UPDATE: The application deadline has been extended to Monday 3/11/2024!

Application Information:

Applications will be accepted via the NSF ETAP portal (https://etap.nsf.gov/award/5058/opportunity/6307). You will need to create an account; however, this portal will allow you to apply to multiple programs using the same system.
Applications will be accepted from December 15, 2023 through March 11, 2024.
Required application materials will include: 1) your resume, 2) a personal statement, 3) your unofficial transcripts, 4) a letter of reference from a faculty member or academic advisor, and 5) your top three choices of labs where you will complete your research experience.
Anticipated notification of acceptance to the program around April 1.

Writing a Personal Statement:

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application. This is an opportunity to share your voice, to explain why you are interested in this program, to explain any issues on your transcript, and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

Tips for writing a strong personal statement

Start early! A strong personal statement takes time to write and review.
Demonstrate your understanding of the program and why you are participating in a research experience. What do you want to do and what do you want to learn? Be as specific as possible! Look into what research your faculty mentors are doing and if you don’t understand it, ask a faculty member at your institution to help you.
If you’re applying to multiple REUs (which you should!) tailor each personal statement to specifically fit each program.
Structure your personal statement like an essay; have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Aim for between 250-500 words (1-2 pages, 12-point font, double spaced). Be concise but give yourself enough words to let us know who you are. Be honest and professional.
Use your own words. Don’t plagiarize!
Go to your Writing Lab for help – typos and grammar errors will reflect badly on your application and on the seriousness of your commitment to the program. Your Writing Lab can also help you develop your outline and stay concise.
Ask someone else to read your statement and give you comments. This can be a faculty member, friend, or someone from your Writing Lab.
This program has no GPA requirement, but it is important to discuss issues on your transcript (D, F, W, and gaps). Explain your challenges, how you overcame them, and how they made you stronger. There is a lot of failure in science, so a compelling explanation can make your application more competitive! Without an explanation, the selection committee may have concerns about your ability to succeed in the program.
Nervous about the process? It can be hard to write about ourselves, especially if we experience imposter syndrome, but many successful scientists experience imposter syndrome! Remember to focus on the things you do well, you are not expected to have research experience, and you are worthy of opportunities like this – you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!

Questions to ask yourself

Why would a selection committee be interested in you?  What makes you a strong candidate?  Present evidence of personal characteristics that make you believe you will be a productive member of a research group.
How and when did you become interested in this area of science?  What in particular gets you excited about pursuing this further? 
Are there any issues in your transcript or academic background that should be explained?  How can you demonstrate that despite (or because of) these issues you are ready to be successful in a rigorous research program?
Have you had to overcome any hardships or obstacles?  How have these experiences made you stronger?
Have you participated in other science programs or clubs?  How have those experiences shaped you? 

Other tips and resources

So You Want to Apply for an REU…Here’s How
Writing Strong Essays & Personal Statements
The Benefits of an Undergraduate Research Experience
Discussing Undergraduate Summer Research with Your Family
Imposter Syndrome: A Universal Struggle  

Requesting a Letter of Recommendation:

An effective letter of recommendation is not only important for applying to REUs but for transfer, grad school, and beyond.

Who should you ask to provide a letter of recommendation?

A strong and detailed letter of recommendation will come from a faculty member or an academic advisor that knows you well and can speak to the qualities you demonstrate that will make you a good researcher.  Below is a list of some of these characteristics:

How do you get to know recommenders well enough to provide a detailed letter of recommendation?

Getting good grades is not enough.  Good grades are important, but if faculty do not know you beyond your grades, they cannot describe any of your other unique strengths and will not be able to write a strong letter that sets you apart from other applicants.
Attend and participate in class regularly.  This means asking and answering questions, participating in activities, and showcasing the above characteristics in class. 
Regularly attend office hours.  Office hours are not just for when you need help with a course; they are a chance to build a rapport with faculty.  Show up and ask questions about the class, research, or careers in your field.  The more your faculty knows about your goals and interests, the more they can tailor their letter. 
As you get to know your faculty, think about the top three qualities of a good researcher (listed above) that apply to you.  How do you plan to demonstrate those qualities in class or office hours?  How could you improve skills in that area?

How do you ask?

First, give your recommender plenty of time – at least two weeks in advance of the deadline.
Asking in-person is best, but if you are asking for a letter via email make sure it is professionally crafted with an appropriate greeting (Dear Dr. or Professor X), body, and closing.

Here is a list of questions you may want to ask your recommender when you ask for letters of recommendation

Would you be willing to write a strong/positive letter of recommendation for me?
How much lead time do you need to write letters of recommendation? 
What type of supporting information would be helpful in writing my letter?  Your faculty may wish to see some or all of the following:
Your resume/CV
The application requirements for your REU
Key areas of your interactions that you would like them to discuss in your letter
Your personal statement
Your transcript
A spreadsheet with names, addresses, and deadlines for each place you would like them to send a letter
Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or details about how to submit letters online
Would you prefer that I remind you about this letter as the deadline nears? If so, would you prefer that I remind you in person? By email? Another method?

Finishing touches

Writing a letter of recommendation is a serious task.  Once you have asked for a letter and your recommender has agreed, send a thank you note; it will be greatly appreciated!

Modified from Branchaw, J.L., Butz, A. R. (2019).  Entering Research (2^nd edition).  New York: Macmillan