Frequently Asked Questions on NSF Smart Computing and Communications (SCC) REU

Q1: Do I need to travel to attend this program?

Answer: The program will be conducted in-person. Therefore you need to be on-campus at UMBC. Your travel to UMBC and on-campus housing will be covered by the NSF REU grant.

Q2: What are the eligibility requirements of applying to this program?

Answer:

  • You have to be an undergraduate student at an accredited institution in the fall semester following the program as required by the NSF REU program for all REU grants
  • Completed at least 15 college credits prior to the start of the program
  • Completed a minimum of one course in programming, one course in calculus and one course in statistics or data science (soft requirement)
  • GPA of at least 3.0 in a scale of 4.0 (soft requirement)
  • Be a citizen, national or permanent resident of United States as required by the NSF REU program for all REU grants
  • Has access to a desktop/laptop computer
  • Be prepared to commit full-time to the summer research experience program

Q3: What information is required by the application form?

Answer:

  • Basic information
  • Course information
  • Research experience
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
  • Personal Statement: A one-page statement of interest that describes your motivations, expectations, and long-term objectives
  • Transcript (unofficial transcript is fine)
  • Two Recommendation Letters. Recommendation letters from each referee for each applicant should be uploaded in this Box folder. You can find the link to the box folder at our REU website under "How To Apply". Recommendation letter should be named as StudentFirstName_StudentLastName_RecommenderLastName.pdf.

Q4: How long am I supposed to work for this program each week?

Answer: Each student is expected to work for 40 hours per week on average.

Q5: Who should write recommendation letters and what is the exact deadline for recommendation letters?

Answer: We normally expect letter writers to be your professors who can evaluate your research performance and/or course performance. If you have difficulty getting both letters from them, at least have one letter from college professors. It would be great if we can receive the recommendation letters also by application deadline. We suggest you use this deadline when you communicate with your letter writers. It is fine if the letters are sent within a few days (one week) later than the application deadline. We did not set a hard deadline for letters because we understand they are not directly controllable by applicants.

Q6: Should my personal statement be general or focus on one of the research projects to be conducted?

Answer: It depends on your interests. If any tentative projects are interesting to you, your personal statement can be general. If you are particularly interested in one project, please explain it in your statement. Your statements will help us assign students or a group of students to a specific project.

Q7: I’m not eligible for this REU program for some reason. But I’m interested in interdisciplinary smart computing and communications research. How could I get involved?

Answer: You can send an email to our NSF Smart Computing and Communications REU mailbox at mpsc@umbc.edu articulating your R&D interests. We will contact you if there is any potential opportunity that matches your interests. You can also check the related PhD program opportunity at UMBC.

Logistics

Q8: Will there be bus transportation on/off campus?

Answer: Yes, there is UMBC transit available. Please check the schedule to get out of the campus to other areas in the county, BWI, Arundel, and Downtown: UMBC tansit

Q9: Will anyone be living on campus through the reu in case there are issues with housing?

Answer: There are Residential Life staff present in the ACC 24*7. You can approach them for any housing-related issues. If you have any other issues, you may write to: anuradha@umbc.edu OR nroy@umbc.edu

Q10: Will there be any campus buildings open during the summer?

Answer: Every campus building has its timing. For dining options, please take a look at the schedule to find the options open at a given time. Hours of Dine-in options

Q11: Will we have access to the gym/pool/recreational facilities?

Answer: All UMBC students have access to the Gym and Recreational Facilities. Interns interested in a RAC membership should contact Event & Conference Services. RAC hours

Q12: Where should I park? I applied for parking. When should I expect to hear back?

Answer: Please find the available parking lots on the map given on the link. Please note that you are only allowed to Parking Lots marked in "Red A" and "Yellow C" Parking Information

Housing

You will be staying at West hill Apartments. It is located on the Walker Avenue. Please take a look at the campus map for more details. When you reach the campus, please go straight to ACC for check-in. Those of you checking in on Sunday, June 4th, please continue to do so. Those planning to check in on Monday, June 5th, could you make sure to complete the check-in process by 10 AM since we have things planned from 11 AM onwards? Please refer to my earlier email about the housing for more details.

Q13: Do interns have to share a room with other interns? If yes, how many per room? If they are not sharing the room, but an apartment, how many interns will be put together in one apartment?

Answer: All interns will be allocated one separate room in an apartment. Every apartment has 4 rooms with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room. The kitchen is equipped with a stovetop, oven, and refrigerator. Bring your own utensils and cookware.

Q14: Do the interns have to bring anything along with them for their stay, like cleaning supplies?

Answer: Cleaning supplies will not be provided. You may bring your own.

Q15: Will all interns of the same group be assigned the same apartment, OR will they be sharing with other interns?

Answer: In most cases, interns from NSF REU will be assigned to the same apartment. However, it may vary if there is a shortage of space.

Q16: Is there a certain time we are meant to be back in the housing on a daily basis.

Answer: Housing is open 24*7, and students/interns can get back at any time of the day. However, for safety reasons, it is advised you get back as soon as possible.

Q17: Can the interns bring guests into their apartments?

Answer: Yes, but you are responsible for your guests. In case of some untoward incident involving your guests, you will be held responsible.

Day-to-Day Work

Q18: What will a workday look like? What will be the working hours?

Answer: 8 to 5 PM with a 1-hour lunch break on all working days (Monday-Friday).

Q19: Can you work from the room?

Answer: You are expected to work from ITE 458, which is the workspace for NSF REU students. If you are unable to come to work, please email nroy@umbc.edu and anuradha@umbc.edu.

Q20: Do they have to work using their laptop?

Answer: Please bring your own laptop to work, at least for the initial days. Based on your project, you may be allocated separate laptops/desktops/devices.