Susan writes:
I’m an entering first-year college student, and I just read your article on first-year success in college. I was wondering — I am going to a large public university where a large majority of my classes will have more than 100 students. How exactly do I get to know my professor? Do I just go in and introduce myself?
The Career Doctor responds:
I guess the not-so-helpful answer is that you should have chosen a school with smaller class sizes but I know that’s not helpful…
So… here are my suggestions. First, sit toward the front of class and be attentive in class, make eye contact during lectures, discussions, etc. Students who sit in the first few rows are generally some of the best students (perhaps partly because they are forced to pay attention). Make sure you attend all classes.
Second, work hard… and show that work through tests and papers.
Third, yes, introduce yourself — either after class or during the professor’s office hours. Just a quick introduction — who you are, what your major/career interest, and what interests you about the class… you don’t need to go overboard on praise for the class (the dreaded “brown-nosing”)… just keep it short and simple…
Fourth, as the semester progresses, continue to occasionally make small talk and build rapport with the professor — so that it will hopefully carry over beyond the semester.
By the way, I think it’s great that you are thinking ahead and that you have a desire to be known at your new school. Best of luck to you!!
Finally, don’t forget that good grades will not come as easily in college as they did in high school. Here are a few tips for getting good grades in college:
- Get organized. Use a planner of other system to keep track of deadlines, homework assignments, tests.
- Use time wisely. Tackle harder stuff first, and reward yourself with small breaks. As one of my favorite former students used to say, “work hard to play hard.”
- Study, study, study. A lot of first-year college students have never had to develop good study habits, but now is the time to do so. And study early and often.
For more general tips and strategies for improving your grades in college, read my latest article, 10 Tips for Getting Good (or Better) Grades in College.
