Application

TREND is currently on pause. Information about future offerings will be updated when available. All website content remains as an example of previous cycles.

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: 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