Classes are back in full swing, and that means the return of projects, presentations and, of course, professors. There will always be professors that we click with more than others and, occasionally, some that leave us struggling to stay awake for two-plus hours of class at a time. However, as most students quickly learn, the key to getting a good grade in any class is to understand what makes the professor tick and work with it, not against it.

But have no fear; the Clarion, in our infinite wisdom, has compiled a list of ways to succeed with every type of professor, no matter how impossible their syllabi may seem.

1)The Hard-Core Lecturer

You know this guy or gal. They can talk for the entire two-hour period of class without taking a breath, much less a break. While auditory learners may thrive with these types of professors, the rest of us often struggle to pay attention and absorb all of the information coming at us. The best strategy here for those struggling is to force yourself to take notes, even if the slides will be up on Canvas later. Even simply copying down what is on a PowerPoint can be the difference between staying alert and completely zoning out. Another strategy is to bring snacks and drinks (as long as food/drink is allowed in the class, of course) and schedule when you can have them. As a last resort, sip on an energy drink or coffee to keep awake.

2)The Participation Stickler

Usually when one sees “participation” as a major part of the final grade for a class, the initial reaction is relief—it’s an easy A, right? Not with this professor. When they say participation, they mean it. Simply being in class doesn’t count. For those who prefer to sit back and absorb what’s happening in a class or those who are a bit shy about sharing their opinions with a room full of strangers, this can be infinitely intimidating. Setting a goal for yourself to speak a certain amount of times per class can help a lot, so that you don’t simply sit back and say, “I’ll participate next class” every day until the end of the quarter. This strategy is also nice because it forces those who feel uncomfortable speaking up to do so, which will eventually make the experience much less intimidating. Also, make sure to be prepared, especially if the class is reading-intensive, so that you don’t feel like you’re guessing when you speak up.

3)The “You-Shall-Not-Pass” Guy or Gal

Everyone has warned you about this professor. People have been known to walk out of their exams crying, and even the most prepared, straight-A students find themselves feeling woefully unprepared for the final and pulling an all-nighter the day before. But don’t give up just yet, for there is still hope in the most powerful force in the world—friendship. Just kidding, but really, do team up with other people in the class and pool your knowledge to get the most comprehensive notes on the material, and then study together to make sure all the material is covered (and to have a little fun along the way).

4)The Career Woman or Man

This person is a professor on the side, and this is made fairly clear by the fact that their office hours are very limited and class is sometimes cancelled for emergency business meetings. While most professors who have careers while teaching balance the two just fine, some make it difficult to get the extra help you need or plainly have to drop some lessons because they were gone. Again, using other people in the class as a resource when you don’t understand something is invaluable. Another strategy is to take advantage of the class TA, who should be able to field most questions and, as he or she is closer in age to most undergraduate students, explain concepts to basic beginners, not others in the field as the professor is used to doing.