What to do when you have a bad professor
Let’s be real—sometimes, you get stuck with a professor who makes learning way harder than it needs to be. Maybe they’re disorganized, unclear, or just plain unhelpful. So, what can you do? Before you resign yourself to struggling through the semester, try these steps to make the best of the situation.
Figure out what’s not working
Not every “bad” professor is truly bad—sometimes, their teaching style just doesn’t match your learning style. Ask yourself:
Are their lectures confusing?
Do they give unclear instructions?
Are they unresponsive to emails?
Are they just mean? (Yikes.)
Knowing the exact issue will help you decide your next move.
Take control of your learning
If the lectures aren’t helping, find alternative ways to understand the material:
✅ Use other resources – YouTube, textbooks, online courses (Khan Academy, Coursera)
✅ Form a study group – Your classmates are probably struggling too!
✅ Attend office hours – Even if they’re not the best teacher, asking specific questions can help
Basically, don’t rely on the professor alone—build your own learning plan.
Communicate (If Possible)
Sometimes, professors don’t even realize they’re unclear. If you’re comfortable, try addressing your concerns politely:
Example email:
Dear Professor [Last Name], I’m having a little trouble understanding the lecture material. Do you have any recommendations for extra resources or study strategies?
If the issue is bigger (like unfair grading or lack of feedback), talk to them after class or during office hours.
Use academic support services
Most schools have tutoring centers, writing labs, or peer mentors. If your prof isn’t helping, these resources might be a lifesaver. (And hey, Large Tutoring is always here if you need extra support!)
Know when to escalate
If the professor is truly bad—ignoring emails, giving unfair grades, or acting unprofessionally—you may need to escalate the issue. Steps to take:
Talk to the student rep – If you’re struggling with something, a good first step is to talk to the student rep.
Speak to your department – Academic advisors or department heads can sometimes step in.
Check course withdrawal deadlines – If the class is hurting your GPA and there’s no way to fix it, dropping might be the best option.
Final thoughts
A bad professor can make a course frustrating, but it doesn’t have to ruin your learning experience. Stay proactive, use outside resources, and advocate for yourself when necessary. And remember—you will survive this semester!
Need help navigating a tough class? Large Tutoring has your back. Let’s tackle it together! 💪
If you found these insights helpful, be sure to explore our other blog posts on more topics like changing majors to find your career path, how internships can jumpstart your career, and optimizing your study habits. Looking for extra support? Book a lesson today! Have questions or thoughts on this post? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out and don’t forget to check out our list of amazing tutors—your perfect match might be waiting! 🚀
