Rate My Professor Can Help Your College Years Go Much Better

There are a lot of things that can make your time in college great or exhausting. One of these things is selecting the right professors for your courses. A professor can make or break your experience in a class, so choosing wisely is crucial. That’s where “Rate My Professor” comes in; a popular online tool that allows students to rate and review their professors. But how reliable is it? And how should you use it to ensure you’re making the best choices for your education?

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of “Rate My Professor,” and how you can use it effectively to gauge whether a professor is the right fit for you.

What is “Rate My Professor”?

“Rate My Professor” is an online platform where students can anonymously rate and review their professors based on several criteria, including clarity, helpfulness, and the difficulty of the class. Each professor is given an overall score, often accompanied by comments from students who have taken their courses. The site also allows you to filter ratings by university, making it easier to find reviews for specific professors at your college.

The Pros of Using “Rate My Professor”

1. Insight into Teaching Style: The most significant advantage of “Rate My Professor” is that it provides insight into a professor’s teaching style. Students often comment on whether the professor is engaging, whether they provide clear instructions, and if they are approachable. This information can be invaluable if you prefer a certain style of teaching or need a professor who is known for being helpful and accessible.
2. Workload Expectations: Students often mention how much work a course requires, how much reading is assigned, and whether exams are particularly challenging. This can help you gauge whether a course is manageable alongside your other classes and commitments.
3. Course Content: Reviews often include details about the course content, including how well the professor covers the material and whether the course is interesting or relevant to the major. This can be particularly useful if you’re on the fence about taking a particular class.
4. Peer Opinions: Hearing from other students who have already taken the class can give you a sense of what to expect. While every student’s experience is different, seeing multiple reviews can help you spot patterns—whether positive or negative.

The Cons of Using “Rate My Professor”

1. Subjectivity: One of the main drawbacks of “Rate My Professor” is that reviews are inherently subjective. What one student finds challenging or boring, another might find stimulating and engaging. Personal biases can significantly affect a review, making it difficult to get an objective sense of a professor’s abilities.
2. Extreme Opinions: People are more likely to leave reviews when they’ve had an extremely positive or negative experience, which can skew the overall rating. A professor might have a low rating due to a handful of bad reviews, despite the fact that the majority of students had a neutral or positive experience but didn’t leave a review. Not to mention, after working with thousands of college students as a college success coach, I know firsthand that most students who hate a certain professor really just didn’t do the work and blamed the professor for their bad grades.
3. Anonymous Reviews: Since the reviews are anonymous, there’s no accountability, which can lead to misleading or inaccurate reviews. In some cases, students might leave unfair reviews because they were unhappy with their grade or had a personal conflict with the professor.
4. Limited Context: The reviews on “Rate My Professor” often lack context. For instance, a professor might be rated poorly for having a tough grading policy, but if you’re looking for a class that will challenge you academically, that might be exactly what you want.

How to Use “Rate My Professor” Effectively

Given the pros and cons, how can you use “Rate My Professor” effectively to make informed decisions about which professors to choose?

1. Look for Patterns, Not Outliers: Don’t focus on individual reviews, especially if they’re extremely positive or negative. Instead, look for patterns across multiple reviews. If many students mention that a professor is clear and organized, it’s likely true. Similarly, if several reviews mention that a professor is disorganized or unclear, that’s also worth noting.
2. Consider Your Learning Style: When reading reviews, consider how the professor’s teaching style matches your learning style. If a professor is known for being tough but fair, and you thrive in a challenging environment, that might be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you need a more relaxed and supportive environment, you might want to avoid professors with a reputation for being overly strict.
3. Check Multiple Sources: Don’t rely solely on “Rate My Professor.” Check other sources of information as well, such as university forums, departmental websites, or even word of mouth from fellow students. Getting a well-rounded view can help you make a more informed decision.
4. Take Reviews with a Grain of Salt: Remember that every student’s experience is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Use “Rate My Professor” as a guide, but don’t let it be the sole factor in your decision-making process.
5. Use the Filter Options: “Rate My Professor” allows you to filter reviews based on specific criteria, such as the rating or the course level. Use these filters to find reviews that are most relevant to you. For example, if you’re a freshman, you might want to focus on reviews from other freshmen who have taken introductory courses.
6. Balance Professor Ratings with Course Requirements: While it’s tempting to choose the highest-rated professor, also consider the course content and requirements. A professor with a slightly lower rating might teach a course that is more aligned with your academic goals or interests.
7. Evaluate the Comments Section Carefully: Often, the comments provide more insight than the numerical ratings. Look for detailed feedback about how the professor handles assignments, whether they provide useful feedback, and how they interact with students. And try to ignore comments that seem especially disgruntled or unreasonable. Calm, considerate feedback is always more helpful and realistic than the angry comments.
8. Pay Attention to the Review Dates: Professors’ teaching styles and methods can evolve over time. A review from five years ago might not be relevant today. Look for the most recent reviews to get a current perspective on what to expect.

Beyond “Rate My Professor”: Other Ways to Choose the Right Instructor

While “Rate My Professor” is a useful tool, it shouldn’t be the only one you use when selecting your professors. Here are a few other strategies to consider:

1. Talk to Academic Advisors: Your academic advisor is a valuable resource. They can provide insights into which professors are well-regarded within your department and which ones might be a better fit for your academic goals.
2. Attend the First Class: If you’re unsure about a professor, try to attend the first class before making a final decision. Many colleges allow you to drop a course within the first week or two without penalty. This gives you the chance to experience the professor’s teaching style firsthand, and may help you decide how many hours to take in one semester.
3. Ask Upperclassmen: Upperclassmen who have already taken the courses you’re interested in can provide valuable advice. They can give you a realistic expectation of what the course entails and whether the professor is a good match for your learning style.
4. Review the Syllabus: If possible, review the syllabus before committing to a class. The syllabus can give you an idea of the course structure, the types of assignments you’ll be doing, and the professor’s expectations. This can help you decide whether the course is a good fit for you.
5. Consider Your Schedule: Sometimes, your schedule might limit your options, and you may not have the luxury of picking the “best” professor. In these cases, it’s especially important to gather as much information as possible and be prepared to adapt to different teaching styles.

Conclusion

Choosing the right professor is a critical decision that can significantly impact your college experience. While “Rate My Professor” is a valuable tool in this process, it’s essential to use it wisely. By considering multiple sources of information and being mindful of your own learning style and academic goals, you can make informed decisions that will set you up for success in college.

Remember, the best professor for someone else may not be the best professor for you. Use the tools and resources available to you, weigh your options carefully, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments if needed. With the right approach, you can navigate the challenges of college with confidence and achieve your academic goals.