Should I Inform My Professors About My Academic Goals With Only 5 Weeks in This Fall 2006 Semester?

Question

I'm a community college student begging to get accepted into USC (University of Southern California). I'm a community college freshman, this being my first semester in higher education.

I'm a full time student with 18 units and was just told that + and -'s are counted towards a GPA at USC.
For example, an A- is considered 3.7 and B+ are 3.5 Rather than any "A" grade being a 4.0

I calculated having a 3.6 gpa with the following grades...
English... A, 4
Anthro... A, 4
Math... B, 3
French... A, 4
History ... B, 3
..For a total GPA of 3.6

English... A, 4
Anthro... A+, 4
Math... B+, 3.7
French... A-, 3.7
History ... B, 3

Right now this can be either good or bad. still not sure, we'll see when the semester is over but do you think that i have the right to go up to my professors and inform them of what im trying to achieve and me wanting to transfer into USC?
Or is it too late in the semester?

Overall i'm asking if i my professors would think anything if i informed them of my goals?

Answer 1

You can tell your professors anything you want, but it won't change your grades.

Will your professors "think" anything if you speak to them about your goals? Well, they might think you're a grade-grubber. Or they might not. I'm sure a good many of your classmates are also hoping to transfer into a UC, and I am sure your professors are well aware that this is the case.

Bottom line? Professors don't "give" grades, students earn them.

Answer 2

Go for it! You're paying for your education, right? Or earned it on a scholarship . . . . A professor may be able to give you extra credit work to get to your goals. Or explain how you can get a better grade with the work remaining.

At the worst, s/he can advise you about what to do next semester, in case USC doesn't come through for you. Don't put it off! Set up appointments, and see what they can do for you.

Don't think, though, the professors will give you a pity plus. Well, it might happen, but don't go in there expecting it. Don't even suggest it! I'm sure that would put them off. If it is *their* idea, on the other hand . . . .

Good luck!

Answer 3

Don't go to your professors if you're just going to say you want to get certain grades to help you transfer. If I was that teacher, my response would be, so what? Your desire to transfer isn't your prof's problem. This is one big way in which college is different from high school.

On the other hand, if you go to your prof and you're genuinely concerned about your work in the class and you want to do better, or you're worried about the big exam or the big paper coming up, then it would be appropriate to mention wanting to transfer as a larger goal. The prof should be happy to talk to you about what you can do to succeed in the class (thus getting the grade you need to transfer).

A professor will want to help a student who helps himself. Professors are people too--they're just trying to do their job and teach you things, and if you try hard and want to learn they're going to be open to helping you. But if you go to them wanting special treatment you haven't earned, you're not going to get it.