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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Summer Research Program

Your Exclusive Preview of Graduate School

How to Apply

Math Applicants: Mathematics applications are being handled separately by Mathematics.
  • To apply for Mathematics, go to the Mathematics REU page.
  • To apply for any other summer research program(s), use the information below.


Application timeline


February 16, 2009
Priority deadline
Departments and mentors will begin reviewing applications.

March 2, 2009
Application deadline
All materials must be on file.
Application form goes offline at 5 PM.

March 16, 2009
Offer date
Applicants will be notified of their status.
  1. Before you apply:
    • Review projects and mentors to identify your preferences and interests.
    • Secure two faculty recommenders and have valid email addresses for them. (See guidelines below.)
    • Know your current GPA and number of earned hours.
  2. Complete the online application.
    When you submit your application, we will automatically email your recommenders with a link to our recommendation webform.
  3. Submit your personal statement and resume/CV online.
    • Each should be one page in length and in plain text only. See form for further guidelines.
    • You'll need your SRP Application ID Code, which was displayed and emailed to you when you submitted your application.
  4. Send an electronic (scanned) version of your transcript to graduate@unl.edu as an email attachment.
    • Your name and the name of your school should appear on the transcript.
    • Files sent as attachments should be less than 1 MB.
    • Unofficial or student copies are acceptable for the application. Participants selected for the program may be asked to provide an official transcript later.
  5. To check the status of your materials at any time, enter your SRP Application ID below.

    SRP Application ID: (Results will open in a new window.)

Your application will be complete when we have your online application form, personal statement, resume, transcripts, and two recommendations. All items must be received by the deadline.



About Faculty Recommendations

You need two recommendations to complete your Summer Research Program application.

Bare necessities:
  1. Inform your recommenders:
    • Tell them they will receive an email from graduate@unl.edu with a link to our recommendation webform. It is important that recommendations be submitted via this webform.
    • Tell them the deadline (priority or not) that you are trying to meet.
  2. Get from recommenders: Confirmation of their email addresses.
  3. After you apply: Check the status of your materials to ensure that we receive your recommendations. Both recommendations must be completed by the deadline.

Guidelines to help you secure the strongest recommendations:

It is preferable to request recommendations from someone who knows your work and can comment specifically on your performance, particularly in the fields of study related to your desired research area. Therefore, recommendations carry more weight if they are from professors or instructors. Advisors and honors or other program directors can comment on your overall achievement, but generally, they cannot evaluate your experience in your field of study. It is not a good idea to submit recommendations from neighbors, church ministers, employers (unless related to your research area) or others who know you outside of an academic or research context.

Early in the application process, visit your recommenders during office hours or schedule an appointment to discuss your Summer Research Program plans and your graduate school goals. Your recommenders can often help you shape your research interests. Give your recommenders a short resume of your experience and areas of interest. Remind them about a project or paper you completed in their class. What grade did you make? Was there something about that project that stands out?