Program Dates
The summer 2025 program will run from Monday, June 2 to Friday, August 8.
Please note that REU sites are designed as a cohort experience. Requests to shift the start and end dates will only be considered in rare circumstances with sufficient justification.
Eligibility
This program is for enthusiastic and motivated students enrolled in a computer science or related undergraduate program. Applicants should have basic understanding of programming at the start of the summer, but prior research experience is not necessary.
Students that identify as members of underrepresented groups in computer science, first-generation college students, and those at institutions with limited research access (e.g., liberal arts or community colleges) are particularly encouraged to apply.
Specific eligibility requirements include:
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident of the United States.
- Will be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program during the fall semester following the summer program.*
- Will not have already earned a B.S. or B.A. degree before the summer program.
- Available full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) during the entire ten week program.
- Basic programming skills evidenced by the computer science courses listed on your transcript(s).
* Current University of Minnesota students are welcome to apply, but should be aware that REU sites are primarily intended for students who do not already have the opportunity to get involved in research here during the academic year.
During our review process, we will evaluate each student based on a collection of materials described below. We will be looking for enthusiastic students that are strongly motivated to pursue opportunities that advance them academically, professionally, and personally. Most importantly, we are looking for students that are excited about research in human-centered computing!
Application Instructions
You can apply using the NSF ETAP application system. Please note that the application for summer 2025 is now closed.
You will need the following materials to submit the application:
- The most recent unofficial transcript from your undergraduate institution (PDF). Please note that official transcripts are sometimes provided in formats that make it difficult for our system to process, such as password-protected documents.
- A personal statement. This is the most important part of your application, so you will want to make sure it is thoughtful, well-written, and spell/grammar checked. Examples of topics you may write about include: how you came to be interested in research, examples of previous challenges and how you overcame them, your reasons for wanting to participate in the REU program, and how this summer research experience might better prepare you to meet your future goals. Expressing your enthusiasm is the most important factor, so you will want to make sure this comes across in your personal statement!
- A ranking of the faculty mentors listed on the research projects page. Make sure to read their project descriptions and check out the websites of each faculty member. You will also be asked to select all of the projects that you would potentially be interested in working on. These choices are important because they will determine which mentors will evaluate your application.
- The contact information for a faculty member or professional reference that will provide a letter of recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for submitting applications and recommendation letters?
Mentors will begin reviewing applications on March 17 (extended), the application system will remain open until all spots in the program are filled. Students are therefore encouraged to apply even after this date.
Because students are often applying to multiple opportunities, they often cannot respond to an offer right away. When we send an acceptance notification to applicants, we generally give them a week to respond (extensions are usually possible by request). If the student declines an offer, we then review applications again to select another applicant. This process may need to be repeated several times until all spots are filled.
This means that the selection and acceptance process can often take several weeks, usually concluding at the end of March or early April. If the ETAP system is still open to submit applications, then there are still spots available in the program.
When will I receive notification if my application is not accepted? If I am considering another offer, can I request an expedited decision?
We will send out notifications to declined applications when the application system is closed and all spots are filled. As described above, the process usually takes several weeks depending on how quickly students accept or decline offers.
Unfortunately, this means we cannot provide a specific notification date, and we generally cannot provide an expedited decision for a particular application. However, if you are considering another opportunity, we may be able to provide you with an update of how many spots have been filled, so you can make an educated decision about whether to accept another offer.
I am an international student. Can I still apply?
REU sites are federally funded and are only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and permanent residents of the United States. This is a strict eligibility requirement and no exceptions can be made.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected].