How To Apply
The application for the Summer Intern Program (below) should be completed and submitted electronically. For full consideration, all application materials submitted on the ETAP website, https://etap.nsf.gov/award/8311/opportunity/11418, including your transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received by February 6, 2026.
In addition to completing the on-line application, please do the following:
Request two (2) letters of recommendation from science faculty at your college or university. The letters should address your academic and research capabilities/potential. If you are a rising sophomore and have not yet declared your major, you may request one letter from a faculty member outside of the sciences (for example, math or English). Our advice, based on many years of reading letters from referees, is to give them a 1-page resume, a copy of the essay you plan to submit (or at least a draft), and a copy of your transcript when you ask them to write the letter. Ask them early and be sure they know the deadline. Faculty letters must be submitted as directed on the application website, https://etap.nsf.gov/award/8311/opportunity/11418. During the ETAP application process, you will be asked to enter email addresses for at least two references. Once you enter these and submit your application, emails will automatically be sent from ETAP to the individuals you indicated. These emails will include unique URLs that your references must use to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. In order for your application to be considered complete, letters of recommendation must be submitted through ETAP (NOT emailed directly to the REU site). You will have the opportunity through the ETAP portal to monitor the response rate of references and prompt the system to send them reminder emails. Please ask your professors to name their recommendation letter as - “VIMS REU Program 2026 – Letter of Recommendation for your name"
Have an official copy of your transcript sent to you via email. Attach it as directed on the application website, https://etap.nsf.gov/award/8311/opportunity/11418. Official copies are only valid if sent directly from the registrar's office. If you attended more than one college or university you must have transcripts sent from each institution.
Please note that applicants must be enrolled in a degree program leading to an associate’s or bachelor's degree. Questions about the process can be directed to ([[v|intern]]).
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