Summer is so close, but it also seems so far because of the end-of-semester projects, papers and exams that separate us from future stress-free days. Your daydreams about summer in lecture might be interrupted by these thoughts if you’re just now feeling concerned about your performance in a class. Should you boldly raise your hand in the middle of lecture and ask a potentially obvious question, corner your professor after class or even venture to office hours for the first time this semester? If any of the questions below are yours, we at the Clog fully support your quest for answers!

1. “Is my topic appropriate for the final paper?” All the overachievers asked this question when the paper was assigned in February. It’s now almost May, but you didn’t want to overwhelm the professor when everyone else asked.  You can also impress the professor with how efficiently you can do months worth of reading and research in the span of just a few days.

2.  “Is the final cumulative?” This question is a much better way to phrase: “How many lectures do I have to watch at double speed in order to pass your exam?”

3.  “Can my midterm score replace my final score?” Some classes have the policy that final scores can replace midterm scores, but it would be so helpful for the opposite to apply. We at the Clog wish we were as motivated during finals as we were during midterm season.

4. “Your lectures aren’t webcast. I think there are some technical difficulties. When will they be posted?” If you’re considering asking this question, deep down in your heart, you know the answer, but maybe a miracle will happen and lecture recordings will appear.

5. “I just checked bCourses — I can’t find any of your lecture slides on ______. I’m considering writing my senior thesis on this topic, so may I review your sources?” This is a great way to show that you genuinely care about learning and reviewing; your professor definitely won’t think the notes you took during class are subpar.

6.  “What’s your favorite kind of cookie?” Ask this if you’re feeling really frantic about your grade. Maybe you’re on top of your work, so you have enough free time to spend hours in the kitchen and want to express your gratitude for a great semester. Maybe you fall somewhere in the middle and aren’t a fan of this week’s free Pacific Cookie Company flavor. Don’t actually make food for your professors; that’s just weird.

Image Source: Gates Foundation under Creative Commons