If you need a higher grade to qualify for your major or to keep your graduate school scholarships, talking to your teacher about raising your grade is a great place to start.

However, it’s not always easy to approach the person who seems to hold your future in the palm of his or her hand. It can be daunting to talk to professors, let alone when you are asking for their help. But, rest assured. Most teachers are more than happy to help their students find ways to raise their grade. In fact, they will probably be delighted that you are working to salvage your grade instead of just giving up.

How do you do it? Here’s a few tips to help you approach your professor about your grade.

1. Be Flexible

Professors are usually very busy. Be polite and request a meeting time within their already scheduled office hours. Work around their schedule, don’t expect them to work around yours.

2. Be Humble

When you meet with your professor, go with a humble attitude. Remember, you are the one asking for a favor, and they are the one that can help you out of the hole you’ve found yourself in. Express gratitude for the time they are taking to speak with you.

3. Be Direct

Instead of beating around the bush, and wasting both your and your teacher’s time, just be direct. Explain that your grade is not where you would like it to be and that you are willing to work to fix it. Be sure to stress the part about working hard. Professors are much more willing to work with students who are willing to work for their grades than those who expect hand outs.

4. Be Clear

As you talk with your teacher about ways to raise your grade (extra credit, re-doing assignments, etc.), take some notes. Ask questions on anything you are unsure about. When you are done with the conversation, glance down at your notes to make sure you have everything you need. Then, quickly sum up what was decided upon. An example might be: “So, I can re-do last week’s assignment and I will get this extra credit report to you by the end of the week.” Stating the compromise aloud is a way to make sure you are both on the same page.

5. Be Grateful

After you’ve completed the tasks assigned by your professor, send her an email or stop by her office to thank her for the time she spent helping you and the opportunity she gave you to do better in her class. Everyone deserves thanks when they lend a hand, and if you need this teacher’s help again, they may be more willing to give it if you were grateful the first time around.

Talking to your teacher about ways to raise your grade can be scary. Just remember that most professors are more than happy to work with their students; it’s their job. Remember these five tips as you sit down to talk about your grade and you’ll be surprised what you can accomplish.