Welcome to college! You are now the tiniest fish in the giant pond, and you’re trying desperately for your professors to notice you. But how do you get noticed in a lecture hall filled with 500 of the university’s best and brightest? Here are five tips that should help stand out in the crowd.
1. Show up a little early. Just showing up every day is more than most people will do, so why not go the extra mile and show up a few minutes early, too. Your professor will notice right away that you put in the extra initiative to make it to class on time, and you’ll stand out in his or her mind just for that.
2. Sit near the front. Showing up early means you get a better selection of seats. From day one, sit somewhere central to where your instructor will be standing, and within the first three rows of seat. Out of sight is out of mind, right? Make sure you sit where you can be seen.
3. Raise your hand. If you have a question or if you know the answer, raise your hand. Don’t be shy. You’re already sitting up front to get noticed, so make it count! The more you interact, the more you’ll stand out. If you take an active role in the class, your teacher will notice and be more willing to offer you assistance when you need it.
4. Be respectful. Use your manners in the classroom. Your mother spent all those years teaching them to you, so put them to use. “Excuse me,” “yes ma’am,” “no sir,” “please,” “thank you,” and all the others. Us college kids aren’t exactly known for our respectful tones, so just by doing what’s right, you’ll be remembered (and favored) by your teacher.
5. Do the work…and all the extras. Homework is so boring, I know. But you’ve got to do it. Not only do your grades depend on it, your reputation does, as well. Put forth the effort to get all your work done on time, every time, and when you need an extension, you’re more likely to get it. If your instructor offers extra credit or bonus assignments, take the challenge! Your grades will thank you.
Following these five tips to stand out in class will serve you well from the biggest lecture halls, to well beyond the smallest graduate classes. Being timely, attentive, interactive, respectful, and industrious are qualities that are appreciated and respected by teachers, employers, and constituents everywhere. Starting yourself on that path now will work wonders once you’re out of these halls and into the real world, too!