<p>I hear extremely mixed reviews about both professors.<br>
Can someone give me their opinion/describe their experience? </p>
<p>I've taken AP Chemistry before and I didn't think it was impossible or anything. I am a science major.</p>
<p>Jacobsen… If you’ve taken AP, he doesn’t throw in any “extra” stuff that’ll be foreign to you. Burin adds a few things in that you’ll have never seen before, so it’ll be much easier to get a good grade with Jacobsen. </p>
<p>Have heard good things about both of them though.</p>
<p>I would take Burin over Jacobsen.</p>
<p>What about Schmel? How does he stack up with Jacobsen and Burin?</p>
<p>Schmel didn’t teach when I took chemistry, but based on RMP he looks like the best option.</p>
<p>My schedule only allows me to either take Chem with Burin or Jacobsen.
Can other people share their experiences?</p>
<p>Schmel is the worst choice out of the three. I think the problem is that he is used to teaching at the graduate level and has a hard time dumbing it down for beginning chemistry. You can ace the AP test and still feel very frustrated in his class.</p>
<p>I would go with Jacobsen. If you have taken AP Chem you shouldn’t have any problems getting an A in the class. I had him first semester and really had no problems with him at all. In fact, he introduced me to other professors who were doing research and helped me land a really great spot on one of the teams.</p>
<p>As I’ve said, everyone has mixed ideas about what makes a good professor. Some people are more “self-studiers” and thrive with a professor who is great in office hours but doesn’t really lecture. Others really need a teacher who can lay out the material for them in a nice format. I didn’t take Burin, but I can say that Jacobsen would probably be better for the self-studier who is willing to go to office hours with occasional questions.</p>
<p>To be successful in general, I think you just need to adopt the attitude that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make the grade you want. YOU control your grade NOT the professor in a way. As far as I can tell, pretty much every professor will give at least 1 A and if you want it bad enough then you can be the one to earn it.</p>
<p>Ahh, today is the last day to add/drop a course.<br>
Does anyone have any other advice/input?</p>