1 . How are final selections made and when will we be notified?^
Mentors read through the applicants that have indicated interest in their projects. For the top candidates, mentors talk with the finalists via phone. Students are not offered spaces in the program until selections have been agreed upon between all mentors. All applicants (whether accepted or not) will be notified via e-mail.
If you get an offer for another situation and you need to know your current status sooner, contact Sherry Tamone at 907 796 659 for assistance.
2 . Should I send my resume?^
No.
3 . Do I need to send transcripts from all the colleges I have attended?^
Yes, unless your current college summerized your prior work on its transcript.
4 . Do I need an official transcript, or will an unofficial one do?^
Either is fine as long as it is electronic, complete and in a ledgible format. Only finalists will be asked for mailed offical transcripts.
5. When is your due date? Do you take late applications?^
Our deadline for 2012 wasFebruary 25th. All complete applications that have been received at UAS by the deadline will be considered.
6 . What if I am interested in just one project?^
You can list just one project if you wish, however listing three choices improves your chances of being chosen.
7 . Why can’t seniors apply?^
The rule to not allow graduating seniors to apply is the National Science Foundation's rule. A primary objective of the NSF/REU program is to encourage undergraduates to stay in or enter the sciences. By the time someone is a senior, their major is not likely to change.
8 . Do students work on one of the projects listed on your website or do they design their own project and work with a faculty mentor?^
Students typically work on an aspect of their mentor's project, and they conduct a special research project within that umbrella.
9 . Are there multiple students working with one mentor ?^
One to three students work with each mentor.
10 . My school is on the quarter system and ends after your start date. Can I still apply if I have to arrive late?^
We could most likely accomodate a student starting a day or two late, but not more than that. Our advice is usually to go ahead and apply. Then proceed with trying to get final exam dates changed if you are accepted.
11 . What are your guidelines for the reference letters??^
Our guidelines are as follows:
a) We are looking for comments on the student's academic ability, motivation, workhabits and potential as a researcher.
b) The letter needs to be written on official university or agency letterhead. We prefer a signed copy if possible. This can be either a scanned copy or one with a digital signature.
c) When you save the file, this document name will be appreciated: student's last name, first name and writer's initials. ( For example Dr. John Thomson's letter for his student Nathan Miller would be Miller, Nathan JT. docx or pdf )
d) This letter needs to be sent as a attachment to our REU address (reu@uas.alaska.edu ) by February 25th 2012. Please note that reu@uaa.alaska.edu is the Anchorage campus's program, not ours. The email time stamp is used as it's arrival date.