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If you’re an incoming freshman, you might feel intimidated by the large classes you’re about to take. A good GPA isn’t the only way how you can stand out in your class. Having good grades is great, but many other factors influence your success in college. So, how can you differentiate yourself from your peers?
Don’t just give up and hide in the back row, though – instead, use these five tips to engage with your new professor, proving that you’re truly dedicated to your education and that’s how you can stand out in your class.
Introduce yourself to your professor
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that your teacher knows who you are. At the beginning of the semester, come to class a little early to introduce yourself to him or her. You don’t have to say much, simply state your name and express your excitement about the coming semester. This will give you an immediate leg up over the students who choose to slink in and sit in the back row
Always sit in the front
Large lecture halls make it easy for students to sit far away from their professors. However, doing so makes an impression on your teacher that you don’t want to interact or engage. If you sit in the front, your teacher will sense that you’re a proactive student who wants to have a positive educational experience. Plus, your proximity will allow your teacher to notice your good habits.
Take notes
Taking notes is a good idea for two reasons: It will help you retain the material and it will clue your teacher on the fact that you’re listening. Taking notes shows good study habits and hints at the fact that you’re a dedicated student who cares about the coursework.
Participate
Now that you’ve shown that you care about the material, it’s time to be vocal about it, too. This will help you get the answer of how you can stand out in your class? Raise your hand to participate in discussions and ask questions. Just make sure you have something substantive to say. Participation is a must when it comes to college success. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in classroom lectures, share opinions and personal experiences. If you do so, professors will appreciate your input and the class discussion will become a lot more interesting.
Take advantage of office hours
Office hours provide students with the chance to ask questions they weren’t able to address in class. If you’re living in the University accommodation, it is easier for you to visit your professors. If University accommodation is not your thing, UniAcco has got your back, providing the best private student accommodation. Attending your professor’s office hours with a smart question or discussion topic will prove that you like to take initiative. This will help you in your quest to stand out and receive a good grade at the end of the semester.
Be Alert
Staying focused during class after a long day of work might not be the easiest thing to do. However, daydreaming in class is almost as bad as not showing up. If you want to stand out in the classroom, pay attention, take notes and ask questions. By doing this, professors will notice you more and will be more willing to help you when you need them to because they know you are trying your best.
Go The Extra Mile
Doing homework and getting good grades in International Universities is not enough when you’re in college. If you want to stand out, put in the extra effort to attend study sessions, do the extra work and meet your professors during office hours. Keep in mind that standing out for being hardworking and enthusiastic will bring you a lot of benefits both in the classroom and in the workforce.
Prepare Before Class
Even though most students know how important it is to read class material regularly, not a lot of them do. This is why simply reading the material before attending lecture will help you stand out during class. If you know what the instructor is talking about and have enough knowledge to participate and ask questions, you automatically differentiate yourself from the rest.
Now that you know how to stand out in your class, you’re one step closer to confidently tackling your semester as a college student.
