Classroom size is always a focal point when it comes to maximizing student success. Some students prefer massive lecture halls, while others appreciate more intimate and personal classroom settings. Whatever the case may be, it’s sometimes challenging to get your professors to remember your name, so you can only imagine how hard it is to get your professors to love you, until now! 

Call it what you want, brown-nosing, kissing a**, or trying to be a teacher’s pet, the tactics below will help you to get noticed by your professors, in a good way.

The following tips have allowed me to stand out, build a positive rapport, and create long-lasting relationships with my professors.

7 Ways to Get Your Professors to LOVE You

1. Send an email before the semester begins

I realize that some of us would like to maintain a certain reputation, and being a Teacher’s pet, isn’t one of them. Trust me, I get it. Thus, step one is discreet and can be done in the comfort of your own home, your classmates will never know. Take a few minutes out of your busy day to look up your professor’s email address and send him/her a short introductory paragraph a week before classes begin. Be sure to include an interesting fact, something that will set you apart. Below is an email that I sent to one of my professors before attending her class:

“Hello Professor Moore,

I just wanted to send an email hoping to set myself apart from the other students in your Marketing 205 course, held on Monday’s at 9:00am. Here are a few interesting facts about me. My name is Terri Lomax. I am a Marketing major and a Community Assistant (CA) in Old Main.

I competed in the Miss Black America Pageant of Philadelphia this summer which was a great accomplishment for me although I didn’t win. I look forward to this semester and I am excited to learn more about marketing. See you Monday.

Einstein said that great ideas are often violently opposed by mediocre minds. With this thought, have a superlative day and reach beyond the status quo.

– Terri L. Lomax”

By the end of the first day of class, my professor 1) knew my name and 2) referenced one of my interesting facts when we met. She pulled me aside after class and told me that I should have won the pageant. What a great way to make a memorable impression!

2. Find an impressive email signature

This step sort of goes hand in hand with sending the email. I never realized how powerful a good email signature could be! I had used the Einstein quote on most of my undergraduate emails and my professors really liked it.

I had one professor who would see me walking on campus and every single time he’d stop me to say, “What’d Einstein say?” I later had to memorize that quote because I looked like a deer caught in headlights the first 3 times he asked me. But anyway, a signature is another tactic that sets you a part. Be sure to choose something positive, short, and noncontroversial.

 

3. Sit in the front row of class

I know , I know, it’s not “cool” to sit in the front row, however if you are given the choice to choose your seat, sit in the front row! First of all, your professor will most likely see your face every class and remember it. Also, sitting in the front row will keep you focused; I was never tempted to text or talk to my classmates when I sat in the front row. And lastly, being front and center allows for a less distracting experience, assuming that the kids in the back aren’t paying attention.

 

4. Attend every class…ok, most classes

I am not one to preach to you about attending every class because quite frankly, I DID NOT! I went to the majority of my classes, but sometimes I just didn’t feel like going. I know you’re wondering why I’m encouraging you to attend all classes considering that I skipped classes here and there. Here’s why. I had friends who never missed a class and they stood out! Professors bragged about them and were truly flattered and impressed with the fact that the “perfect attenders” were consistent and diligent. Kudos to students with perfect attendance. For those of you who are like me and may need to skip every once (or twice) in a while. The next step was written with you in mind!

 

5. Notify your professor if you know you’re going to be absent

Whether you plan on skipping or if you have a legitimate reason for missing class, always let your professor know that you won’t be in attendance in advance. If an unforeseen situation occurs, follow-up with your professor as soon as you are able to. The heads up in regards to absences shows your respect and maturity.

 

6. Visit them

Don’t be “that kid” that goes to see the professor during office hours for the first time during the last two weeks of the semester to argue about a grade discrepancy, I call them “the last two weekers.” Professors don’t like this… at all. Visit your professor at least twice during the semester. I usually met with my professors during the first month of the semester and during midterms. When you meet with a professor during their office hours please be prepared, don’t waste your time or theirs. Jot down a few questions about the subject or get clarity on something he/she mentioned in class.

 

7. Participate in class

Ask questions, add to the discussion and don’t talk or disrupt class. If you’re like me and you’re not a big fan of speaking in front of the class, prepare your questions beforehand. I used to make a goal to ask at least 1 question and make 1 comment during class. Class participation goes a long way.

I hope you’ve found the list above useful. I’m telling you, they really make a difference! Do you have any other tips that might help? Please share below!
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