How to Deal with Difficult College Professors

When you're in college, there is always that inevitable professor, the one who can never be pleased or who rubs you the wrong way. However, as long as they are still human, there are in fact ways to please them and become "teacher's pet" without sucking up too much.

Hard Work. I realize this may seem redundant, but professors have worked for many years and for long, intense hours to get where they are today. This means that, unless you're going through a real family crisis of which they are aware, they are not likely to have much respect for slovenliness or late homework or excuses for anything. Don't allow them to think of you as someone who "just gets by." Show them that you are passionate about the subject by doing extra credit, asking for extra credit work, and by staying after class to discuss further questions or interesting topics about the class. Be the one who participates the most in class, and learn to ignore fellow classmates who are trying to get your attention during class. Focus only on the task at hand until it is finished, check your work two times, and see if there is any way you can add to the assignment or improve it.

Turn in Assignments Ahead of Time. Show your professor that you have self discipline and fortitude by turning in assignments ahead of time. Also, if you have to be away from class for a couple of days, make sure to turn in assignments that are due a week after you get back. This way, you have prepared and you won't have to catch up when you get back.

Interest. Show a real interest in their subject matter, and ask them about their own study of the subject. Even if you are not planning on pursuing a doctorate in Greek Mythology, it doesn't hurt to understand their background in it, and to hear their original excitement about it. Study the subject deeper on your own, and find interesting news items for them to read about the latest developments concerning their subject. Simply drop the print-outs on their desk after class to avoid looking like a suck-up to your classmates.

Avoid Being Obnoxious. Be extremely confident in class, but don't be completely obnoxious. Your teacher may feel that you should be brought down a bit, and that could discourage you during your streak of success. Be enthusiastic, but not totally rude. Be cocky, but not insulting. You can lift yourself up in the eyes of the class and your professor without putting anyone else down. Lastly, never interrupt whoever is standing at the head of the class, even if it is your classmate giving a presentation.

Help a Fellow Student. Build a department-wide reputation by tutoring and assisting fellow students with their studies. This will generate good report about you among the faculty, if ever your name should come up. And keep your chin up. Dealing with difficult college professors is indeed difficult, but certainly not impossible.