Professors Are People Too

Put all of the typical stereotypes out of your head and just concentrate on the idea that professors are people too.  Yes, professors and students can and do exist together peacefully.  If you're struggling with class work, having problems in the dorm, or if you're just looking for a free dinner you should attend a college that is primarily concerned about its students.  After all, students are the number one reason why professors profess.  One thing that you need to know ahead of time is that professors are supposed to challenge you and they should get you to consider things that may question your beliefs and make you feel extremely uncomfortable.  In short, you really do want to squirm because if you're not being challenged then you're probably not going to get the best out of your education. 

A student had applied to study abroad two times and failed to be accepted both times because his g.p.a. was not high enough to fulfill program requirements.  He was heartbroken and angry, but he was comforted when a professor who he had never even had in class before called him in for a meeting.   "I went in to talk with him even though I had animosity towards him because he was responsible for making the decisions.  The professor said, 'I know you could have gone abroad and been successful but you couldn't do it because of your g.p.a.  So what's going on with you?  All of your professors say you can do it…can we help?'"  The student was amazed that that this professor pulled him aside and offered to help him.  Ultimately, he was able to spend a summer internship abroad and he appreciates the faculty's interest, "I feel like the faculty here have helped to pull me outside of myself in a way."

And another thing that not every prospective student is aware of:  professors don't like for their students to flunk their classes!  Yup, it's shocking but true:  many schools actually want their students to be successful and they pay their professors the big bucks to actually help you when you need it.  Their job is to teach you and to help you develop during your four year stint in college.  So keep in mind, whether you're looking at big universities or small private schools, you really should talk with professors and students when you visit campus and hear their stories about how faculty and students interact.

At a small school like [my school] they do a better job of getting you in four years and helping you to decide on a major.  When she was having difficulty deciding on what she would do after graduation one of her English professors sat her down and discussed her writing capabilities.  The professor then pulled some strings and arranged for the student to intern at a newspaper.  The student is now considering becoming a serious journalist after graduation.

I have often had the same professors for different classes.  In the sociology department there are only three professors and I feel like I have a really good relationship with them.  I know what they want from me academically.

You can easily set up an appointment to speak with your professor.  The professor knows you as an individual and knows what you're good at because the community is so small.  They know all abut you and can help you with what you have to work on.

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