completed 1st semester and looking to apply to REU, but worried about chances

[nad7vx]

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I just completed 1st semester at a top 25 and I had a respectable GPA but am worried about my chances for REU. any advice?

 

[nad7vx]

do you think i would stand a chance for SMDEP programs?

 

[protonate]

do you think i would stand a chance for SMDEP programs?

It doesn't hurt to apply. I know some students that got into SMDEP whose gpa's were similar to yours. That being said, I would be more concerned about raising your grades, especially in the prerequisite courses. You just started off, so your gpa should raise quickly if you manage to pull 3.80+ each semester. Analyse your first semester and see what might have caused you to not do that well.

 

[nad7vx]

thanks for the reply.

During winter break I went over my studying skills and I think i found things I should improve on for next semester. I hope to get 3.8+!!

Do you think I should apply to any REU's or not worth it?

 

[MetabolismASE]

nad7vx,

Apply and see what happens.

 

[plumhill]

There's no harm in applying; I know people who've gotten in after their first year. That being said, your GPA is a little shaky for many REU programs, and your second semester grades might not show up. If you really want to do research, you may want to begin contacting individual professors sometime between now and Spring Break to set up research opportunities for the summer. If you follow the latter route, be prepared to work as a "volunteer."

 

[Signifier]

I honestly don't understand these sorts of questions. You have 100% chance of not being accepted if you do not apply. Isn't that enough information?

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Most REU's are unlikely to take Freshman apps. Most require you are a Sophomore/Junior or at least 45 completed towards a degree. Doesn't hurt to email and ask though.

 

[varsityblue]

It doesn't hurt to apply. I know some students that got into SMDEP whose gpa's were similar to yours. That being said, I would be more concerned about raising your grades, especially in the prerequisite courses. You just started off, so your gpa should raise quickly if you manage to pull 3.80+ each semester. Analyse your first semester and see what might have caused you to not do that well.

+1. OP, you can definitely apply and see how things go but be sure to work on raising your GPA. If I were you, I'd enroll in summer courses.

 

[nad7vx]

varsity I was thinking the same thing but i keep hearing that taking pre reqs over summer is frowned down upon my med schools? I really wanted to take orgo over summer

 

[varsityblue]

varsity I was thinking the same thing but i keep hearing that taking pre reqs over summer is frowned down upon my med schools? I really wanted to take orgo over summer

As long as you take 1-2 prereqs at your school--and not an 'easier' college or a community college--over the summer, I think you should be fine.