<p>How many LORs do REUs typically require? I'm only a sophomore, and can't make most of my teachers office hours. I am however, spending time in a lab, but I'm only with grad students even though there's a professor there that's in charge of it. He's in his office most of the time so I don't get to work with him. Should I ask for an LOR from him when the time comes?</p>
<p>Also when an application says a student must be in "junior-level standing." Does that mean the student has finished their junior year or will start it after that REU session?</p>
<p>If you are confused about the application requirements, shoot them an email and ask! </p>
<p>In math, REUs typically require two letters and most REUs seem to target students between their junior and senior years, though most are willing to accept younger students with the prerequisite math background.</p>
<p>Meet with your prof and talk to him. Let him get to know you. Ask for advice about REUs – I’m sure they’ve helped students apply for these in the past. Most professors enjoy interacting with motivated students and want their students to succeed. If you can’t make it to office hours, set up an appointment at a mutually convenient time.</p>
<p>This isn’t a grad student question, so you’d get better answers from undergrads in that area. The REU application will have the requirements aid out for you. It is a good idea to ask profs or grad students who have done REU’s for suggestions.</p>
<p>But, if you are working in a lab, then it seems appropriate to ask the prof if he can give you a good recco. It is usual that he would ask any feedback on your work from the grad student in charge.</p>