Thank you everyone for making our program such a success ! Our three-year grant for the ’20-’21, ’21-’22, and ’22-’23 years has now run its course.

We hope we will be back for the summer of 2026. Please check in with us in late fall of 2025.

In the meantime, do check out all the other amazing REU programs supported by the National Science Foundation:

https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp

Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  • Current freshman, sophomore, or junior at four-year colleges without graduate programs in chemistry, as well as students currently enrolled at community colleges
  • Women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply

Documents

  • Complete the online application with your contact information (address, phone number, and e-mail). Application will ask for a personal statement and research experience.
  • Attach a pdf copy of your academic transcript (official or unofficial) to the online application
  • Inform your recommenders that they will be receiving an email containing a link to submit recommendations from reuchem@bu.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is the application deadline?
  • March 1st for four year colleges, March 15 for community colleges. We will begin rolling admissions on all complete applications on February 1st though. It is in your best interest to submit a complete application as soon as possible as all positions may be filled by March 1.
  • Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident?
  • Yes. REU participants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Do we need to send an official transcript or unofficial transcript?
  • Unofficial transcript is OK.
  • Are BU students eligible?
  • No, only non-Boston Universiity students are eligible
  • Is there an application fee?
  • No, there is no fee to apply for the REU program
  • Can current seniors apply?
  • Unfortunately, this program is only open to current high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Those graduating this coming Spring or Summer 2023 are not eligible.
  • When do students find out if they’ve been accepted into the REU program?
  • We work on a rolling admissions basis, and could begin accepting students as early as Feb 1. We expect to notify all applicants no later than March 15. We would appreciate you letting us know if you have accepted another offer for summer research as soon as you can.
  • For the listing of up to five research groups, are these the general themes or specific research groups?
  • The list of up to five should be specific research groups. These can be seen for each general area by clicking on the link.
  • What are the selection criteria? What is the selection process?
  • Applications are reviewed by the program coordinators and the faculty members sponsoring the top choice projects indicated by the student. Reviews are based on research goals and interests, as well as what a student will bring to the project. Candidates are notified as soon as possible after selection.
  • How is a research group match decided?
  • Pairing of an REU student with a research group is based on the student’s personal statement, in which he/she may list up to five groups. Communication with the student prior to arrival will also help in matching her/him with a group.
  • Is the starting date flexible?
  • This ten-week program will begin on Monday, June 5, 2023. Only in rare circumstances, it may be possible to adjust the starting date. Arrival on campus will be targeted for Friday, June 2, 2023.
  • Where will I live at Boston University?
  • Free on-campus housing is included for the ten weeks of the program. Boston University houses REU students in apartment-style residences that are conveniently located within walking distance to all Chemistry/Biology/Physics buildings and labs. Apartments vary in size, are furnished, and include kitchens. Students also have the option to purchase a dining plan and eat in the dining facilities available on campus. Special needs can be accommodated upon notification as well.
  • Will I have a roommate?
  • Yes. All apartments are multiple-occupancy. Therefore, you will have at least one roommate.
  • Will I live with other REU students?
  • Yes.
  • Should I bring a car to campus?
  • We strongly recommend against having a car in Boston for the summer. The public transportation system (MBTA) is excellent, parking permits are expensive, and do not guarantee you a spot. The given travel subsidy may not cover all of your driving expenses.
  • Can I take a summer course while in the REU program?
  • No. The REU program requires a full-time commitment that does not allow time for additional summer course work.

If you still have additional questions, please contact us via e-mail or call us at (617) 353-2621 (Professor John Snyder, jsnyder@bu.edu), (617) 358-4335 (Professor Linda Doerrer, doerrer@bu.edu), or (617) 353-6548 (Ms TaJonay Tarrats, chemuaa@bu.edu).