Frequently Asked Questions

When does the application become available?
The 2023 application is now closed.

When is the last day to complete the application?
The 2023 application closes February 5, 2023.

How will I be paid?
To aid with summer  housing and living expenses students receive 2 monthly payments totaling $6000.00. Direct deposit is required. Please note that if the student is on an NSF REU program, the payment mechanism may be different. However, this should be confirmed with the faculty sponsor/respective department administrator.

Is there housing available and how much will it cost?
On campus student housing is available in Summer 2023, participants will schedule their own housing.

If choosing  on Campus housing ,  Vanderbilt students and non Vanderbilt students actively involved in a summer research or internship program may sign up for on campus housing using this link: Registration page.   Housing details are available at this link: Summer 2023 Academic Intern Housing 

For Off-Campus housing, there is a referral website provided by the Office of Housing and Residential Education. Current Vanderbilt students can log-in with their VUnet id and password. Non-Vanderbilt students accepting participation in VUSE Summer Research can create a log-in for the site. The Off-campus site may list short-term/summer sublet housing.

For On-Campus housing, the participant will pay for their own housing via credit/debit card or cashiers check. In the case that the participant's summer program will pay for their housing (i.e. faculty sponsor's discretionary funds, NSF REU program, etc.), the department of the faculty sponsor will arrange for payment with the Office of Conferences directly. However, the student must still register for their housing (room selection, check-in/out dates, etc.).

What is the minimum GPA requirement?
All applicants who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or above are strongly recommended.

I am from another University, am I eligible to apply?
Yes

Are applications from international students accepted?
Applications from international students currently studying at a university in the U.S. are accepted.

Are participants allowed to take courses during the summer?
No, this is an intensive research experience and we expect your full-time commitment to the program.

Is the program binding? Am I required to participate if I am selected for the program?
Once an award offer has been made, the students are given a window of time to accept or decline. This time is meant to give students the opportunity to weigh all options that may be available to them for the summer. We don’t encourage students to accept an offer if there is a strong likelihood they are more interested in another opportunity that would result in them wanting to leave the Program.

What kind of research would I be involved in?
This is an on campus research experience. There are many research opportunities. In the right navigation column is a list of departments and there you will find all of the projects and names of faculty members. This list will be updated for Summer 2023 on January 5, 2023.

Do you have to be an engineering major to apply?
No, although many projects have core engineering foundations. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the research projects non-engineering students who might be a good match to a project are encouraged to apply.

What are the requirements for acceptance into the program?
This match is handled through multiple stages where academic performance and faculty input is taken into consideration.

Will this be an opportunity to find real work at the graduate level at VUSE or elsewhere?
Absolutely! A large percentage of students participating in the program have gone on to graduate school and many of those are here at VUSE. Building an important network of contacts and gaining valuable graduate level research experience are just a few perks of the program.

Can this work be applied to undergraduate/future graduate studies for credit?
Unfortunately it does not, but the research a student performs can definitely lead to further research at the graduate level in the same field of study. Also, some students have been able to publish and present their work.

Can high school students, community college students, college graduates or graduate students participate?Students must be current undergraduates enrolled in a four-year college or university to participate. They must be sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors to apply. Freshmen are welcome to apply, but priority is given to the upperclassmen.

How are program placements made?
The online application allows you to select three research programs in which you are most interested. Placement in those programs are not guaranteed.

What summer projects are available?
Our list of projects can be found in the right nav. They are listed by departments.

How long will the program run?
The program runs for 10 weeks and culminates in a poster session. Specific weeks/travel plans can be negotiated with your supervisor. Program dates are May 30, 2023 – August 4, 2023. 

How many students will participate in the program?
Most projects will have one slot available. As a whole, VUSE Summer Research had more than 70 students participating in 2020.

Are students without previous research experience eligible?
Yes, however, previous research experience is highly encouraged.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
-Students' information including university currently attending/GPA/Experience CV or resume can be uploaded
-Students will choose up to 3 projects from a list, project details  are listed on the website
-Statement of Purpose
-Transcript
-1 Letter of Recommendation