REU Frequently Asked questions
Who can apply? Any undergraduate majoring in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a similar degree can apply. REUs must not graduate before summer. Related questions:
I am a freshman. Can I apply?
Yes. Freshmen can apply.
I am a current senior graduating in May. Can I apply?
No. The REU is only for current undergraduate students. However, please see Stone Lab’s website for seasonal job postings.
I am a current senior but will graduate after the fall semester or the following spring. Can I apply?
Yes. Current seniors who are not graduating before summer can apply.
I am a graduate student without summer semester support. Can I apply?
No. The REU is only for current undergraduate students. However, please see Stone Lab’s website for seasonal job postings.
Is the REU program limited to only Ohio State University students?
The REU program is open to any current undergraduate student in the United States. In fact, more than half of our REU students come from non-OSU colleges.
What makes a good REU applicant?
In addition to general science classes on a transcript, most REU students have had some research experience or worked in a STEM-related job during summer or part-time. Volunteer experience in a professor’s lab helping grad students or working at a park district boosts an application. While good GPAs are important, experience outside the classroom carries more weight on the application.
Are international students allowed to apply?
International students who are current students at a US college or university are allowed to apply. Please check with the Stone Lab research coordinator on your visa status.
Questions related to asking for letters of recommendation:
What is the time commitment for my recommender?
It is up to the person to write a letter on your behalf. Typical letters are 1 page long. At the time of submission, the recommender is asked to answer a few ranking questions. The submission time should take no longer than 5 minutes.
Can only college professors write letters?
Anybody who can speak highly on your behalf can submit a letter of recommendation. This includes college professors, job supervisors, high school teachers, coaches, and faith leaders. Remember that because the REU program is a science experience, science experts will usually know how to write a better letter of recommendation than non-science experts.
What should the recommender include in the letter?
There are no specific requirements for the letter of recommendation. Good letters will speak on how they know the REU applicant, how their experiences fit the REU program, the applicant’s maturity, and ability to work with others.
Questions related to the cover letter:
Is the cover letter required?
Yes, the cover letter is required, and applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed and rejected. Many STEM jobs and grad schools require cover letters.
What should be in my cover letter?
You should write how your experiences fit the REU program, why you are interested in the REU program, and how the REU program will help you in your career.
Do I need both a cover letter and a resume?
Yes, both the cover letter and resume are required.
Questions about transcripts:
Do I need official college transcripts?
No. We will accept unofficial transcripts, academic reports, or similar documents that list your courses and GPA.
Questions on post-application deadline:
How many applications does the Stone Lab REU program receive?
In 2022, we received 110 completed applications for 4 openings.
Will late applications be accepted?
No late applications will be accepted.
A recommender missed the deadline. Will this hurt my application?
No, but please encourage and remind your recommender to submit the recommendation soon. We usually give the recommenders an additional week.
How soon will I hear back about my REU application?
It usually takes us about two weeks to review and rank all applications.
I was offered an REU position, how long do I have to decide?
Seven days from the offer letter.
I was offered an REU position, but I am also waiting to hear about other job applications.
You still have 7 days to decide on the Stone Lab REU. You have to decide if our opportunity is worth it to it accept now or decline and hope you get another offer somewhere else.
How will I hear about the decision of my REU application?
Stone Lab’s research coordinator will email you. If you do not respond, you will receive a phone call on the number listed on your application.
Questions about how the REU program functions:
How do I get paid?
You will receive two payments. One at the end of June and one at the end of July. Each payment will be half the total stipend. REUs are employees of OSU, and direct deposit is required. There are no physical paychecks. Taxes are deducted from your paycheck.
Are meals and lodging included?
Yes, meals and lodging are included. They are paid for by the endowments that pay for the REU. There are no out-of-pocket costs to you.
What is the daily schedule?
The general day is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an hour off for lunch between 12:00 and 1:00. Depending on your project, there may be early morning or late evenings.
Do I need to do anything after acceptance and before arriving at Stone Lab?
The REU application is actually a two-part process. After accepting our offer, you will be sent a link to apply to the position in OSU HR’s system. You will receive instructions after all REU positions have been filled.
You must complete the required online lab safety courses that all research personnel need to complete.
Your supervisor will reach out to you with project information.
Are REU students allowed to leave Gibraltar Island during the summer?
Yes. REUs have the weekends off and are allowed to leave Stone Lab if they choose to.
What is the lodging at Stone Lab?
Students in our college courses stay in a 4-bed dorm room with up to 3 other roommates (depending on overall enrollment). REU students will either say in the dorms or in staff lodging at Stone Lab. The REU students normally stay together as roommates.
Like any college dorm, you are responsible for bringing linens, pillows, towels, and any other items you have in your campus dorm. You can bring a fan because our lodging does not have air conditioning.