If you have ever failed a test or homework assignment in an important class you know how hard it is to redeem your grade. Asking your professors for a way to earn extra points can be invaluable, especially if you know your professors on a personal level. A lot of large universities' professors have a distant relationship with their students, so you may not be able to use this technique if you're attending large class lectures. If you do go to a smaller college and are able to talk to your professors on a personal level you need to take advantage of that opportunity. Here are some things to consider when asking for a chance to fix your grade.
1. Make sure your professor knows you desire to get a good grade.
This is the most important thing, if your professor knows that you're trying hard to succeed in class they will be more likely to help you in any way they can, but everyone has limits. Don't expect your professor to give you special favors or extra credit chances just because you asked for it. If you don't test well, be sure that you show your professor that you're trying hard in the class to succeed by getting good grades on your homework. If you have had stellar grades on all your previous tests make sure you bring that to their attention.
2. Don't make excuses.
I can't think of anyone that likes to listen to a well planed out excuse. If you think you have the perfect excuse as to why you couldn't pass the test save it for yourself. Even if you had a real problem keep it to yourself. You should only bring an excuse to your professor when you have a serious problem, like a death of someone close to you, and this should have been brought to their attention before hand. If you have had a tragic event happen, let your professor know, but don't expect this to guarantee anything.
3. Ask them politely for an opportunity, be specific.
Don't just ask for a way to increase your grade, have ways that you would be willing to raise your grade before hand. Ask if you can take the test home and fix the incorrect answers for partial credit or if you could complete a set of extra problems. Also give them a time frame for when you will be completing the assignment; if it is possible assure your professor that you would be able to turn the extra work in the next class day.
4. Pay attention to your tone of voice and word choice.
Do everything you can to sound like you're not begging or nagging. Be confident in yourself when you approach them but don't act like you expect to be given an opportunity. If you don't sound confident or you say things like, I'll do anything to raise my grade, it will seem like you're begging and they will be less likely to grant your request. Even if your request is declined, be polite, and be sure to say thank you.
1. Make sure your professor knows you desire to get a good grade.
This is the most important thing, if your professor knows that you're trying hard to succeed in class they will be more likely to help you in any way they can, but everyone has limits. Don't expect your professor to give you special favors or extra credit chances just because you asked for it. If you don't test well, be sure that you show your professor that you're trying hard in the class to succeed by getting good grades on your homework. If you have had stellar grades on all your previous tests make sure you bring that to their attention.
2. Don't make excuses.
I can't think of anyone that likes to listen to a well planed out excuse. If you think you have the perfect excuse as to why you couldn't pass the test save it for yourself. Even if you had a real problem keep it to yourself. You should only bring an excuse to your professor when you have a serious problem, like a death of someone close to you, and this should have been brought to their attention before hand. If you have had a tragic event happen, let your professor know, but don't expect this to guarantee anything.
3. Ask them politely for an opportunity, be specific.
Don't just ask for a way to increase your grade, have ways that you would be willing to raise your grade before hand. Ask if you can take the test home and fix the incorrect answers for partial credit or if you could complete a set of extra problems. Also give them a time frame for when you will be completing the assignment; if it is possible assure your professor that you would be able to turn the extra work in the next class day.
4. Pay attention to your tone of voice and word choice.
Do everything you can to sound like you're not begging or nagging. Be confident in yourself when you approach them but don't act like you expect to be given an opportunity. If you don't sound confident or you say things like, I'll do anything to raise my grade, it will seem like you're begging and they will be less likely to grant your request. Even if your request is declined, be polite, and be sure to say thank you.
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