Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boulder like?

Boulder is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also its thriving research and innovation community. When you’re not deep into your research, you can take advantage of everything the area has to offer. Whether it’s a quick hike up the Flatirons to clear your mind, enjoying the vibrant arts scene, or simply relaxing by Boulder Creek, there’s always something to do. It’s the perfect balance of work and play in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.

Transportation

Boulder is an easy place to get around in when using a bike, walking, public bus or Uber. There are also electric scooters all around Boulder. There is a shuttle to and from the Denver International Airport multiple time per day.

Weather

Boulder is hot in the summer, but has low humidity. It sometimes gets cold in June and chilly  at night, even in July and August. Expect afternoon thunderstorms.

Recreation

Boulder is full of recreational activities! Hiking, climbing, rafting, swimming, and a lively downtown. Boulder is surrounded by National and State Parks, so being outside is easy to access.

Living & Working

Where will I be living if I am accepted into the program?

We provide and pay for a shared room at the Bear Creek apartments – a CU Boulder apartment complex. You will share an apartment with up to three others. Each person gets a private bedroom, but shares a bathroom with one other person and shares a kitchen and living space with the others. Some of the apartments are two-person, some are four. There are B-cycle bicycles, the University buses, and public buses that serve the Bear Creek area.

Is REU housing a Safe Space?

The BSA REU program is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all participants. We recognize and respect diverse gender identities, including transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Housing arrangements are flexible, and we will work with you to ensure that your accommodations are comfortable and supportive of your needs.

Can I live outside of the REU housing?

We are happy to work with you to find the best solution for you for your summer. We want you to be successful and to remove as many obstacles as we can. If you have a family and need larger accommodations, or live a commutable distance away, we can give you the value of the Bear Creek apartment towards your living expenses.

I have a commitment during the program...

If you have a tour of a college campus, or other educational or professional engagement, then you can work with your mentor and the REU coordinators to take some time off for that. However, we don’t encourage vacation planning or other optional time off during the program. Ten weeks is a very short amount of time to accomplish a research project so we expect you to be present from 9am-5pm every day unless circumstances are exceptional.

What is the financial support of the program?

You will receive:

  • A ~$700 per week stipend*, paid in bi-weekly intervals
  • Housing is provided through campus housing or a fixed housing stipend
  • A fixed travel stipend* to get to and from Boulder
  • A “getting settled” stipend*, intended to help with any ground transportation or initial food costs

*Inflation rates are not finalized yet

What is the dress code in the research environment?

We want you to be comfortable and stay true to your authentic self. With that said, think ‘snappy casual’. Keep it cute and demure.

I have a full-time job nearby. Can I do both?

This program will be a full-time job. You will be expected to be at your lab from approximately 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (times are flexible under agreement with your advisor). We do our best to give you the financial support to make participating possible. However, part-time work after hours or on the weekend is possible if necessary.

When are the exact dates of the program?

The BSA REU program runs for 10 weeks, spanning from late-May to early-August. Exact dates vary due to housing availability, and will be sent out in any acceptance emails. 

Can I start late due to my school semester?

Yes, students on the quarter system typically are not out by the end of May. We will accommodate your schedule.

Pre-Application Questions

I don't know anything about space physics. Should I apply?

If you’re intrigued by space physics but aren’t familiar with it yet, we encourage you to explore the work of the partners in this program to see if it sparks your interest. You don’t need any prior experience or detailed knowledge of space science to participate—just a genuine curiosity about the topic. Use your personal statement to tell us why space physics excites you or why you believe it could be a fascinating field for you to explore. Also, check out this youtube video where alumni discuss how they felt before starting the program.

I don't know which broad science area to pick. Is that okay?

That’s perfectly fine! This is a great chance to explore these broad scientific areas and see if any of them catch your interest. You don’t need to have prior knowledge or experience in these fields—we’re simply trying to match you with mentors and projects that align with your interests. If you’re open to exploring any topic and don’t have a specific preference, you can always select “no preference.”


 

What criteria are the applications reviewed on?

Each application is evaluated on several key criteria, including your personal motivation, determination, and passion for research and space science. We’re particularly interested in how participating in this program could shape your future career. Our goal is to identify hard-working, motivated students who will benefit greatly from this experience. Prior research experience is not required; one of the program’s primary objectives is to provide an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience.

When reviewing applications, we consider the following (among other factors):

  • The potential impact of the program on your educational and career path
  • What you can contribute to the cohort
  • Your level of interest in the research area

In addition, perseverance and innovation are qualities we highly value in successful researchers. The ability to overcome challenges and persist through adversity is crucial. Be sure to highlight any past experiences where you’ve demonstrated resilience and innovative thinking.

My references did not complete their surveys by the deadline. Will I be disqualified?

References provide the review committee with an external perspective on your educational experience. We will consider your application based on the number of references we receive. After you apply, we will send a separate email to each referee you listed, including a deadline for submitting their reference survey. Please follow up with your referees to ensure they submit their surveys on time. If unique circumstances prevent a reference from being submitted by the deadline, please contact us.

I have little to no coding experience. Does that count me out?

Not at all! The application includes a section that asks about your coding experience. We encourage you to be honest in your response. Keep in mind that this program is designed to help you develop skills like programming, so prior experience is not required. 

I have not taken advanced Physics or Maths. Is that okay?

That’s absolutely okay! Many of our past participants did not have advanced physics or math courses on their transcripts.

I am not a US Citizen or green card holder. Can I apply?

Unfortunately, due to restrictions in our funding, the program can only recruit US citizens and permanent residents holders at this time.

Evaluating Applications

What does the selection process and timeline for offers look like?

A committee of reviewers will evaluate all applications and create a shortlist of approximately 80 top candidates. Each mentor will then receive five to eight of these shortlisted applications that align best with their project needs. Mentors will select their top candidates from this list, and offer letters will be sent out accordingly. If an applicant is selected by more than one mentor, they will have the opportunity to choose their preferred project. If a mentor’s first choice declines the offer, the next candidate on their list will be offered the project, continuing until all positions are filled. The first round of offers will be made around the beginning of March.

Do I get to choose the institute, mentor or project?

We use the information in your application to match you with a project and mentor that align with your interests. Mentors will choose their preferred applicants from a shortlist of students. If more than one mentor selects you, you may be asked to choose between them. If you’re selected by one mentor, you’ll work on that specific project with that mentor at their institution for the summer. If you have strong preferences regarding your topic or institution, be sure to clearly express them in your application.

How many students do you accept?

We recruit between 16 and 25 students each year, depending on funding.

How many applications do you receive a year?

This depends on the year. Historically we receive between 100~400 applications. 

Inside the Application 

Who should I ask to be a reference?

Our application asks for two references. References are meant to provide information and background about your character, work ethic, and/or academic and research prowess that the BSA REU review committee might not be able to glean directly from your application and essay responses. We suggest requesting references from individuals with whom you’ve closely worked. For example, a professor with whom you held a good rapport throughout a class (or multiple classes), a professor whose research group you’ve worked in, a sports coach, or a boss from a current or previous job would be good choices. An academic advisor, with whom you might meet once or twice a year to plan classes, is not likely to give a detailed, tailored personal reference and thus is not recommended. We will not accept references from family members.

Why are essays are part of the application process?

We ask three essay style questions, each between 250-1500 characters. The questions are broken out as they are to help us identify who would benefit most from the program. Remember that this is your chance to make your case for the program. It is important to set yourself aside from your peers in responding to these questions. Specific responses are more effective than generalizations or wistful reminiscing. Tell us how this program might change your life.

How do I make sure my PDF is unencrypted?

Our application asks you to submit your official or unofficial transcript as an unencrypted PDF. This ensures that we are able to access the document.

Please review the following instructions if you are unsure if your PDF is unencrypted:

You can remove encryption from a PDF using Adobe Acrobat by:

  1. Open the PDF in Acrobat
  2. Select Tools > Protect > Encrypt > Remove Security
  3. If the document has a Document Open password, click OK
  4. If the document has a Permissions password, type it in the Enter Password box, then click OK
  5. Click OK once more to confirm 
To remove encryption from a PDF in Preview on a Mac, you can:
  1. Open the PDF in Preview
  2. Enter the password
  3. Click the File menu and choose Export
  4. Name the file and choose where to save it
  5. Click Save

Please name the file firstname_lastname_transcript.pdf. If you are still having issues, we encourage you to contact your school’s IT services for assistance. 

Application essays

Tell us about yourself. Why you are applying to this program in particular? Discuss any areas of solar and space physics you are interested in—including broad science areas or project types you may have selected on the previous page. (250-1500 characters).
This is a general overview of you, your interest in the Boulder Solar REU program specifically, and why you decided to apply for the program. What are your interests in solar and/or space physics and in Boulder. This is a good chance to help us understand who you are, what you can bring to the program, and what you hope to get out of the summer experience.

Please tell us how this opportunity will specifically benefit your educational and/or career goals. Please tell us what, if any, opportunities this program would provide that you cannot get at your current school. (250-1500 characters).
REU programs are well known to boost applications for graduate school programs, and giving students the chance to test out a research career. Please explain your specific circumstances, and how this program will help you achieve your educational and career goals, or help you to identify what your goals might be.

Perseverance and innovation are strong qualities and indicators of successful researchers. Tell us about a time when you have shown perseverance and innovation to overcome adversity and succeed in your goals (250-1500 characters).
Research can be very challenging and sometimes even demoralizing. One of the most effective skills in successful researchers is that of perseverance and innovation. Research frequently means exploring the unknown, trying many routes to an answer, and failing frequently but persisting anyway. Tell us about your perseverance and a time when you have succeeded against the odds, or at least tried to.

2025 application questions

Your name: First name(s), Last name(s)
Contact information: School email address, Personal email address, Phone number (cell phone preferred)
Home address (where we can contact you after the spring semester ends): Address, City, State, Postcode
Currently this program can only accept US Citizens and Permanent Residents. Are you a US Citizen, National or Green Card holder?

  • Yes
  • No (Unfortunately this program can only accept US Citizens and Permanent Residents/Greencard holders. If you have chosen “no” in response to this question, you are ineligible to apply.)

What college or university are you currently attending? Name, City, State, Postal code

What type of institution is your current school? (Check all that apply)

  • Community college or junior college
  • Historically Black College or University
  • Minority Serving Institute
  • Tribal College
  • Small/liberal arts college
  • Large/Research University
  • For-profit University
  • Other (please explain on the following page)

Please select one:

  • My school has research opportunities for undergraduates in astronomy
  • My school has research opportunities for undergraduates in solar science
  • My school has many research opportunities for undergraduates in STEM
  • My school has few research opportunities for undergraduates in STEM
  • My school has no research opportunities for undergraduates in STEM

If any, please briefly expand on the research opportunities at your school (1-2 sentences, max 100 characters)

If you are at a 2 year institute, do you plan to transfer to a 4 year institute to complete your Bachelor’s degree? If so, when do you expect to transfer?

Will you have earned a Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or math field before August 2024?

  • Yes (Currently this program can only accept students who will be enrolled at an undergraduate institution in Fall 2024. If you will have received your undergraduate degree by then, you are ineligible for this program.)
  • No

What year do you expect to graduate from your current program?

What degree do you expect to achieve at that time?

  • Bachelors
  • Associates
  • Other

What are your current major and/or minor(s) fields of study (or what you are considering for your major/minor if undeclared)?

Have you attended other colleges? E.g. community college. If so, please list them

This program focuses on solar and space physics in partnership with eight institutes around Boulder (https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/information/undergraduates/reu/). Do you have an interest in working on a particular topic or at a specific partner institute?

  • No, I’m just excited to do research!
  • Yes

You selected “Yes” to having a specific topic and/or institute you are interested in. Please provide a brief (1-2 sentence) explanation of your preferences (max 100 characters). Note, you can provide more details in your Personal Statement essay if needed.

Do you have a preferred type of project that you’d like to do? We’ll do our best to match you with a project that you’re interested in (Check all that apply)

  • Data analysis/observations
  • Theoretical
  • Instrumentation/engineering
  • Computational modeling
  • Science Communication, Education and Outreach
  • No preference, I’ll work on anything
  • Other (please explain on the following page)

You selected “other” for your preferred type of project or broad science area.  Please provide a brief (1-2 sentence) explanation of your research project preferences (max 100 characters). Note, the following section provides space to detail your research interests.

Do you have previous research experience? Check all that apply

  • I have never done any kind of research before
  • I have done a research project for class
  • I have done research with a professor at my school
  • I have done an internship program outside of my school
  • I am listed on a published journal paper
  • I have participated in another REU program in astronomy/solar/space physics before
  • I have created a research poster and presented at a professional research conference
  • Other

Please elaborate on any previous research experience that you have (1500 characters max)

Below are three short essay questions. For advice on filling out these questions, please visit the Program FAQs. The answers to these questions help us to identify who will most benefit from this research experience. 

  • Please see the “Application Essay” tab for more details.

Please list all pertinent upper level college courses you have taken in each science field. If none applicable, leave blank.

  • Astronomy/Astrophysics, Physics, Math, Computer Science, Engineering, Other – Please specify (i.e Chemistry, Science Communication, Geology, etc.)

Please tell us about your computer programming experience. How long have you had experience in each coding language? For simplicity, 1 semester = 0.5 years

  • IDL, Python, MATLAB, C/C++,  Fortran

Please detail your programming experience, if any (1000 characters max)

This program is funded through the National Science Foundation and they have asked us to collect some demographic information. This information will not be used when selecting participants in our program. Your personal demographic data will never be made public. Please tell us a little about your demographics and other identities to the level you are comfortable.

What is your gender identity?

What is your preferred name, if different from above?

What pronouns do you use?

Are you a veteran or active duty military?

  • Yes
  • No

What race and ethnicity do you identify with (choose all that apply)

  • Choose not to answer
  • Indigenous, American Indian, Native American or Alaska Native
  • Asian
  • Black or African American
  • Pacific Islander
  • White
  • Hispanic or Latinx
  • Self identify:

Please upload an official or unofficial transcript as an unencrypted PDF. Please name the file firstname_lastname_transcript.pdf. Instructions on how to make sure your PDF is unencrypted can be found on our FAQ page. 

Please provide contact information for at least two work and/or school references. The REU committee will contact your references directly. Each reference will receive a short survey, and will not need to provide a formal letter. Reference surveys must be submitted by January 24th, 2025. Please inform your references accordingly. If helpful, you may visit our FAQ page for advice on who to ask for a reference (See “Who should I ask to be a reference?” tab). 

  • Reference Name
  • Email Address
  • How do you know this person?

Is there any other information you’d like to share with the REU selection committee?

How did you hear about this program?

  • NSF website
  • My professor told me about it
  • Friend or colleague
  • Word of mouth
  • I saw a poster
  • Online
  • Other

For References

Why do you ask for a reference survey instead of a letter of recommendation?

Recently, we changed our application process to include a reference survey as opposed to reference letters. Historically, reference letters received by the program ranged in length, content, and information needed to surmise a student’s capacity for the program. This included receiving form letters, where the reference used code to insert the student’s name and one sentence about them, leading the selection committee to question the validity of the letter.

 

Studies also show a need to standardize letters of recommendation to minimize bias and avoid obstacles to increasing diversity in undergraduate research (Houser, C., & Lemmons, K. 2017). 

 

The reference survey is designed to make the process easier for the reference, while allowing the selection committee to get a sense of the student. The survey should take less time to complete than a traditional letter of recommendation. If you do not want to do the reference survey, than we encourage you to talk with your student on why you cannot be a reference. If you still have questions, you may email our team at bouldersolarreu@lasp.colorado.edu. 

Can I submit a letter of recommendation instead of the survey?

No. To keep things fair and standardized, we will not accept any letters submitted to us, especially through email. All references much be through the reference survey.

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