RateMyProfessor.com For College Students

Today, there are websites to rate almost anything, but one of the most helpful to college and university students has to be RateMyProfessor.com. With a list of over 6,000 schools in the United States, England, Canada, Scotland and Wales, you can find out what former students have to say about any teacher, any subject.

Teachers are rated for:

• Average easiness
• Average helpfulness
• Average Clarity
• Interest in Class
• Textbook usage
• Hotness (just for fun)

The teacher's scorecard lists the average ratings, number of ratings, and the overall quality of the teacher on a scale of 1 - 5. Students who rate their professor put in which class they took and can leave a comment, as long as it's not libelous. Professors have the option of leaving a rebuttal, so if a student gave a bad rating because he didn't attend class and got a bad grade, you are aware of the reason and can make a fair assessment on your own of what that teacher is like.

Why you should check on a teacher

RateMyProfessor.com has a rating system that will tell you exactly what you need to know. Sometimes more than one teacher will teach the same class. You can choose the teacher that has the best ratings and avoid one who always seems to get up on the wrong side of the bed.

A teacher you hear is really great for one subject, might be a nightmare when teaching a different one. RateMyProfessor.com allows students to enter which class they took so you can be the judge. They might be crystal clear in Algebra but clear as mud teaching calculus. Keep looking down the list until you find the best teachers.

If you're trying to save money on books, some teachers don't use textbooks or prefer to teach from their own notes. Some teachers bring in textbooks for students who can't afford to buy one. Not only will you get a nice teacher, you'll save some money.

Although it's just for fun, students rate the teacher for being HOT or NOT. If you have a choice between two excellent teachers, that might tip the scales in favor of one over the other.

Give as well as take

If you use RateMyProfessor.com, it's a wonderful service to get an abundant amount of honest advice when you're choosing your classes. Students have taken the time to help those who come after them, either by warning them or encouraging them to take every class that individual teaches.

When you've finished your class, take the time to do the same. The more ratings and comments, the better it is for everyone. If a teacher has a lot of ratings, that doesn't mean you don't need to add your two cents worth. Teachers change, get burned out, or get close to retiring and lose their spark. The comments left three years ago might not reflect what's currently going on in that teacher's class. Help out the students who are in the same boat as you and give your honest and fair opinion about your teachers.

Source:
Personal Experience