What kinds of students are REU directors looking for?
The answer to this question varies a bit from REU to REU. Many program directors like to use their site to encourage students to pursue Ph.D’s, particularly those students who belong to groups which are underrepresented in the mathematics community; other directors want only students who already know they will be aiming for a Ph.D. Some REUs are looking for students from smaller colleges who have had no previous exposure to research; others want students with extensive prior research experience. Most program directors are looking for students between their junior and senior years, though many are willing to accept undergraduates who will be completing their sophomore year. Every REU director has different goals and expectations for his or her program, and they are looking for students who will fit into and benefit from their vision. This means that you will need to read the program announcement and information carefully to see exactly what kind of student that REU is looking for, and w
