1. How are final selections made and when
will we be notified?
2. Should I send my resume?
3. Do I need to send transcripts from all the
colleges I have attended?
4. Do I need an official transcript, or will an
unofficial one do?
5. When is your due date? Do you take late
applications?
6. What if I am interested in just one project?
7. Why can’t seniors apply?
8. Do students work on one of the projects
listed on your website or do they design their own project and work
with a faculty mentor?
9. Are there multiple students working with one
mentor?
10. My school is on the quarter system and ends
after your start date. Can I still apply if I have to arrive late?
11. What are your guidelines for the reference
letters?
1. How are final selections made and when will we be notified?
Selection is made on the basis of a combination of qualifications. We seek participants who have a sincere interest in the featured programs (botany, systematics, conservation, ethnobotany). We seek well-qualified students who need minimal training. We seek students who may be qualified but come from less than optimal schools or backgrounds. High academic achievement is not the only criterion. Demonstrated effort in learning about botany is viewed favorably, especially coursework in plant taxonomy and ecology. Mentors are notified of the applicants that have indicated interest in their projects and given a chance to participate in selection process. All applicants (whether accepted or not) will be notified via e-mail.
If you get an offer for another situation and you need to know your current status sooner, contact REU Coordinator at reu@mobot.org for assistance.
2. Should I send my resume?
No. We try to have the same material from all applicants
3. Do I need to send transcripts from all the colleges I have attended?
Yes, unless your current college summarizes your prior work on its transcript.
4. Do I need an official transcript, or will an unofficial one do?
Either is fine as long as it is complete and in a legible format. If you are scanning materials be sure to save them in a compact file format such as jpeg (not tif).
5. When is your due date? Do you take late applications?
Our deadline for 2013 will be February 28. All complete applications that have been received at MBG by the February 28 deadline will be considered. If we cannot find the candidates we need in this initial pool we may extend the due date.
6. What if I am interested in just one project?
You can list just one project if you want to, however, listing three choices improves your chances of being chosen. Experience shows that many students are attracted to certain projects that can have only one student.
7. Why can’t seniors apply?
The rule to not allow graduating seniors to apply is the National Science Foundation's rule. A primary objective of the NSF-REU program is to encourage undergraduates to enter or stay in science, and to pursue science as a career. By the time someone is a senior, their major is not likely to change.
8. Do students work on one of the projects listed on your website or do they design their own project and work with a faculty mentor?
Students typically work on an aspect of their mentor's project, and they conduct a special research project with them. A different independent project might be considered after making arrangements with a mentor and the REU coordinator.
9. Are there multiple students working with one mentor?
Typically there is only one student per mentor, however additional students may be considered if the mentor is willing to accommodate more.
10. My school is on the quarter system and ends after your start date. Can I still apply if I have to arrive late?
We could most likely accept student starting a day or two late, but not more than that. The first week is mostly orientation. Our advice is usually to go ahead and apply. If you are accepted you can try to get final exam dates changed or we might make other arrangements.
11. What are your guidelines for the reference letters?
Our guidelines are as follows:
a) We are looking for comments on the student's academic ability, motivation, work habits and potential as a researcher. When selecting a recommender, please be sure they can comment on your potential for conducting research.
b) The letter needs to be written on official university or agency letterhead. We prefer a signed copy. This can be either a scanned letter or email with a digital signature. Provide enough contact information to allow us to contact the recommender if we choose.
c) Letters must be received by the deadline for full consideration.
