Application

To apply to TREND, check out the available research projects/mentors and then submit by that year's deadline (February 14th 2025):

  1. Application form and essay through a Google Form. The application form will ask for an essay explaining how the TREND experience will help further your academic and/or career interests
  2. Unofficial transcript sent to trend-reu@umd.edu
  3. At least one letter of recommendation sent to trend-reu@umd.edu (note that TREND will not send out requests for letters of recommendation; it is the applicant's responsibility to ask their recommenders to send their letter)

The Physics REU site directors will utilize a common date of March 3rd for 2025 before which REU offers will not be sent (for domestic, non-international sites). Generally, the deadline for students to accept or decline first round offers will be a week or two after an offer is sent. Because of necessary organizational lead time, international REU sites may use earlier dates.

Eligibility

  • TREND is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Applicants should be enrolled in an undergraduate college or university, with anticipated graduation of December 2025 or later
  • We have a recommended minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. Applicants without the recommended GPA will be able to provide details in the application form if desired

Important Dates

  • Program: Expected June 2 to August 8, 2025
  • February 14, 2025: Application deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be considered only on a space-available basis
  • Expected March 5, 2025: First-round offers sent out (applicants may still receive offers after this date as first-round offers are finalized)
  • Expected March 14, 2025: Deadline to accept or decline a first-round offer.
  • Expected After March 14, 2025 (rolling basis): Second-round offers may be sent out