made for me." We understand why you might be feeling this way. It can be incredibly intimidating to apply to a competitive research program, especially when Women, people of Color, and first-generation college students are all underrepresented in STEM fields.

We want you to know that you ARE good enough. And this opportunity really is for you.

Many REU sites are trying to change the landscape of the demographics in STEM fields by making sure that everyone has an equal chance to access these opportunities, and supporting you along the way.  

Your perspective and experience matters, and an REU could be a chance to shine.