Yes, there are a lot of options – apply to anything that looks interesting to you. It will take some time to sift through the many programs, so start looking soon and make a list of the possibilities.

Yes, most programs ARE specialized – the idea is to learn what it is like to focus intensely on an advanced field of study. Don’t worry, they understand that you are an undergraduate who is motivated and eager to learn, but has a typical undergraduate physics background.

Yes, they are competitive – so make many applications. Some programs might be more selective, depending on: if a place is somewhat famous (Princeton, Caltech, NASA, etc.), if the location is somewhat exotic (Hawaii, Paris, Chile, etc.), if they receive a high number of applications (because the website comes up first in a search, or the website looks flashy and exciting, etc.). But you won’t know until you apply. Try the following strategy:

• Make sure your application is clear, concise, error-free, and a week or two ahead of the deadline. (Most programs will gladly throw out applications that contain typos or don’t make sense).
• Apply to many programs. (Try 5-10 programs to increase your odds).
• Apply to a mix of program types. (Include several REUs at large and small institutions, the DOE-SULI or NASA-OneStop applications, a few of the National Labs, and anything that looks “off-the-beaten-path”).
• Apply to programs with a range of application deadlines. (The earlier or later deadlines may end up with fewer applicants).

Yes, it is true that many programs require US citizenship or permanent resident status. You can often find this information quickly by searching for “Eligibility” near the application information. A few programs that might be open to non-US citizens are listed separately below. In addition, many of the REU programs have funding available for non-US citizens, but you will have to go to each program's website to find this information.

Yes, most of the links are for academic or government institutions – they tend to have programs that are similar from year to year and easy to put in a list. There are some industry internship links listed separately below, but you might have better luck searching the internet or looking at the CSB/SJU Experience & Professional Development website. But even if your long-term goal is working in industry, a research summer experience can teach you a lot and help expand your resume.

That’s a good problem to have – if you are really being forced to accept/decline an offer somewhere else and can’t wait any longer, try writing a polite email to the contact person of the program you are waiting for. Explain your situation, and ask if there is any way that you might learn about your standing in the application process. What’s the worst that can happen?

Yes, in recent years our students applied their physics knowledge and skills to a variety of summer jobs. A partial list includes:

Government agencies:

• US Food and Drug Administration
• Minnesota Department of Transportation
• NASA sites in California, Texas, and Virginia

Companies, industry advisory groups, and non-profits:

• Toro
• Gerbing
• Minnesota Wire
• Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
• SRI International

United States National Research Laboratories:

• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (CA)
• National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (FL)
• National Radio Astronomy Observatory (VA)

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU):

• University of California - Davis
• University of Minnesota
• Kansas State University
• College of William and Mary
• University of California - Santa Cruz
• University of Arizona
• Boise State University
• University of Maryland
• University of Florida
• University of California - Irvine
• The Ohio State University
• Montana State University
• Lehigh University