Seton Hall University

Date: Jun 09 2014
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
I really don't understand why everyone is complaining so much about the professors. They must either be bad students or just shouldn't be attending college at all. Many of the professors are great, and I'm not just saying that. Some of this advice may seem obvious, but a minority of students do even half of this. So how to get your professors to like you and make them stop seeming like sucky profs? Actually go to the class and be on time. If you need to miss a session, you should email them to explain what's going on. Don't just sit on your phone or laptop - participate. Actually raise your hand and provide insightful responses or questions. Also, be familiar with each professor's syllabus and rules. Some are easy going, but others have stricter policies on attendance, eating food, electronic use, etc. It's important to figure this out in the beginning of the semester. Go to the office hours a couple times a semester. Don't just go at the end to complain about a bad grade. Set up an appointment or pop in if the professor is cool with that. What to talk about if you are a knowitall and don't need any outside of class help? Ask a question from the reading, discuss future career prospects in the field, or an idea you've had pertaining to the material. Obviously don't waste the professor's time, so prepare what you want to discuss ahead of time. Some students would call this kissing up, but this is the best way for your professors to establish an academic relationship with you. This is why you are going to college as opposed to getting an online degree. Foster relationships, so maybe they can remember you for more than a random student in their class who got whatever grade. This comes in handy for recommendations if wish to attend graduate school. Of course do well in the class, but also show that you care about the class and you're putting in effort. Finally, there is the obvious: do all of the work, follow the directions, and hand it in on time. Some teachers really are rather difficult, so just try to understand what makes them tick and play by their rules. I assure you, if done right, you're professors could be some of the best friends and mentors you could possibly wish for.