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Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
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This program is designed to provide outstanding undergraduates with the opportunity to pursue research under the tutelage of experienced faculty members. The NSF's REU website has more information about the REU program in general as well as other sites.
Program Expectations
Students work with a faculty member on a project of mutual interest for 8 weeks during the summer in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The REU is a full-time position: students are expected to work on mathematics (research, writing, giving/attending presentations, etc.) 40 hours each week. There are no set dates or topics. Students selected to participate will work with their faculty mentor to determine the project start and end date beginning after May 1st and ending by August 31st (or August 15th for non-UM students).
Each student will be required to give a 20-minute presentation on their project during one of our REU seminars. Students will also submit a 5-10 page written report about their project.
Projects
Projects range anywhere from math modeling in the sciences and engineering, running computer simulations or computer experiments to solving abstract and conceptual problems, depending on the background and the interests of student and faculty member. The REU Research Projects sites page includes some, but not all, of the research projects that are available to students.
Students may contact U-M faculty in their research area(s) with whom they are interested in working to see if they have any available projects.
Stipend
REU participants are paid a stipend of $5,600. Non-UM students are offered up to $1,500 towards housing and travel expenses.
Eligibility
- Applications are welcome from undergraduate students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree that will not be awarded before the conclusion of the REU program.
- NSF-funded participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Applications from women and underrepresented minority students are strongly encouraged.
International Students
U-M may have a limited amount of funding for non-resident non-citizens, however such funding is rare. If selected, international students will likely need to pursue CPT (Curricular Practical Training) from their home university (the institution that is sponsoring their F1 visa) in order to participate in the program.
Application
The application for U-M's Math REU opens November 25.
Application Deadline
Application materials must be submitted by 11:59pm EST February 3.
Selection Details
Applications will be reviewed starting on February 4 and will continue to be reviewed until all positions have been filled (usually by April). Students are selected to participate in the program based on their research interests and mathematical background. Students who are offered REU positions will have at least one week to decide whether to accept or decline offers, but not before March 8. We may tender offers to students at any time after the application deadline, but students will not be required to decide before March 8.
If you have any questions about U-M's REU program, please email math-undergrad-office@umich.edu.
Application FAQs
What is the difference between a cover letter and a research interest statement?
The purpose of the cover letter is to briefly introduce yourself to the selection committee, express your interest in the program, and demonstrate how your academic background makes you a suitable candidate for the program.
On the other hand, the Research Interest and Experience Statement serves as a deeper introduction to your mathematical background, including current and prior coursework, prior research experiences, and research interests. You may also use this document to describe why your mathematical background would be a good fit for projects in specific fields or advised by specific faculty.
Do I need to submit an official transcript?
No, you do not need to submit an official transcript, you may upload an unofficial transcript.
