Application information for SMALL:
Usually mid-June to mid-August
Applications are due early February (check the MathPrograms.org page for specific dates). At the end of this page is more information about housing, meals, travel, stipends and so on.
Please apply online at http://www.mathprograms.org/db (it will be listed under Williams College as SMALL_REU); you can look at the required Application Form through the following links: (pdf: SMALLApplicationDocGeneral or word file: SMALLApplicationDocGeneral) (note that these files contain all the additional information you need when you apply, so please download the Application Form and upload your completed copy). Arrange for one letter of recommendation to be uploaded (if you need to you may upload more). When you go to the http://www.mathprograms.org/db site you will fill out information which will generate a cover letter. You then need to upload the “Additional Information” tab. You should put everything else there. That is the SMALL Application Document mentioned earlier in this paragraph, which includes some information about yourself, your classes, your group preferences, and a personal statement. Also don’t forget to ask your professor to upload a recommendation letter.
The groups that will run are listed on MathPrograms.Org and the SMALL homepage. For more information about the program (including stipends, travel, meals, …) see below. The form requires information about yourself, a statement of interest, and a letter of reference. The SMALL program is open to all students who are undergraduates during the summer in which the research is conducted. (Funding is available for a limited number of students who are not US citizens or permanent residents. However, Williams College cannot obtain a visa for SMALL students, and so only students with a current US visa are eligible. You are responsible for obtaining a visa — we cannot assist you with that, or provide provisional offers based on a successful visa application.)
We have created a page for frequently asked questions; click here to see these and answer. If this doesn’t answer your questions, or if you need more information, please contact the Program Director (contact information at the bottom of this page).
All applications materials must be received by the date listed at MathPrograms.Org (usually first or second week of February)
More Information
The SMALL Undergraduate Research Project is a ten-week summer program (9 weeks at Williams and 1 week at home) in which undergraduates investigate open research problems in mathematics and statistics. One of the largest programs of its kind in the country, SMALL is supported in part by a National Science Foundation grant for Research Experiences for Undergraduates and by the Bronfman Science Center of Williams College. Around 500 students have participated in the project since its inception in 1988. Students work in small groups directed by individual faculty members. Many participants have published papers and presented talks at research conferences based on work done in SMALL. Some have gone on to complete PhDs in Mathematics and related fields.
During off hours, students enjoy the many attractions of summer in the Berkshires: hiking, biking, plays, concerts, etc. Weekly lunches, teas, and casual sporting events bring SMALL students together with faculty and other students spending the summer doing research at Williams College. Participating students receive a stipend of about $4000. Several board plans are available at reasonable rates, with housing included for free. There are funds to help with travel to/from SMALL, as well as to support students to go to conferences to present their work. Students are required to live on campus to participate in the SMALL program. Having students live together on campus allows for the mathematical interaction to expand beyond the boundaries of the workday.
Research published by former SMALL groups can be found under SMALL research publications.
Questions may be directed to the Program Director at [email protected].