Napping at the back of the class is far too easy to do. It’s also easy to nap during your professor’s office hours. This, however, probably won’t help you get an “A.”
Getting to know the person grading your papers isn’t the most important element in earning a good grade, but it doesn’t hurt. When the end of the term rolls around and your grade is perilously close to entering a new letter zone, your professor won’t be inclined to help you out if the first contact you’ve made is at midnight right before grades come out.
Usually professors and GTFs spend their office hours lonely and bored, which becomes blatantly clear if you end up visiting them. Professors are never more excited than when students ask them for help. Visiting your professor not only shows that you care about your grade, but also that you care about the subject they’re teaching you.
If you’re stuck on a paper, your professors and GTFs are there for you. But don’t wait until the last minute to ask for their advice — this won’t help you become their favorite student. To be the favorite and get that “B” bumped up to an “A,” you’re going to have to start working toward it at the beginning of the term, and keep it up until the end.
Making sure that professors and GTFs remember your name is also vital outside of class. If you’re ever planning on applying for scholarships, study-abroad trips, or other university-related programs, you’re going to need recommendations from members of the faculty. If you’ve never spoken to a professor, finding someone to vouch for you will be nearly impossible.
Oh, and one more thing, if you have professors who go out of their way to help you out, drop them off a thank-you card. It won’t go unnoticed.