Myka Yamasaki

3 Ways to Impress Your Professor

So you’re starting college soon and you’re thinking, how do I impress my professors? Here are a few things college professors are looking for in a good student.
 

Gif of Ferris Bueller Professor-magoosh

Impress your Teacher with Your Initiative

This is especially true in a seminar class where many class discussions take place. If you are quick on your feet and contribute as many thoughtful ideas as you can, your professor will really appreciate that. Initiative can also mean it is clear to your professor that you come to class prepared having done the readings or homework.
 

Show Your Professor Your Dedication

Say you understand a concept taught in class fairly well. Well enough to get a good grade on the exam or to do well on an essay. However, true dedication would be to go to your professor’s office hours to fully understand a concept and to learn more than is necessary for the test. This leads me to the next thing professors look for.
 

Demonstrate Intellectual Curiosity in Your College Course

Your professor wants to see that you are fully immersed in their class and the coursework. When you begin asking the right questions and learning more about the topic than is necessary, your professor will be pleased. Show your professor that you are interested in learning for the sake of learning and your professor will begin to really open up to you.
 

In college, wooing your teachers is really not necessary to get a good grade in a class. However, if you meet a professor you would really like to build a relationship with, show them that you care about their class and learning. Initiative, dedication, and intellectual curiosity can take you far.
 

Author

  • Myka Yamasaki

    Myka will be attending Occidental College (located in Los Angeles) in the fall and is very excited! She is looking forward to reflecting on her high school experience to help others do their best on the SAT/ACT and in college admissions. She loves cats, food, and friends.

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