How to Impress Your Professor
Impressing your professor is often the key to your success in a course. A bad first impression can make it difficult for you to redeem yourself in the professor's eyes. Unless the professor promises blind grading where your name isn't revealed but only an ID number, you run the risk that her prejudices about you affect how she evaluates your written work. There's no quick fix for slackers, but diligent students can ensure that their professor takes notice of their academic efforts.
Things You'll Need
- Syllabus
- Time
- An appointment for office hours
- Dedication to the subject
Instructions
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1
Show up for class. This may sound obvious, but often students think if they do the assigned reading and understand it, that attending class is a waste of time. It's not, because your professor provides explanation and context that's not necessarily in the book.
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2
Introduce yourself, repeatedly. Even if you're the shy type it's important that your professor can put a name with a face. This is best done after the first few classes, so the professor doesn't think you're a suck-up. Approach her after lecture and make a simple introduction and mention why you signed up for the class and that you would like to talk more during her office hours. Then follow through.
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3
Ask or answer questions. Professors love to see students engaging the material seriously. So if you disagree with an interpretation or have an alternative perspective, raise your hand and share it with the class. If the professor asks a question, be prepared to answer it. Raise your hand and do so without hesitation.
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Attend office hours. Come prepared with questions about the text or particular assignments. Ask questions about particular interpretations or the broader implications of the work. Don't just try to get answers to possible test questions.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not kiss up to your professor -- he will be able to see that it's phony.
Make sure you are prepared for every class.
Sit up front so the professor can see you.
Take notes and look engaged.
Even if the professor likes you, do not expect her to reward subpar work.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
