Some students make excuses for under-performing in a class by blaming the teacher.
“I only work hard if I like the teacher.”
“The teacher and I had a personality conflict.”
“It’s because the teacher didn’t like me.”
I’ve written before about whether or not colleges accept those excuses (they don’t). Great students find a way to make it work no matter who the teacher is. But here’s an even more constructive approach–show colleges what you can do when the situation is reversed. Show your favorite teacher just how great you can be.
What are you capable of when the conditions are right and you really like a teacher? Do you push yourself, engage in class discussions, and show that teacher your very best work all the time?
It’s reasonable for a student to like some teachers and classes more than others. And certain teachers, because of their personality or technique or subject matter, can really bring out the best in you. What do you do when given those opportunities?
If your answer is that you don’t have any great teachers, maybe your teachers aren’t the problem?