How to Deal with Difficult College Professors

Sometimes, you start a new course in college, and from the very first moment, you can just tell that you're going to completely love the professor that teaches it. Unfortunately, the opposite is just as often true. Even if the course itself isn't particularly difficult, a bad student-professor relationship can ruin your experience in the course, not to mention your grade. Here's some tips to keep in mind when it comes to smoothing over such incompatibilities.

Avoid Professors With Bad Reviews. Before you can even register for classes, talk to your classmates and friends and see what sort of reputation you're dealing with. Be sure to get multiple sources: just because your buddy Jim had a bad time with Dr. Fimbleworth doesn't mean you will, but if six or seven people all say that Dr. F is really hard to get along with, then you might want to avoid that professor, if possible.

Give It Time. Professors get the new-semester jitters just like students. Give your professor a few more class periods before you make a final judgment on them - they may just need some time to get back in the swing of things. One of my former professors started out like this: I didn't think I'd be able to get along with him, but he turned out to be one of my favorite instructors.

Talk To The Professor. If you're having difficulty, don't just blame it on the professor. Most professors maintain some office hours - drop by, or make an appointment to see them, and talk to them about your problems. Sometimes just some face-to-face communication is all that's needed to smooth over relations.

Don't Bad-Mouth. Even if you can't get along with a professor, don't call them names or slanderize them around your classmates. If someone asks your opinion, tell them truthfully that you had a hard time learning under that professor, but leave it at that.

Drop The Course. If you can't resolve the situation, consider dropping out of the course, especially if the course is one that isn't required for your major. If the course is offered by another professor, try to transfer over, if it fits into your schedule. Usually, this has to be done fairly early in the semester - most universities frown on mid-semester changes in class schedule, if they allow it at all.

Tough It Out. Sometimes, you get stuck in a worst-case scenario: the course is required for your major, but only taught by this one professor. In a situation like this, if you can't get along with the professor, at least attend class and be respectful, and do your best. You might end up a bad grade, but remember, for most things, even a D or a C is passing. In the long run, pass-or-fail is more important than your actual grade, so don't sweat it if you have a rough time.