How to get to know your professors?

[clocks123]

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I am a sophomore and up to this point, I have only been in large lecture courses and haven't really gotten to know any my professors. This semester, I really enjoy one of my bio classes and want to get to know the professor, but I don't really have any questions about the material. How should I approach the professor during hours? Should I just make up a question or do professors just like to talk to their students?

 

[Mavs88]

Find a topic in class that really was interesting or you want to know more about....go to office hours see if you can talk further about it. Also, after an exam you can always go ask for clarification on a question.

 

[deleted407021]

Good professors are interested in talking with students. Identify a topic that you want to know more about that falls within their field of expertise and bring that question to them during their office hours. Being able to discuss things scientifically with your teacher can make a good impression and lets them know you are interested.

 

[Aerus]

Take obscure upper division courses that no one takes yet still sound interesting. Or, you can take honors level classes. They tend to be a lot smaller and many people avoid taking unnecessarily harder classes.

 

[Muad'Dib]

Take obscure upper division courses that no one takes yet still sound interesting. Or, you can take honors level classes. They tend to be a lot smaller and many people avoid taking unnecessarily harder classes.

I made the mistake of taking honors science classes for some reason. They were gunner-central. So, go for it, I guess... If you're down for that sort of thing.

 

[Lucca]

Take obscure upper division courses that no one takes yet still sound interesting. Or, you can take honors level classes. They tend to be a lot smaller and many people avoid taking unnecessarily harder classes.

I totally second this. Obscure upper division classes are THE BEST. ESPECIALLY math classes like "Topology 1" or "Introduction to Real Analysis". Freaking NO ONE takes math classes and math professors are generally hilarious/awesome/quirky/fun to talk to. Generally, I said.. 😛

 

[nemo123]

Become a TA in one of their classes. And like others have said, go to office hours and ask for clarification on some topics or ask about an exam question.

 

[Aerus]

I made the mistake of taking honors science classes for some reason. They were gunner-central. So, go for it, I guess... If you're down for that sort of thing.

Taking honors Organic Chemistry was the best decision of my life. I get to interact with the professor on a much more personal level since there are very few people in the class. On a given day, he would ask me how my multivariable midterm went or he would be talking about his dinner plans with his family that night and etc.

 

[SnakeOilForSale]

If you're enjoying the class, then don't make up a question, ask about one of the topics you like! If the professor does research, you can bring up one of their papers and ask about it. YMMV, but the professors I've gotten the closest with generally I showed an interest in something they taught and then slowly worked towards my personal goals/life as the bond grew. My classes are very small, so it may be harder to do this in a large lecture hall, but if they seem knowledgeable and friendly, having professors on your side is awesome when it comes to reccos/finding opportunities around. They can really be your biggest encouragers.

 

[Dr.Forssmann]

I am a sophomore and up to this point, I have only been in large lecture courses and haven't really gotten to know any my professors. This semester, I really enjoy one of my bio classes and want to get to know the professor, but I don't really have any questions about the material. How should I approach the professor during hours? Should I just make up a question or do professors just like to talk to their students?

Generally if you look up the professor and it says lecturer they care about their stdents. Professors have research **** to do and don't give a damn in my experience unless you do research with them or ta for them.

 

[HarryPlopper]

I am a sophomore and up to this point, I have only been in large lecture courses and haven't really gotten to know any my professors. This semester, I really enjoy one of my bio classes and want to get to know the professor, but I don't really have any questions about the material. How should I approach the professor during hours? Should I just make up a question or do professors just like to talk to their students?

Go to office hours and introduce yourself. State that you are interested in the class and you aspire to be a medical student. Ask questions and show your drive, passion for learning, and dedication to the class and going to medical school. Make sure you go fairly often to get adequate face-time.

Good professors will always be willing to teach when able and want to see their students succeed.

Letters of recommendation is the part of the med school application that you can strengthen the most with the least amount of work.

 

[ssk1777]

if a Professor gives a lecture and you really enjoy it after class would be a good time to compliment him on it. This might be a good way to start knowing and building a relationship with your Professor.

 

[MDforMee]

I made the mistake of taking honors science classes for some reason. They were gunner-central. So, go for it, I guess... If you're down for that sort of thing.

Come on. Honors classes are a lot of fun, and they're very rewarding. I have LORs from two of my honors class professors.

Who said that you have to be intimidated by people like that, anyways? Have fun with them. Practice standing your ground, being assertive and professional, taking leadership when people try to take it from you, and so on.

 

[kyamh]

I was told that the best way to segue into a relationship with a professor (outside of your department, of course) is to bring up your sex life in office hours until it is no longer an awkward topic of conversation. Go from there, though the social protocol may be slightly different at different institutions 😉

No joke, this is a serious "tip" that was shared with me one evening at a room party..