by Warren O. Brennan

Created on: July 19, 2010

Garnering the respect and admiration of your college professor is half the battle to achieving academic success. Should it be that way? Ideally, no. Most would like to think that academics are judge on a neutral basis, taking into account only ones success on class assignments and non-bias tests. However, this is not the reality of the current college environment. Today, the emphasis is much more on classroom conversation and the overall “presentation” of the student. To succeed in this environment will necessitate an effort by the student to form a unique relationship with their professor in order to stand out come grading time.

My first piece of advice in this area is to demonstrate your interest in the class material early on. Consider sending your professor an email prior to classes begin asking about the direction of the course and for a copy of the syllabus. This will show your enthusiasm and likely put your name in the professor’s head before anyone else in the class.

Next, participate in class often. Again, the college environment today is very focused on the classroom environment. Always remember, “it’s not just about the test”. Your performance in class will often factor heavily into what grade you receive.

In order to offer intelligent comments in class, it will necessitate you keeping up with class reading assignments. I know this is a drag, and possibly a big change from your high school days, but it is a big part of impressing your professor. They have likely gone over the required material 10-15 times and know when someone has not read or not absorbed the information required for discussion. Read the material more than once, take detailed notes, and offer comments in class. This will go a long way.

Don’t be afraid to follow up after class. At least once a week you should briefly speak to your professor after class. Ask a question or request clarification on an upcoming assignment. The goal here is not necessarily to get the answer to your question, although that is certainly helpful, but more so to get the professor to recognize you and label you an interested student.

Lastly, don’t do any of the aforementioned too much. You do not want to cross the line from enthusiastic student to brownnoser. Professors know it when they see it, so be careful. Use the tips I have outlined in moderation and you will be on the path to success.

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