Five Down, Four to Go

Finally, this summer REU program waiting period is getting intense - on the wrong end of the scale of comfort. Today, I was sent an e-mail from the REU program at Clemson University, specifically saying that I wasn't offered a position in the program. I was also invited ("...looking forward to seeing...") to apply for the program next summer at Clemson. I have yet to hear back from the REU programs at Central Michigan University, the University of North Carolina Asheville, Texas A&M University, and the University of Utah. Well, five down, four to go.

Four Down, Five to Go

Well, I finally received another REU-related e-mail this morning. According to the e-mail, I was not selected to be in the Oregon State University REU program, despite making the finalist's list. I have yet to hear back from Clemson, UNC-Asheville, Central Michigan, Utah, and Texas A&M. Four down, five to go. 

Three Down, Six to Go

This afternoon, I received an e-mail from Brigham Young University. Apparently, although I was highly recommended, according to the e-mail, the REU program was unable to offer me a place in their program this summer. Well, three down, six to go. 

Two Down, Seven to Go

Finally - I'm beginning to receive e-mails pertaining to my admittance to an REU program. 

Unfortunately, San Diego State University and James Madison University couldn't offer a place for me in either of their REU programs. Also, like I previously mentioned, Oregon State University is highly interested in my case and I'm a finalist for their last few, open spots. 

So, two down, seven to go. 

Stepping Out of the Waiting Room, pt. 1

Well, after a few weeks of waiting, I've finally begun to receive news from the REU programs I applied to, one in particular - Oregon State. According to the REU in Corvallis, OR, I've advanced to the next (and presumably finalist) round of the REU selection, and should hear back again soon. As for the other REU programs, no words back yet. I'm assuming that I'll know where I'm headed in about two weeks or so. I'll keep my readers posted. 

A Fortnight and a Half Yet to Venture...

Well, my friends, 20 February is a big day in terms of REU applying. Most REU programs across different sciences (and mathematics) had the 20th as the due date for applications. I thought I was set, having turned in an unofficial copy of my transcript to Texas A&M's program not long ago. 

However, I received an e-mail from Corvallis (Oregon State), notifying me that my application was complete, except for one letter of recommendation. I was a tad shocked, for those were taken care of several weeks back. Apparently, one of my supposed references either never bothered to read my e-mail that asked for a letter, or he forgot about taking care of it - the reasoning behind it, I'm not sure. Instead of fussing over that, I knew I could turn to my independent study professor, Dr. Daniel Alexander, for help. He was very happy to complete the second recommendation letter in the stead of the original supposed letter-sender. 

Thanks to Dan, my applications are in, including Oregon State's. Like I've said before, all I have to do now is to continue playing the Waiting Room game. A fortnight and a half to go yet, before I hear from any of the nine REU programs. Oregon State gave me a notification deadline of three to four weeks, and the others should follow suit to that loose deadline. We'll soon find out where I'll be researching this summer. Prayers and your continued support is always appreciated, especially now. Now, back to the waiting room for a fortnight and a half.....

The Last Piece of the Puzzle

Well, here's to yet another update while I'm here in the waiting room.

Yesterday afternoon, with three days to spare, I sent off the last piece to any REU application that I needed to send off - a copy of my unofficial transcript. The REU at Texas A&M was still in need of a copy in order to declare my application complete, so I found a window of time between classes and I sent it off to College Station, TX.

Unless notified otherwise, consider the REU-applying in any form finished, completed, and done. All I truly have to do is wait for the March Madness that will be the e-mails that will arrive at my virtual doorstep, with a 'yay' or 'nay.'