What should I look for in college teachers?

When choosing colleges, I'm curious about the role teachers play in my education. How can I assess the quality or reputation of professors and faculty at different colleges when I can't meet them in person?

One important factor you can consider in assessing the quality or reputation of professors at different colleges is their academic qualifications. Universities often provide faculty profiles on their websites, which furnish details about professors' areas of expertise, degrees, past experiences, and notable accomplishments.

Also, consider the faculty-to-student ratio. A lower ratio implies you may have more personalized interaction or access to assistance from your professors. It can also suggest smaller class sizes, leading to more participation and engaged learning.

However, paper qualifications and ratios don't always equate to a quality teaching experience. Look for student reviews or course evaluations, which can give you an inside look at how a teacher operates in a classroom setting. Websites like Rate My Professors provide an extensive array of student reviews.

Additionally, feel free to pick up the phone or write an email to professors in your intended major. They might have valuable perspectives about their teaching style or the overarching faculty approach at the college.

Understanding the college's values and approach to teaching can also help gauge whether professors engage in collaborative research with students, prioritize teaching over research, or use innovative teaching methods.

Remember to utilize all available resources, including college fairs, admissions representatives, and current students, as well as alumni networks, to help get a holistic picture of the teaching environment.