REU 2025 application
Instructions
Please make sure to read these instructions carefully. You must submit a complete application to be considered for the program. We will notify you of any missing application pieces: you don’t need to write and check on your application, as we’ll let you know toward the deadline whether it’s complete or you need to submit anything else.
The list of likely REU 2025 projects is on the main REU page. The application form will ask which projects you’re most interested in. However, you will be considered as an applicant for all of the projects.
Deadline
The deadline for submission is February 1, 2025.
Documents
Make sure to upload your required documents to complete your application. You can do this after submitting the form. The upload location for student documents is: https://www.dropbox.com/request/xhSQCGApwFcR26ftIXTb
In addition to completing the form, you must submit PDF versions of your:
- Cover letter (explain why you are interested in the program, why you are a good candidate, and anything else interesting about you), addressed to the MIT Haystack Observatory REU Selection Team.
- Resume/CV
- Transcript (unofficial versions are fine)
- Letter(s) of reference (see below)
The cover letter is a very important piece of your application: here’s where you can tell the committee why we should consider you for our summer internship program. We’re more interested in you and your interest in science and research than in an exact GPA! This is the place to tell us in a few paragraphs why you are a great applicant and how interested you are in science and working at MIT Haystack Observatory.
Please note: If there is anything we should know about your application or your educational experience so far, such as a favorite class, research interests, or extenuating circumstances, please explain it to us in your cover letter.
Suggested filenaming convention: lastname_coverletter.pdf, lastname_resume.pdf, lastname_transcript.pdf. This is not required but will help us review applications most efficiently. Thank you.
Please note that you are required to show proof of health insurance coverage for the dates of the program once you have been accepted.
References
Once you have completed the form and updated your documents, ask at least one person who is serving as your reference—a professor, mentor, or other adult supervisor—to submit a letter of recommendation by February 1, 2025. Please have them include your name in the filename if possible. The upload location for recommendations is: https://www.dropbox.com/request/iYcpRXs3KMFveFInaZXq.
Questions
Email reuhaystack@mit.edu with questions. Please review the REU FAQ before sending questions: we won’t be able to answer questions that are already answered in the FAQ.
We’re looking forward to reviewing everyone’s application. Thank you for your interest in working with us at Haystack next summer!
REU 2025 Application Form
Required documents: how to upload
Once you’ve completed the form, please upload three PDF documents: your cover letter, explaining why you are interested in this program; your resume; and your transcript (unofficial is fine). These documents are required. Your application is not complete until you upload all three.
Upload your files using this link:
STUDENT DOCS: https://www.dropbox.com/request/xhSQCGApwFcR26ftIXTb
Don’t forget to have your professor or other reference upload a letter of recommendation at:
RECOMMENDATIONS: https://www.dropbox.com/request/iYcpRXs3KMFveFInaZXq
If you have problems uploading your documents, completing this form, or obtaining a letter of reference, please email reuhaystack@mit.edu.
Thank you for applying!