Application instructions
Application instructions
All applications materials should be submitted online via MathPrograms.org.
A complete application will consist of the following materials (only participants with complete applications will be considered).
A 1-2 page document written in standard English (avoid bulleted lists) which should include (1) relevant background, interest, and experience in mathematics and doing mathematical research (though no previous research experience is required); (2) long-term professional goals; and (3) what interests you about participating in the Iowa State REU.
The purpose of this statement is to help give a sense of the applicant as a person.
A 1-2 page document indicating why you are interested in being a participant in a particular project. Give a short summary of your interest/motivation in the project(s) in which you are interested and your relevant background for the project. You can be interested in more than one project; if so clearly separate the two by including a header for each project in which you are interested.
The purpose of this statement is to help give a sense of why the applicant is a good fit for the project.
A paragraph (less than half a page) summarizing research opportunities at your current institution. This document is about your school, and not about you. It is intended to help us gather data that the NSF grant requires.
An unofficial transcript is fine. Please include transcripts from all universities and colleges you have earned course credit from up to and including Fall 2025.
List of all college/university math courses you have completed with corresponding grades (using the A-F scale when possible). Indicate any courses not taken at your current institution and where the course was taken.
Also list all courses in which you are/will be enrolled in Spring 2026.
These letters should be from people who can attest to your current mathematical ability. At least one letter should be from a college or university instructor who has taught you in a formal course. If you have had any prior research experience (though no previous research experience is required), then one of the letters must me from your previous research mentor or program director (especially if you have previously done an REU). Please ask your letter writers to address your ability to work in a collaborative environment.
For any questions about application instructions or materials, please contact the organizers at reumath@iastate.edu.