If you’re serious about your academic records, college is going to be the most crucial time of your life. While the world is slowly migrating to online learning, people who actually value formal education will always prefer college courses.
Sure, a lot of elements go into making you a successful undergrad student in the US. But one of the most overlooked ones is your relationship with the professors. It’s not only your merit and what you put in your essays that make you an excellent academic. It’s the whole package.
The purpose of this post is to help you sharpen your communication skills so that you can get just the right amount of attention from your professors.
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Set the Priorities
Building effective communication with your professors starts with yourself. You need to know exactly what you want out of the course and why you’re going to college in the first place. We know for a fact that very few students actually actively think about these things before admission.
So, if you haven’t taken the time to think your priorities through, that’s the first step. It’ll enable you to ask the right questions, to the right person and at the right times. Otherwise, you’d be wasting both your and the professors’ time. What’s more frightening is that an experienced professor will see right through the haze. The result is a bad first impression, something you don’t want.
Step 2: Creating a Good First Impression
While first impressions might not be the best impressions, they’re the most important ones. It goes for pretty much every aspect of life, including a college education. But before we can tell you want to do to create a good first impression, let us walk you through what not to do.
For starters, walking into the class is a big no-no. Special circumstances like natural disasters or medical issues are different. Even the strictest professors will give you leeway in these regards. But if you keep showing up late a few times a week, that surely reflects badly on you as an individual.
The same goes for using your phone in class. It’s best if you can keep it silent for the duration. If you have to make an urgent call or if you receive one, respectfully ask for permission to leave the class.
In fact, most college professors will let you in on their preferred classroom etiquette during the orientation. Take notes if you’re likely to forget them.
When you talk to the professors, ask what they like to be called. Some will be casual and let you address them by their first names. Others, you’ll need to address them as Mr. or Ms/Mrs. followed by their last names. Latter is the safest way to start. You can gradually progress to using the first names if the individual is okay with it.
Step 3: Use the Appropriate Communicate Channel and Maintain a Schedule
Just because you’re a high-energy individual who likes to party till late does mean your professor does the same. So, don’t slide into the DMs after office hours. If you have an emergency and you have to call them, do it before dinner and make it quick.
It’s best if you ask for permission within the first few days about the communication hours. Ask whether the professor is fine with the students calling after hours or not. This shows empathy on your end, and empathy never goes unappreciated.
Most importantly, use the appropriate communication channels. If the professors ask you to text them, text them. Don’t call. Some colleges have in-house communication software for faculty-student communication. If your college has one, use that instead of social media or phone calls.
Step 4: Controlled Small Talk Goes a Long Way
If you suddenly come across a professor outside of the college, be sure to greet them. If they’re not busy, engage in small talk. Ask how they’re doing. Ask about their interests and whatnot. Be sure not to ask too personal questions.
While these talks are nothing special, you’re actually making a more viable presence in the eyes of the professor than other students. So, the next time you’re in class, they will be more friendly. Also, you never know when they might help you with essays and citations.
Step 5: Be Attentive
Throughout your tenure with a professor, you’ll go through multiple steps. Exams, assignments, essay submissions, etc., are all part of the same paradigm. The key to having clear communication is to be attentive.
And being attentive not only applies in the class but outside the class too. For example, if you have a college essay submission deadline, meet it. Don’t assume that you can submit it late, and the professors will be fine with it.
If you have other commitments, such as work or a social event, you can always turn to us, and we will help you complete the essay for cheap. Of course, without compromising quality.
Be Ready for the Worst
Sometimes, doing everything right isn’t enough. If you become an unfortunate victim of such a case with your professor, it’s important not to lose hope. You still have your studies, assignments, and essays to be on top of your grades.
And as for assignments and term papers, at least you have professionals like cheap essay writers online who can take you out of a sticky situation and save your grade so you may live to see another semester!
