I am unable to create an impression on my professor?? whats wrong??

Question

IHi; I am a 18 year old guy studying in college; I am trying to create impression on my professor; but I am unable to do so ; First off, he is quite demanding ; He expects too much ; I am trying my best but I am unable to create an impression on him ; HE SEEMS TO BE TREATING ME STILL LIKE AN AVERAGE STUDENT ; BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE AN AVERAGE STUDENT ; WHAT WRONG AM I DOING ?? ( he's also asked for my past academic years certificates for some formalities of the college ; & I have not done very well in past years ; so will it create a bad impression on him????)

Answer 1

You may not want to be an 'average' student, but average is maybe what you are.  If you want to be above-average, you have to demonstrate this: by actively paying attention in your lectures and broadening your understanding by selective background reading. The more you read around course topics, the wider and deeper will be your understanding of the knowledge you seek to acquire. This effort should be reflected in the gradually improving quality of the assignments you present to your tutors.  Your professor isn't interested in people who strive too hard to impress - he'll be impressed if your work improves and if your work is of high quality.  

As for his desire to see past academic years certificates for some formalities of the college, that's not something you should worry about unless you have not been honest about your qualifications and have gained a place at college on false pretences.  You see, if your claimed qualifications for college imply that you are above-average, and he sees work from you that says 'this guy doesn't seem like an AA student' it's going to flag up some questions. He didn't get to be professor because he was stupid.  It's important that you are honest with yourself and with other people. It's also important that you don't have an over-inflated ego. Be true to yourself and always do your best - and you will achieve your potential.

Remember that if there's something you want to achieve, somewhere you want to be, your goals will lead you to discover the tools you need to achieve them.

Finally, why not talk to your professor above how you are feeling - ask for his advice and his opinions about your performance so far. Good luck

Answer 2

Don't try too hard. Often professors have so many students they do not see them as individuals especially in introductory courses. They don't want to invest too much on a student they may never see again. Typically, once you declare your major and begin to see the professor in other classes and at departmental events you will be noticed. As an undergrad my first class was with my mentor. He didn't even know my name and really didn't bother to learn names in that class. I began getting involved with the honor society (he was the advisor) and working in the department. I ended up having about 4 more classes with him and eventually became his assistant. We spent a couple of summers together doing research. We are now still very close friends. Now I am an instructor and I see from the other side of the classroom. I only work part-time at a small liberal arts college but I still have approximately 45 students a semester. Full-time professors can have hundreds of students a semester depending on course load and size of the school. I find that the students who try too hard to be my "friend" or make themselves known to me come off as having poor social skills. They tend to overstep boundaries and make me uncomfortable. I tend to avoid these students at all costs. I guess my advice to you is to do your best work possible. If you really respect this instructor look for opportunities to work with him. Take seminars he teaches or try to assist in research. Over time he will get to know you. Don't push. Also you may find after some time that you have different interest or may develop a relationship with another instructor. Be open to opportunities.  

Answer 3

Relax.  All professors expect too much.  This is college after all.  Don't worry about the past certificates.  You want to build on those.  Always do research on your work.  Read the assignments and search the Internet for additional information.  Ask questions in class.  College is about you, not the professor.  As long as you are doing the best work you can, you will be fine.  If you try too hard to get the professor's attention, you might get the wrong kind.  Also if you get a bad grade on an assignment, ask the professor what you should have done differently.  Most will be very willing to tell you.