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MBL-REU frequently asked questions
Q. Do I have to commit to the entire 10-week program; For example, I have a week vacation scheduled during the program or I need to arrive late or depart early from the schedule dates?
Yes, students must plan to be at the MBL for the full 10 weeks of the program. Unfortunately, if you are unable to the commit to be in residence at MBL for the entire 10 weeks, we will be unable to accept you into the program.
Q. Will there be time to take summer school classes?
No. The program is designed as an intensive, hands-on research experience, and students are expected to focus their efforts on these activities during their 10-week stay.
Q. How much time do I have to commit each week?
Although there are weekly seminars, meetings, and discussion for the programs, the vast majority of the time is spent in the research laboratory of the mentor and therefore an individual’s hours can vary tremendously during each week depending on the nature of the research and the student and mentor expectations. Almost all students can expect to work a full day Monday through Friday with evening meeting and/or seminars on at least two of the nights. Some labs will have Saturday hours. We have requested that no lab activities are scheduled on Sundays so the students may have the day off or participate in group field trips/activities.
Q. Is there a way to get college credits for the program?
The MBL is not currently a degree granting institution and does not offer credit for any of its summer programs. Your best option is to check with your home institution and determine if the research experience is eligible for credit.
Q. I will be graduating in the spring. Can I apply for the program?
Unfortunately, undergraduate students who have already attained their degree are not eligible for the program. It may be possible for students to delay their graduation until the end of summer and be eligible for the program.
Q. How am I assigned my mentor?
After applicants are accepted, we try to pair each student with one of the three mentors that were selected. If the mentor feels there is a good match, the mentor will send additional information to the student to prepare for the summer
Q. How are students selected?
The admissions committee carefully weighs each student’s application. Students’ grades, statements and letters of recommendation are evaluated. Students that are highly competitive are forwarded to the course directors for final acceptance and placement.
Q. Who should I contact to check on my application status?
The program directors respectfully request that once your application is complete and you receive the confirmation email, that you do not contact us during the admissions process. Students will be contacted by April 1 with respect to acceptance into the program.
Q. What type of research experience is required? Can I have too much experience?
No experience is required and previous research experience is usually not a factor in selection. However, if you have extensive research experience, for example having received two summers of NSF-REU support, we probably will give students with less experience, greater consideration.
Q. Should I directly contact one of the mentors listed?
We strongly suggest that you DO NOT contact any of the mentors for acceptance into the BDWH-REU program. The admission committee’s function is to determine the top ten students for the program independent of mentor preference. To insure fairness for all applicants, the admission committee and program directors do not solicit individual mentors for input on any student prior to acceptance. There are other undergraduate opportunities at MBL and Woods Hole and you are welcome to contact potential mentors for these programs, but please do not contact mentors specifically for the BDWH program.
Q. I missed the application deadline; may I receive an extension?
No. Due to the high volume of excellent applications likely to be received, and to be fair to all students, we will not consider applications received after the deadline.
Q. What type of accommodations/meal plan are available
If accepted, you will be housed with other undergraduates in the program in one of the MBL dormitories. Three meals per day are provided Monday through Saturday in the MBL dining hall.
Q. I am quite certain that I will be applying to medical school. Is this the program for me?
This program is designed for students that are considering a graduate career (ie PhD) in the life sciences. The vast majority of the seminars, training and curriculum are geared for this type of career. Students that are committed to medical school are usually not interested in this type of program and we suggest that you consider NIH sponsored research opportunities.
Q. Where can I find more specifics about the program, the dining plan, potential roommates, etc?
The MBL website has additional information on the facilities, housing and dining plans. Once accepted, students will receive additional information about the program and mentors
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