5 students advisors hate

You know professors hate certain things from students... Well, we advisors have our pet peeves, too. Excuse me for a moment while I vent a little about it. These are the 5 students that drive advisors (like me) crazy:

The Know-It-All: This is the student that comes in believing he or she has all the answers already. He or she will be open to advising, but always value their own opinion over all others. Really, the Know-It-Alls just wants the advisor to affirm their know-it-all-ness. For the record, advisors are professional know-it-alls, so pay attention and learn some pointers.

The Overachiever/Clinger: This student can really deceive an advisor at first. The Overachiever/Clinger soaks in all the advice you give them and advisors love that. But then the Overachiever/Clinger does too much soaking in and seems to do everything you tell them to please you, not because it is good advice. The Overachiever/Clinger can be kind of scary.

The Wishy-Washy Student: This is the student that wants to do everything, but tries nothing. They are indecisive but super interested in way too many things. They have no focus, but don't try any suggestions from advisors to find focus. Until they try something, they are destined to do nothing.

The Hater: This is the annoying student who shuts down every suggestion or recommendation advisors try to offer. In other words, the Hater is not actually open to the advising process. Um, if you don't want to hear advice, why did you go see an advisor? Come back when you are willing to participate in the process.

The Baby: This is the student that wants you to do everything for him or her rather than doing it for him- or herself. In essence, the Babies takes no responsibility for their own actions. They act like their helpless, but hello, you are in college. Please just act like an adult!

If you are one of these annoying types that make advisors want to claw their own eyes out, please stop immediately. These types of behaviors tend to pop up in other places in your life too, and they will get you nowhere fast.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.