Physics/JILA REU Program

The Physics JILA Research Experience for Undergraduates Program is designed to equip you with the skills, experience, and supportive community to make your career trajectory tangible. This life-changing experience gives you hands-on opportunities to inspect the world around you with the guidance of an established CU Boulder Physics faculty member.

Eligibility

All student participants in the Physics/JILA REU Program must:

•  Be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status
•  Have completed at least 1 year of college by the start of the program
•  Not have graduated college at the start of the program

Application Materials

The application deadline for enrollment in the Summer 2025 cycle is typically around late January 2025 with your letter of recommendation due one week after the application due date. If accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter in February or March 2025. Prepare all your materials for your application at the time of completing the form (make sure all your files are formatted as .pdfs). We cannot accept applications that are incomplete, anonymous, or received after the application deadline. Please do not submit any additional materials such as CV, papers, posters, or any other publications you’ve contributed to.

You’ll submit all of the materials required for the 2025 REU cycle via the application portal (we do not accept applications via email or post), this includes:

•  Unofficial transcript(s)
  • Please submit unofficial transcripts from every institution you’ve attended, including summer school. These transcripts should be formatted and combined into a single .pdf for your application submission.

•  Personal statement (Limit your personal statement to less than 500 words and submit as a pdf.)

• Along with your GPA, test scores, letters of recommendation (you’ll submit the name and contact information, and we’ll reach out to receive your letter of recommendation), and list of relevant experience and skills, the personal statement represents a critical part of a successful application. A well-written statement may prove to be the deciding factor that earns you a letter of acceptance. This is your opportunity to convey information that the selection committee will find compelling when making its final decision about your application. Here are some key points to include in your personal statement:
  • What are your academic or research interests?
  • Why are you interested in our particular institution’s REU program?
  • How would participating in our REU program affect your future after graduation?
  • Please describe any situations or circumstances that demonstrate your resilience and ability to overcome challenges in the pursuit of your academic/research/career ambitions.

Student Stipends & Program Costs

Costs Covered:

• All students receive a stipend. The amount is to be determined but will be approximately $5,500.
• Room and board costs up to approximately $3,900 are covered. Details will be confirmed in offer letters. Students will be reimbursed up to $500 for their travel to/from Boulder, CO.

IMPORTANT – Costs Not Covered:

• Students are responsible for any room and board expenses above $3,900 and travel above $500.