Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will this be a virtual or an in-person site?
Our REU site is fully virtual.
Q: Can you tell me what the status of my application is?
All relevant deadlines (e.g., acceptance decisions) are either listed on this website or communicated to all applicants in e-mails.
Q: Are there any pre-requisites beyond the eligibility criteria?
No, but some programming skills will be most helpful.
Q: I have other offers. Is there a way you can admit me early?
Congrats on your other offers! But we do treat everybody equally and fairly in our review process and will not admit selected candidates earlier or under different circumstances. If you accept another offer, please withdraw your application at http://bit.ly/PSUREUComputingWithdrawal.
Q: Can I re-apply if I was not selected in a previous year?
Yes, you can.
Q: Do I have to be on site (at Portland State University) for the full 10 weeks?
No, our REU site is fully virtual.
Q: Is this a full time program?
Yes, the REU program is a stand-alone experience that requires a time commitment of 8h per day for 5 days per week. You need to be available and working during regular business hours.
Q: Will I be able to take days off?
Unfortunately that is not possible as per NSF rules.
Q: Can you share sample applications?
We cannot share applications.
Q: Can you tell us what a successful application looks like.
There are many ways applications can be successful.
Q: Do I have to be a full-time undergraduate student throughout the internship?
Yes, you must currently be a full-time student in an undergraduate program and must continue to be for the duration of the summer internship.
Q: Will I need to show proof of my immigration status?
Yes, NSF requires us to to make sure all students are US citizens or permanent residents.
Q: How and when will I get paid?
We provide a stipend in two payments, 50% at the beginning of the internship, 50% toward the end. The stipend may be taxable.
Q: What about food and housing allowance?
Our virtual site pays a food and housing allowance. See Applications for details.
Q: Are there travel stipends for non-local students?
Our site is fully virtual, so no travel is required.
Q: Do you require transcripts and recommendation letters?
Nope.
Q: Do you accept supplemental application materials and/or application updates outside of ETAP?
No, we do not. Please submit all relevant application materials through ETAP. Once submitted, you will not be able to update the application.
Q: Are there any examples of previous projects students have completed?
Yes: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/reu