Application Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Questions regarding the program (e.g., “Who will be my mentor?”) can be found on the program FAQ section. For questions not addressed here, please reach out to inclusive_excellence@engineering.cornell.edu.

How will I know when my application is complete?

  • When all supporting materials have arrived, we will notify applicants that the application is complete. Applications will not be considered until all supporting documentation is received.

What should I address in my personal statement?

  • Discuss you research interests.
  • Describe your plans for earning an advanced degree
  • Explain how this research opportunity relates to your career goals and plans.
  • Discuss one of your lived experiences and how it will contribute to LSAMP’s diverse scholarly community. Some topics to consider:
    • Having experienced situations or conditions that impacted your advancement or ability to advance in a STEM field;
    • Having demonstrated a commitment to addressing the barriers that prevent participation of historically underrepresented groups in graduate STEM programs;
    • Having demonstrated leadership potential to address issues of domestic minorities in STEM fields.

Are there specific research projects or faculty for the LSAMP REU?

  • Yes and no, we invite applications from eligible students in a variety of STEM majors and research interests.
  • LSAMP REU partners with the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS). If you’re interested in working with these faculty,  learn more about CROPPS at their website and see past projects.
  • Applicants should review faculty research information in their areas of interest by visiting department sites.

Who should write a recommendation for me? What should it include?

  • The letter of recommendation should be from a faculty member or other individual who can evaluate the applicant’s academic potential. If an applicant has previously been involved in research, we suggest soliciting a recommendation from the professor who supervised that research.
  • Letters from a work reference, university administrator, or advisor who knows the applicant’s academic, work ethic and experience, or character qualifications is also acceptable.
  • We recommend contacting professors well in advance of the deadline and asking if they feel able to provide a strong recommendation.
  • A well-prepared recommendation should evaluate the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses as well as potential as a researcher, communicate information about any relevant laboratory  or research skills, and address general character.
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure the recommendation is submitted by the deadline.

Are students required to reach out to faculty prior to applying?

  • No, students do not need to reach out to faculty of interest.

When will decisions be available?

  • Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by mid-April.

What is the program acceptance rate?

  • We expect to admit 4-8 participants for the Summer CU LSAMP REU. Total participants depends on final funding availability.

Are international students eligible to apply for CU LSAMP REU?