Asking For the Unlikely...and Getting It.

I've learned over time that if you want something, the best strategy is to just ask for it.  It sounds simple enough, but I find that many people come up with all kinds of excuses as to why they can't achieve something.  Here is a recent example!

Cal State is experiencing the wonders of budget cuts.  That translates to decreased availability of classes for a growing population of students.  I was afraid that I wouldn't get the calculus professor I wanted for spring.  I couldn't register the class until my final grade for my previous math class was posted...and who knows how quickly that would be.  Here is what I did.

1.  A week before finals, I emailed the teacher expressing my desire to take his class and asking for advice in case his class filled up before I could register.  He said to not worry about it now, but to email him again if his class was full after my grade was posted.  No promises.

Naturally...that's exactly what happens.

2.  I emailed the professor again, letting him know I didn't get a chance to sign up for his class.  He responded with "That was fast" and gave me a permission number that let me into his class even though it was officially full and closed.

That's it!  Not even three steps.  When I mentioned what I did to other students, most looked surprised. I had broken some unspoken rule about The Process.  Well, screw The Process.

I did the same thing to get into another class that was full.  I needed this class to get into Cal State.  If I didn't get in, I'd have to wait an entire year to apply again.  I explained this to the professor teaching the class and she let me take it. I've found that if I show even a hint of a caring and desire to succeed towards a professor, he'll usually go out of his way for me.  Really, it works!

Have any of you asked for something that you were certain you wouldn't get or achieve?  Did it work?