Finding the 'right' professor

We've all heard stories, both good and bad. \n"If you ask a question during the exam, he'll talk you through it until you get the answer!" \n"Her exams are so hard the class average is usually in the 40s!" \nI know that a great deal of my performance in any class is contingent upon my opinion of the professor. I also know that both rumors and my own first impression are often wildly inaccurate. My solution is to try to get to know as many of my professors as possible. \nFor example, I took a class taught by a notoriously difficult and intimidating professor. More than one person suggested that I drop it and take another section, but I needed it. During the third week, I caved in and went to office hours for help. Yada, yada, yada, I got an A in the class and am now that professor's biggest fan. \nThat experience taught me that you never truly know professors until you've spoken to them one-on-one.\nIt turns out that rather than difficult and intimidating, this professor is both brilliant and compassionate -- one of the few I've encountered whose genuine interest in students seems to take precedence. I might never have known this professor's real nature if I hadn't gone to office hours. \nUndoubtedly it's the professor who makes or breaks the class. With that in mind, if you continually hear wonderful things about the same professor semester after semester, work your schedule to get into the class. Put off something or move something up to make the section fit your schedule. \nIf you are required to take a class and you know nothing about anyone teaching it, ask around in other classes. Get opinions and recommendations. And don't take someone's class just because you've heard that it's easy! At the risk of revealing my inner geek, I highly recommend seeking out the professors whose raves consist more of, "I learned so much!" than "You never have to open the book!"\nAlong those same lines, a thumbs up from an A means far more to me than thumbs down from a C+. Seek out great professors based upon the recommendations of serious students. \nIf you must take a class taught by a professor whose rep is less than stellar, give him or her a chance. I try to meet all of my professors individually at least once a semester. As with Professor Intimidating, often it turns out that the reputation is wholly undeserved. \nAlso, for me at least, this approach is effective because I know that these people will know exactly who "Wilson, Jeanne E." is as they're recording grades, and for pride's sake I want it to be an A and not a B-. And let's not kid around, sometimes that little bit of familiarity can work to your advantage. \nI once got an A+ that I am certain I didn't quite earn from a professor whom I had met with several times. \nA final thought: The people who teach you biology or history or business twice a week may well be some of the most brilliant minds in their fields. Assuming that we're all here because we're trying to become smarter, why do so few of us bother to talk to them? At the very least, it's their job to talk with us. And occasionally, it's their great joy. Take advantage of it, already!