Frequently Asked Questions

NSF REU participants must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident. BU-funded REU opportunities (Materials Science and Photonics “PURSuE”) are open to all students at US colleges, including non-citizens and international students. International students must be attending a U.S university on a F-1 Visa.

No, only non-Boston University students are eligible.

The REU program is open to college 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.

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 as having a disability to apply. Students may choose whether and how they disclose their disability or any specifics related to their disability. However, in order to support your research, we will need to 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.

Projects will be uploaded throughout the spring. It may be useful to refer to our Past Summer Projects and Past Participants pages to understand the types of projects we offer.

Applications are due March 15 at 11:59 p.m.

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

Unofficial transcript is OK.

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

We work on a rolling admissions basis. We would appreciate you letting us know if you have accepted another offer for summer research as soon as you can.

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

The application and letter of recommendation are due by March 15. However, applications will be considered on a rolling basis (meaning they will be reviewed upon receipt and 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 early April.

Free on-campus housing is included for the ten weeks of the program. Boston University typically houses REU students in apartment-style residences that are conveniently located within walking distance to the Photonics Center and other science and engineering buildings and labs. Apartments vary in size, are furnished, they include small kitchens and are located a short walk from a grocery store 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 as well.

Yes. All apartments are multiple-occupancy. Therefore, you will most likely have one roommate.

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 you a spot. The travel subsidy does not cover summer parking.

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

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, and BU holidays include Juneteenth and July 4.

The pairing of an REU student with a research group is based on the student’s personal statement. 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. The research represents actual projects that will contribute in some way to the work already being conducted in the labs.