Tips from the Advisers
Katy Korchik, Academic Adviser
Languages & Mathematics Student Community
If you were applying for a scholarship or graduate program, how many of your professors know you well enough to write you a letter of recommendation?
For a lot of students the answer is not many, or in some cases, none. Getting to know your instructors takes some effort, especially in a large class, but the results of making contact with them can be invaluable, both for your performance in the classroom and for larger long term goals.
Your instructors should let you know when their office hours are at the beginning of the semester. But if you can’t make it to the posted hours because of your class and work schedule, don’t be too shy to ask for an appointment at another time. Office hours exist so that instructors and students can meet to work through problems and explore course content further. Every student should have that chance to meet, even if their hours don’t match up well. If you schedule a time outside of regular hours, however, don’t be late or blow it off.
When you attend office hours, be prepared. If you are there because you are having trouble with the course material, bring a concrete example. If you need help with a paper, bring a current draft or a list of possible topics. If you are asking for a letter of recommendation, be prepared with all the information that the instructor will need if they agree to write one.
Students who use office hours wisely often report a greater satisfaction with their classes, do better on exams and papers, and feel more connected to their college. Make time to take advantage of this great opportunity.
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