Don't get lost in a large lecture hall. Here's how to stand out in the college crowd:

Speak up.
If something sparks your interest or confuses you, ask about it.

Answering questions and stating your opinion really works, says Meghan Morris, a sophomore education major at Brevard Community College (Cocoa, FL). "Professors notice students who can make a point and support it with knowledge of the material," she says.

Schedule a one-on-one.
Too shy to speak up in class? "Go to office hours and ask questions to develop clear communication," advises Professor Rose Kundanis of Keene State College (Keene, NH). It's the best place to get personal attention in an individual setting.

"I often visit office hours for extra help," says Amber Joswick, a junior English major at Siena College (Loudonville, NY). "My professors are more than willing to help."

Send an e-mail.
Found something your professor said particularly interesting, or have a question? Shoot him/her a well-versed e-mail. The feedback will be appreciated, and you'll score extra points for initiative.

Pick his/her brain.
When you get an exam back, ask for an explanation of what you did wrong. And don't be afraid to ask your professor to review a rough draft of your paper before it's due.

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