We're still getting our ducks in a row for 2025, so we aren't yet accepting applications. Please keep checking this page for updates, or better yet, send your name, current educational institution, and expected year of graduation to mastbaum[at]physics.rutgers.edu to be added to our mailing list and notified when our application platform opens.

We expect to open applications in mid-January 2025. To help prepare, please read the following description of the four elements of a complete application:

• A completed online application form in the NSF ETAP portal.
  All applications must be submitted to the Physics and Astronomy Research at Rutgers University opportunity in the NSF ETAP system. A link to the application page will be provided here once the applications are open.
• 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 must be uploaded by your recommenders as PDF files, using the NSF ETAP portal submission system. (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 when you complete the NSF ETAP online application form, so it is a good idea to complete that form as soon as possible — and to check very carefully that you have entered their email addresses correctly before submitting the form!
• Additional questions.
  The application form includes a few additional questions:
  1. What is the date of your last academic obligation in spring 2025?
  2. What classes are you enrolled in this academic year?
  3. Please rank your top mentor/project choices.
  4. Please briefly explain why you have ranked your top mentor/project choices in the order you chose.

Last edited January 16, 2025.