What does that really mean: Professor edition

A few weeks ago we shared with you how to translate some of the things your roommate says into what they really mean. This week, we’re helping you take on the sometimes elusive lingo of your college professors by offering you a translation guide of what they say versus what they mean.

“Your list of homework assignments is on the syllabus”
This isn’t necessarily a translation, however, you should be aware of an add-on: “Your list of homework assignments is on the syllabus and I will not remind you of this again.” When you’re in high school, more often than not your teachers are there to remind you to do your homework when you leave for class. When you get to college, however, this is not the case. You will get all of your assignments on a syllabus on the first day of class and it’s your responsibility to remember to do everything based off of that. It can be a shock to your organization, but you’ll get used to it!

“I have a few general critiques to share about these essays”
Uh oh. Brace for impact! This means your professor will go into a several minute discussion about the things she didn’t want to see on of your essays. While it’s bad enough to get lectured about the poor quality of your paper, your professor will probably do this before you even get your essay back, letting you sweat it out in anticipation of what you got.

While this might completely freak you out, don’t panic! While it is rather daunting, being told everything you and your peers did wrong, make sure you take this as an opportunity to actually listen so you know exactly what you should and shouldn’t do next time. If anything is unclear be sure to talk to your professor. She clearly knows what she wants so make sure on your next essay you give her exactly that.

“Make sure you write this down”
This is your professor’s not-so-subtle way of saying “you are going to be quizzed on this at some point.” Whether it comes up in an essay assignment, a test or just a homework assignment, if a professor tells you to write something down, wake up and write it down.

“Oh, look how nice it is outside”
Professors are humans too and have equal amounts of spring fever when the weather is nice outside. The bonus to having professors with spring fever? You’ll either get to have class outside or you’ll mysteriously run out of material to go over even when there’s a half hour left of class. The moral: never argue when your teacher gets excited about a nice day.

> Looking for more information about what to expect from your professors? Read:
• Tips from a college professor
• Say this, not that to your professor
• How to take constructive criticism in college

—By Laura Sestito