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ESVI REU: Earth Science on Volcanic Islands

The ESVI REU program is no longer accepting applications for Summer 2025 (application deadline was Feb. 3, 2025). Below is general information on our application process.

Please visit our 2025 mentor projects page for examples of the type of research our mentor teams conduct. Each applicant will need to specify their top 3 mentor project choices.

To be eligible for the ESVI REU program you must:
• Be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident
• Be an undergraduate student, currently pursuing a baccalaureate or associate degree*
*Students graduating Spring/Summer 2025 (or earlier) are not eligible.

A completed ESVI REU application includes the following:
• A completed online application form, including responses to essay questions (see below).
• An unofficial transcript (uploaded during the online application process).
• Contact info for a reference letter provider (reference letters will only be requested for applicants in our final evaluation stage).

What questions are asked on the ESVI REU application?
An important part of the ESVI REU Application is the short answer/essay section, where we ask you to respond thoughtfully to 6 questions. There is no "right" answer for any of these questions - we want to hear what you have to say to help us get to know you better. We recommend that you prepare your application essays ahead of time and copy/paste these in the applicable text boxes when completing your application.

• Short answer questions
  We ask you to provide any relevant computer or laboratory skills that might be helpful with research.
  
  • What are your computer skills? (e.g. computer application experience, experience with programming languages, etc.)
  • What are your laboratory skills? (e.g. lab skills gained in coursework or a previous research environment, if applicable)
• Essay questions
  We recommend writing at least 250 words, with a maximum of 600 words.
  
  • Please tell us about yourself. What are your academic and/or career goals and how would an REU help you meet or advance these goals?
  • What areas of research in Earth Science are most interesting to you?
  • What unique qualities and characteristics will you bring to our program? What experiences have you had that demonstrate these qualities and characteristics (i.e. previous jobs, internships, community or school leadership activities, and/or research experience)?
  • If applicable, please share any additional information about yourself not addressed by this application or any concerns you have with participating in an REU program.

Applications will be carefully reviewed by the ESVI REU selection committee in February, at which time a letter of recommendation will be requested for top candidates (we will contact the recommendation letter provider indicated on your application). ESVI REU candidate selections will be made within the first two weeks of March and selected candidates will be sent an offer letter to participate in the ESVI REU Program at this time. Student applicants that are not selected will also be notified by March 31.

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