Office hours are valuable tools for every class, whether you’re in a 300-person chemistry lecture or a six-person history seminar. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your semester and stand out in your classes.
Step One: read the syllabus
Few things are more awkward than approaching a professor with a question answered in the syllabus. Before going to office hours for the first time, thoroughly read the syllabus to ensure you make the best use of your time. You should also note if the professor states that course questions should be directed to the teaching assistants and if they also have office hours. TA office hours can often be just as valuable as they are frequently the people grading your assignments.
Step Two: your first visit
In the first few weeks of the term, plan a brief introductory meeting with your professor. This first meeting is to establish a relationship with the professor and make sure they know who you are. The most common problem I hear from students is that they skip office hours because the course content is clear to them. However, there is always room for clarification and ensuring you are on the right track. One question you should ask is: what have previous students done to be successful in your class? This question demonstrates that you are a serious student but also reveals what the professor values in their students. The advice they share can help set you up for a successful semester.
The next advice depends on when your first paper or exam falls in the schedule. If your first graded assignment is early in the term, feel free to bring it up in the first meeting; otherwise, meet again the week before the due date or exam. The most powerful question on this topic I use is: what are the most common mistakes students make on this first paper/exam? This question is so powerful since it helps you tailor your first assignment to your professor's preferred style. In the case of exams, this question will often reveal some concepts that will almost certainly be on the test, giving you an advantage when studying.
Step Three: the post-grade visit
No matter how well (or poorly) you perform on the first major assignment, you should visit your professor for more specific feedback. Before going, ensure you thoroughly read any written feedback or attempt to solve any questions you may have missed. The most important advice I can give for this meeting is DO NOT complain about the grade you received. The purpose of this meeting is not to increase your grade on the previous assessment but to increase your grade on FUTURE assignments. Use this time to understand how your professor grades and ensure you take note of what to avoid in future assignments.
Step Four: special case visits
In most cases, you should not be in your professor’s office hours every week unless you have struggles with the material that cannot be addressed during class. However, once you feel secure in your course, you can take advantage of some special cases to attend office hours.
Research positions
If you intend to go to medical or graduate school, undergraduate research experience is often critical. Regularly attending office hours, performing well on assignments, and participating in class can help you stand out among hundreds of undergrads and can help you land a research position. Even if your professor does not research your area of interest, they will know other researchers in the department. Look at some of the published papers from your professor and ask them any questions you have. Even if this isn’t what you want to research, their work is often fascinating! If you want a research position, you can approach the subject by asking: I am really interested in your research. Do you ever have research positions for undergraduates? Even if they don’t, they will often offer valuable support in your search.
Career advice
Perhaps you’re an aspiring academic or have plans to pursue graduate school. Professors are valuable repositories of knowledge and advice on pursuing careers both in and outside academia. Don’t be afraid to ask your professor about their career path or any advice they can provide. For example, if you ask your political science professor: I am interested in interning for a law firm/congressional office/consulting firm this summer; do you have any advice? More often than not, professors will have either colleagues or former students they can connect you with to get you started.
Letters of recommendation
References are an unavoidable component of any professional career. Whether you plan to work straight out of school or hope to pursue a graduate degree, you will almost certainly need someone to vouch for you. Over four years, you can use that time to cultivate strong relationships and have enthusiastic letters of recommendation. Office hours are a great way to maintain connections with professors and eventually ask them for letters of recommendation.
Final tips
Always come prepared
Professors are busy, often juggling multiple classes and research. When attending office hours, always have something specific to discuss.
DO take no for an answer
Not everyone will be your friend, nor is every professor looking to connect with students. If a professor is clearly not interested, do not try to change their mind. You can still ask for advice on the course, but focus on the assignments and don’t take it personally.
Office hours are not for grade grubbing
Professors frequently encounter students begging for higher grades. Instead, build relationships from early in the semester. You might be surprised how often professors bump up your grades based on their knowledge of your dedication and effort, without you needing to ask
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