<p>Let's not a make a science of this. If you feel that something was not graded fairly or correctly, speak with the professor (or TA). It's your GPA to lose, so go ahead. The worst they can say is "no."</p>
<p>I had a professor in one large first year math class who told us not to email him if we weren't going to be there. His words: "You're adults. Either you come here and pay attention, or don't." </p>
<p>It is different if you have tests, assignments due, or if it's a small class where there is a participation grade. In all those cases, however, I go talk to the professor in office hours rather than sending an email. I think it's better when they see you put some effort into it!</p>
<p>It depends on the circumstances. My son got a D on a speech he gave in a Public Speaking course. He was upset and didn't understand why it was graded so harshly. I encouraged him to go talk to the professor and it turned out she wrote the wrong grade on his paper that outlined whether or not he met the criteria although she had recorded it correctly in her grade book. </p>
<p>Initially, she was defensive and asked why he was coming to her about his grade and said she gave him an A. When she saw his paper, she apologized. Poor kid. He was pretty traumatized, but then he was only 12 at the time. :)</p>
<p>@nontraditional - thanks! yeah, it was very helpful! It's nice to see/ understand what's it's like in the TA's/Prof's view. Also, if any TA makes weird faces at me as I come forward, I'll know that it's not from me personally.</p>
<p>@tyke - just curious what grade was your 12 year old at the time of the story?</p>
<p>There is a difference between grade grubbing and checking for an error. Most will not have a problem if you believe there is a mistake of some sort. Simply trying to get a better grade on no basis will not be well regarded.</p>