<p>What if the achievement was of such a degree that hundreds of ppl have already told the prof that they're impressed with that such achievement?</p>
<p>I may be wrong, but it sounds like your real question is whether they’ll think you’re just trying to kiss up to them.</p>
<p>And to that question, the answer is no, as long as it’s the proper context. This is an extreme example, but walking up to them after bombing a test and going on about “how it’s sooooo cool that you got such-in-such award for your amazing such-in-such research” (having never been to office hours) would not be a good idea. But going to their office hours, being authentically interested in their subject area, and asking them specific questions about their achievements from the standpoint of seeking advice for your own future would be totally fine, unless the prof is a jerk or something.</p>
<p>Oh, and if it’s just been announced that they’ve won the Nobel prize or something, a polite “congrats, prof” at the end of class would be fine, too.</p>
<p>I’ve never said that to a prof (and never will) but I have asked about their background and asked about their experiences. Most profs will tell you about them if you’re genuinely interested in the field. But just blurting “Your accomplishments are impressive” is kind of random… And is definitely kissing up in a way. If I was the prof, I’d be sort of put off by such a statement… But that’s my opinion…</p>
<p>Yeah I mean…tenured profs are leaders in their fields, highly accomplished, etc. They’d have to be REALLY insecure to need the validation of kids barely out of high school. On the other hand, as caemin mentioned, many do like to discuss their research interests with students (you never know when you might inspire someone to follow your footsteps and all that) so they would probably like it more if you asked them about research they have done/are working on.</p>
<p>If it’s one, possibly two, professors then maybe that’s okay if you’re actually impressed and interested. But do it in a classy way…I would ask questions about their work or show interest in other ways than straight up flattery. ;)</p>