When a student goes to college and sets up their schedule, they get to pick their professors.  The way many students do this is by looking at how the teacher rates either on an internal system at their college or through web sites like Rate My Professor.  However, there is increasing evidence that how a student feels about a professor has little to do with how good of an instructor that professor really is.  According to Inside Higher Ed, New study could be another nail in the coffin for the validity of student evaluations of teaching, a number of studies suggest that student evaluations of professors’ teaching are unreliable at best.  You could compare it to a friend’s review of a restaurant.  He may love it and highly recommend it.  Yet when you go to the restaurant, you have the exact opposite experience.  In essence, just because a student or students like a professor, doesn’t mean she is a good professor and conversely, poor ratings do not mean a professor is a bad instructor.

So how does a student determine who the best professor is for a class they have to take?  Go speak to the professor yourself and ask for their syllabus (a document that outlines everything you need to do for that semester).  This is a great strategy because 1) rarely do students engage in such proactive efforts to ensure their education is maximized, giving your potential professor a very good impression of you before you are even in her class; 2) it’s actions like this to lead to additional actions and the development of a professional skill set that employers are desperately seeking in college graduates; and 3) this simple step can save you from a semester of frustration.

Bottom line, think of each class as a $2,000 investment and try to get your monies worth.  Do this by asking questions with enough lead time so you can make the absolute best decision for you.  Finally, a friends recommendation is great but ask them questions too.  An easy “A” is not what you are looking for.  You are looking for that professor that you will love because you become inspired.  That’s your ideal professor.

PS: That’s me in the picture…blue shirt and bald as bald can be!

Steven J. Harvey, Ph.D. 
CEO & Founder, My College Max, Web Site: www.mycollegemax.com
Executive Director, The WNY Consortium of Higher Education, Web Site: www.wnycollegeconnection.com

Guest Blogger: Kayla the Amazing Intern!

Many people view power as an inherently bad thing often because countless people in power abuse their privileges.  However, researches from UC Berkeley recently found that the most powerful people are also the most considerate and outgoing.  If power is used wisely, it can have a tremendously positive impact.  Below are the 11 surprising habits of powerful people as published in the Huffington Post:

1. They don’t wait for a title to lead. Powerful people don’t need an important title (like CEO) to be a leader. Powerful people lead and influence those around them without a title.  (Hint: Start being a leader around your college campus). 
2. They’re graciously disruptive. Powerful people are never satisfied. They always speak their mind and challenge ideas for the sake of improvement. 
3. They think for themselves. Powerful people form opinions based on facts. They aren’t easily influenced by the thoughts of others.
4. They focus only on what really matters. Powerful people focus on what is important. They don’t let insignificant thoughts get in the way of their goals.
5. They master conflict. Powerful people welcome conflict. They are happy to entertain opinions from someone who knows more than them.
6. They inspire conversation. Influential people inspire those around them. Their words motivate others to explore new ideas and thoughts and chase their own goals. 
7. They know their strengths and weaknesses. Truly powerful people acknowledge their strengths (and run with them) AND recognize their weaknesses and work to improve them. This is a crucial habit to becoming more successful. 
8. They grow and leverage their networks. This is VERY important. Powerful people have huge networks and make lasting connections with people in all areas of life.  You never know when someone may be able to help you.  (Hint: Start making connections now).
9. They ask for help when they need it. Powerful people aren’t above asking for help. They are confident enough to put their ego aside and seek assistance when needed.
10. They believe. Powerful people set their goals high and believe they can achieve them. They have the mindset that one person can make a huge difference.   
11. They do it now. Last but not least, powerful people don’t procrastinate. They set their goals and go after them. 

Keep these 11 habits in mind as you enter college and start on the path to be a powerful (and successful) person.  To view the entire article published by the Huffington Post click here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-travis-bradberry/11-surprising-habits-of-p_b_11708284.html.

Steven J. Harvey, Ph.D. 
CEO & Founder, My College Max, Web Site: www.mycollegemax.com
Executive Director, The WNY Consortium of Higher Education, Web Site: www.wnycollegeconnection.com