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Ranked as the most selective institution in the world for undergraduate education and noted for producing successful entrepreneurs, it’s no surprise that UC Berkeley has stacks upon stacks of applications from hopeful scholars. For just a small taste of the school’s prestige, consider this fact faculty, alumni and researchers have won 72 Nobel Prizes including 30 alumni Nobel laureates. Needless to say, the university’s 350 programs don’t play around when it comes to learning. We looked at Rate my Professors to determine the professors you should pass on, and the ones you shouldn’t pass up.
Below Average
- Brian Powers: Sociology can be a dense field of study, and this professor’s rambling lecture style doesn’t help make concepts clear by any means. Boring and repetitious, students engaged in this major cite their disappointment with his reliance on videos that can be watched outside of class which would be fine if attendance wasn’t mandatory. A pretentious attitude and obnoxiously long essay questions make for a professor who seems more invested in his own ideologies than those sitting before him. If content that’s generalized and oversimplified seems like it will be of concern, you won’t find the intellectual power here.
- Alexander Givental: There’s no doubt that this mathematics professor is wildly intelligent, because nearly every student agrees that he comes across as bright, passionate and even a little snobbish. The problem is that he hasn’t quite perfected a simplified approach to complex material for head-scratching undergraduates. Those who successfully passed his class claim that their guided textbooks saved the day; anyone who requires more personal attention will surely be left behind. To make matters worse, final exams are critiqued for being made hard just for the sake of it.
- Jenny Harrison: Mathematics nerds say that this professor’s courses are hard even for them, but it’s not due to lack of trying. She’s accused by many of making up proofs for equations that don’t actually exist, and then testing on them no good for the study hard scholars looking to prop up their GPA a bit. Unfortunately, she also mumbles during lectures which can quickly become a problem if you’re someone who doesn’t favor, or simply can’t, sit near the front. Homework is emphasized, but then the material never manifests on the exams. Students seem generally bewildered about how they can do well in this class based on all of the conflicting material.
If you’re interested in UC Berkeley, check out our article on Campus Safety at University of California, Berkeley.
Exceptional
- Howard D’Abrera: This beloved statistics professor isn’t enjoyed by students because of his effortless exams they’re actually quite the opposite. What they do love is his ability to engage a classroom with bright discussions and a touch of humor. One student claims that of all the instructors of their academic career, D’Abrera is the one who holds the most office hours for individualized, one on one help. Have a sweet tooth? These office hours might include a tasty cookie if you’re focused enough. He also offers a forgiving curve for the try hard student in need of that extra boost.
- David Robinson: Future business administrators rave about this professor who values clarity whether in the lecture hall or threw informative emails above all else (business can be a game of vague politics after all). He’s known to keep students on their toes by incorporating small facts into final exams, which isn’t a chess move that’s loved by the lazy. However, the committed pupil who attends regularly and asks succinct, straightforward questions will be rewarded with invaluable knowledge for their own career. He gets added points from us for having that oh so cool British accent.
- Martha Olney: Degree seekers invested in the economics department love this spirited professor for her open-minded approach to learning that encourages students to form their own connections. Lectures are described as being the ideal balance between information and entertainment we can’t get enough of bright instructors who know the value of a well timed joke. With a fast paced syllabus and plenty of supplementary material, she’s a perfect choice for those who cringe at the thought of a sluggish classroom experience. If something comes up that might affect attendance, many agree that she has the kind of compassionate attitude to make other arrangements with you.
Ryan James is a ’13 alumnus of Ohio University’s College of Arts & Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in writing and media. He currently works as a copywriter for a Fortune 500 e-commerce corporation based in Columbus, OH.