We are now accepting applications! Before clicking on the button above to start the process, please read the following description of the four elements of a complete application:

• A completed online application form (link above).
  Once this form is filled out and submitted, you will be assigned a unique tracking number that is needed for uploading the other elements of your application. The tracking number will be automatically emailed to you and the two people writing letters of recommendation on your behalf, along with instructions on where to upload those documents. (It will be helpful to your letter-writers if you can submit this initial application form sooner rather than later.)
• A personal statement.
  This should be uploaded as a PDF file that is not more than two pages in length. To help us understand you better, we encourage you (if possible) to address the following questions in your personal statement:
  • What areas or aspects of physics and astronomy do you find interesting? Do any of the possible projects listed on this website seem particularly interesting to you, and if so, why?
  • What are your professional goals? Are you considering going to graduate school and/or pursuing a career in physics, astronomy, or a related field?
  • Do you have any previous laboratory, programming, or research experience? Have you had to overcome any significant challenges to attain your current academic status?
  • What do you hope to learn and accomplish if you are selected to participate in this REU program?
  We do want to emphasize that it's OK if your research interests and/or career plans aren't absolutely set in stone, or if you're officially majoring in a subject other than physics or astronomy, or if you don't have any previous research experience, as long as you explain clearly and specifically how participating in this REU program will help you grow professionally.
• A current transcript.
  This should be uploaded as a PDF file; it can be a scanned version of your official transcript or an electronic version of your unofficial transcript.
• Two letters of recommendation.
  Ideally, these should come from math and/or science faculty members at your home institution who know you at least somewhat well; the letters should be uploaded by your recommenders as PDF files. (If you are nervous about asking your professors for yet another set of recommendation letters, tell them it's OK if they reuse letters that they sent to other summer programs; we promise not to get bent out of shape if we see lots of references to "University of X" and none to Rutgers.) Your recommenders will receive automatic emails instructing them where to upload their letters as soon as you submit the online application form, so it is a good idea to submit that form as soon as possible — and to check very carefully that you have entered their email addresses correctly before submitting the form!

Review of applications will proceed on a rolling basis starting February 17; applicants are strongly encouraged to make sure all materials (including recommendation letters) are submitted by that date.

Last edited January 24, 2023.