REU 2026 application instructions and form

Instructions

Please make sure to read these instructions carefully. You must submit a complete application to be considered for the program. A complete application consists of:

  • Completed form (below)
  • Document: Cover letter
  • Document: Resume or CV
  • Document: Transcript (unofficial is fine)
  • At least one reference letter

The list of likely REU 2026 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, and you may be accepted for a project other than the ones you list.

Deadline

The deadline for submission is February 1, 2026.

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/5t3pNv99r99sH5aW43XQ.

In addition to completing the form, you must submit PDF versions of the following:

  1. 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 Team.
  2. Resume/CV
  3. Transcript (unofficial versions are fine)

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 or extenuating circumstances, please explain it to us in your cover letter.

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, 2026. Please have them include your name in the filename if possible.

The upload location for recommendations is: https://www.dropbox.com/f/RozHBqTAoG4WsIupYYnj.

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 2026 Application Form

REU application
First
Last
Confirm email
Home phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx)
Mobile phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx)
Is your college or university:
Approximately how many undergraduate students attend your college or university? *
Are you a first-generation college student? *
[OPTIONAL] If you would like, please let us know how you identify your ethnicity. This information will not be used in consideration of your application and is for demographic statistical information only.
Class (as of spring 2026) *
Major *
(Choose more than 1 if you are pursuing a double major.)

Expected graduation date

Are you a U.S. citizen or permanent resident? PLEASE NOTE: Our sponsor, the National Science Foundation, requires applicants to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. *
PLEASE NOTE: Our sponsor, the National Science Foundation, requires applicants to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Are you available from June 2, 2026, through August 15, 2026? (These dates may change slightly before next summer but will be within a week of these dates.) *
If you are not available during this time frame because of your school’s semester schedule, please just explain below. You can still apply.
What field of research are you most interested in at Haystack? Please choose at least 2, and up to 3. *

Project interest

Please specify the three projects that interest you most, in order. (All applicants are considered for all projects, although we take your preferences into account!) Descriptions of the summer 2026 projects are available on the main REU page: https://www.haystack.mit.edu/reu.

How would you rate the existing STEM research opportunities at your current institution? *
How did you hear about the MIT Haystack Observatory summer internship program? *
Please note that you will not receive notification when your reference provider submits your letter of recommendation. In early February, we will notify you about whether your application is complete or if part of your application is missing. You do not need to email and check on completeness as you will be notified before we review applications.

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/5t3pNv99r99sH5aW43XQ

Don’t forget to have your professor or other reference upload a letter of recommendation at:

RECOMMENDATIONS: https://www.dropbox.com/request/RozHBqTAoG4WsIupYYnj

Your application will not be considered complete without a letter of reference.

If you have problems uploading your documents or completing this form, please email reuhaystack@mit.edu.

Thank you for applying!