Really Simple Ways to Impress Your Teacher in Colleges

Some of the most important people you will ever meet are the teachers who teach your college classes. But these folks do more than impart knowledge. They also serve as judges of your academic work and in many cases, of your potential to succeed in the future. Undoubtedly, it’s in the best interest of every student to make a positive impression. You may have another year to go, but you’ll realize that you’re in college the first day you walk into a lecture hall that holds 50, 100 or 300 students. Your teachers won’t necessarily greet you by name. They won’t ask how your last soccer game or debate tournament went. They may not even learn your name before the semester ends.

Most teachers care about their students, and they want to be personally connected. But you may be one of 500 students they teach in a semester. How can you stand out as an individual without seeming like you’re just buttering up? Here are my suggestions, based on my 25 years in all kinds of universities.

1. Get off to a good start

Although everything covered in a given course is pretty important, the first few days are crucial. If you get off to a good start, chances are the instructor’s initial impression of you will be a positive one. The phrase “first impressions last” may be cliche, but the sentiment still holds true.

2. Be visible

It’s easy to remain anonymous as a college student. You can sit quietly in class, complete all the assignments, and probably do okay. But if you want to be remembered, you need to make yourself visible. The best way to do this? Participate.

3. Put in the work

Everybody knows that it takes hard work to succeed in college. But it’s a fact of life that every student doesn’t work hard all the time. In fact, teachers often complain about students who skip readings, miss assignments, or submit work that shows a lack of effort.

4. Build relationships

For many students, individual contact with faculty is limited. Yet most teachers are highly approachable. If you take the time to interact with them, they will remember you.

5. Communicate about problems

If you’re having problems that affect your role as a student, don’t keep them to yourself. Otherwise, a positive impression could turn into a negative one.

6. Pay attention to details

Among your academic responsibilities is staying informed. Keeping tabs on class-related details will reinforce your image as a serious student. You can keep pace by regularly reviewing the syllabus for each course, keeping track of your grades, and checking e-mail and course websites frequently. And be sure to question instructors about any details that might not be clear.

7. Thank the teacher for a particularly interesting class

Don’t do this often, and don’t do it when you don’t mean it. But if you find a class particularly interesting, say something.

8. Smile and greet your teachers by name outside class

When you see your teacher in the lounge or walking across campus or in the hall, greet her by name. If the class is a large one, also tell her who you are. She will appreciate the reminder and the opportunity for personal contact.

9. Show how you feel by how you look

Teachers are not supposed to notice your personal appearance, and most colleges and universities gave up dress codes long ago. Sometimes, though, your appearance does count.