Meeting with professors

People have different feelings about meeting with professors. Some love it, some hate it, and some don’t really care one way or another.  What is true for everyone is that meeting with your professors is an important part of college. Developing a relationship with them can be beneficial in so many ways. Here are a few examples of how knowing your professors well can help you out:

• You have a mentor. This may be your first time away from home or you may have lived away from home for years. Either way, having a mentor - someone who can advise and guide you - is both helpful and comforting. We all need help sometimes. A professor can be a great person to turn to.
  
• Your professor will have your back. You got the flu and your dog ate your homework. Even if you’re incredibly diligent, things come up and you may find yourself needing to make up a test or get an extension on a paper. If your professor knows you and likes you, you may be more likely to get these things.
  
• Graduate school applications. In a few years, you may find yourself applying to graduate schools. If so, you will likely need recommendations for your application. You can ask any professor for this. Even if she doesn’t remember you well, if you did well in her class, she’ll come up with something for you. But you will get a much better recommendation from someone who knows you and your work well - and who really wants to make sure you get into your top choice school.
  

So how do you get to know your professors? Walk with them in the hallways after class or go to office hours. Ask them questions about the topics you’re studying. Tell them your thoughts on those topics. Professors really appreciate students who care and who go out of their way to learn more about their fields.

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