We all know that feeling- you walk into a lab or recitation, and that’s when your eyes meet. The most attractive student you’ve ever seen at BYU. Maybe a year or two older, they look like they’ve got their life together and they check all the boxes. That is, until they stand up and start teaching the class. Are you allowed to ask out your TA? And even if you are, what if it goes terribly? Well, look no further than the Alternate Universe’s definitive guide to dating your TA.

1. Don’t stress out or overthink it. They’re a TA for one reason only- they love grading assignments, which means they love judging people and are going to judge you so hard no matter what you decide do. And since they’re going to find something to think badly about you for in an essay or something anyway, you might as well shoot your shot.
2. Throw hints into your assignments. How would you explain the adverse-selection problem to someone who has not taken an economic class? How about I tell you all about it Friday night baby? 😉
3. Take advantage of their office hours. It’s basically dedicated time where they have to hang out with you! For extra credit bring a selection of pick up lines to test out on them when they can’t run away.
4. Get some one on one help with classwork. Figure out where their default study spot in the library is and show up for an impromptu private tutoring session.
5. Don’t forget to propose before the end of the semester. That ring before spring is totally achievable if you make sure to remember the due dates in the syllabus, throw some romance in, and propose in front of the entire class on the last day of the semester.