What is the BEST WAY to go about asking a Professor for an increase of 1 POINT for the class? (PhD, medical school)
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What evidence do you have that you earned an A? If the prof miscalculated the grade, then ask him or her to please recalculate. Or are you saying you earned an A because you're sentimental and want one? You should have thought of that long before the end of the semester.
I earned (and deserve) the A. But I acquired a B+.
If you earned an A your grade would have been an A. You earned a B+. Your teacher is already giving you a gift of having such a low grading scale. Our kids' HIGH SCHOOL didn't even grade that low. The bottom of any A for them in college is 94%, your 90% would be a B at their school...89% would be a B- maybe...
This is a life lesson in getting things that you want. Probably more important than the class that you are taking. It's called learning to sell 101. When you hone that skill, it will come in handy with thousands of topics in life.
If you have shown your teacher that you are passionate about learning, that will help immensely. It's smart to ask questions in class, in person, etc. Just enough so that they know who you are (not a kiss butt). Let them know that getting that grade is important to you and ask if their is extra credit opportunities early on. If there are opportunities for extra credit, then do them. When there are situations like this one and you are on the bubble, subtly let them know how hard to worked. Don't beg. Just let them know you are anxious for their decision. Weave in the conversation why grades are important (applying to ________ program etc). You want that last minute of mind-share before the grade is placed in the books.
If he/she knows who you are, ask what her policy is if you are only a point away is a good openign line. Teachers are like anyone else. It is tough for people to look you in the eyes and say no. The lesson is if you don't ask, you don't get. Your inflections in your voice and learning to read people is a life lesson they don't teach. Let her know that you respect her decision and you would appreciate if you could round it up a percent.
I so much want to take this to an inappropriate place, but with this type of entitlement attitude, the disappoints you will face in life will be punishment enough.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrestigiousReputability
I took a hard class and my final grade ended up being an 89 (the grades have not been officially posted yet).
What is the most EFFECTIVE method for asking the professor to boost it up just ONE point!? I'm soooo close to an "A"!!
Some teachers automatically do this but i'm not sure if this one will
To answer your question: You are not asking for a pity grade; no professor worth his or her weight in academic salt (integrity) is going to be willing to boost your grade from a B+ to an A- without some serious demonstration on your part that you have mastered the material. And I mean serious demonstration. You need to drop the whole "sentimental" (let me guess, you breezed through high school with straight A's) and "this class was hard!" attitude. That is not professional, and even if you are a first-semester college freshman, you are expected to act like a professional at this point. You need to go into the meeting (do not do this through email!) prepared. Bring in all tests, papers, and other assignments and be ready to go over them with a fine tooth comb.
You also need to accept that what ever happens, it is final.
By the way, I cannot be the only one who is curious: what was the course?
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Probably more important than the class that you are taking. It's called learning to sell 101. When you hone that skill, it will come in handy with thousands of topics in life. 
