Frequently asked questions about the IfA REU program

• How do I contact the REU program for further information?
• Who is eligible to apply to the REU program?
• What kind of academic background is required for the REU program?
• What other skills would be useful for my application?
• How many applicants apply to the program each year?
• How are students matched with a faculty member and research plan?
• What is the deadline for applications?
• When will I know if my application is successful?
• I am not a US citizen or permanent resident. Can I still apply?

The director of the REU program at the IfA is Paul Coleman.
You can send email to reu@ifa.hawaii.edu

or send correspondence to:

Dr. Paul Coleman
REU Program
Institute for Astronomy
2680 Woodlawn Drive
Honolulu HI 96822

Please do not ask to check if your application is received. We receive over 600 envelopes or emails related to the applications and do not have the resources to answer individual requests about completeness. Once we begin reviewing the applications, we may contact you or your letter writers if there is important missing information.

Up to top of page

All applicants must be enrolled in an bachelor degree program at the time of the REU. Seniors who will graduate before the summer of 2010 are not eligible.

Up to top of page

A strong science background is obviously beneficial. Many, but not all, previous participants had GPAs greater than 3.5. An astronomy major or minor is not required, however. You will learn a lot of astronomy through the exposure that this program offers, in the research program, the observing, and the seminar series.

Up to top of page

Computer programming skills are a plus since much of modern astronomical research (image analysis, data processing, solving equations, etc.) is computationally intensive. Good verbal and written communication skills are useful because of the interactive nature of the program and because REU participants are expected to write up their research and give a presentation to the Institute at the end of the summer. Previous research experience, however, is not a requirement.

Up to top of page

The program is competitive: there are typically over 200 applicants for the 10-12 participants each year.

Up to top of page

Faculty members propose an REU project in a particular field. The IfA research page has summaries of the various research programs at the Institute. Applicants should indicate which research area they are interested in working on in the application form. The faculty then review the applications in their relevant field and choose a student based on their academic record, accomplishments, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Up to top of page

The application form and at least two letters of recommendation must be received at the IfA by February 1, 2010.

Note that if you are accepted into the program, we will request an official transcript as verification. Letters of recommendation may be sent via email as ascii, postscript, or PDF only. Please do not fax material.

Up to top of page

We expect to begin contacting successful applicants on March 1, 2010, but it may be several weeks before the list of REU participants is finalized. Please note that we do not have the resources to check an application for completeness before the deadline (that is your responsibility), but we will email every applicant of our decision by the end of March.

Up to top of page

Yes! There is one position for a foreign student (either in the US or abroad) to take part in the REU program. The position is in the field of solar astronomy and will be directed by Dr. Ilia Roussev. The application process is the same in all other respects.

Up to top of page