2.2 The Professor/Teacher Selection Algorithm

The same course, at the same school, in the same semester, can be a completely different experience depending on who teaches it.

Professor A teaches Organic Chemistry with clear explanations, fair exams, and genuine interest in student success. The class average is a B, and students leave feeling like they actually understand the material.

Professor B teaches Organic Chemistry with disorganized lectures, exams that test obscure edge cases, and office hours that feel like interrogations. The class average is a C-, and students leave traumatized and confused.

Both courses appear identically on your transcript. But one sets you up for success in Biochemistry and the MCAT, while the other leaves you with gaps you'll struggle to fill.

• Teaching Effectiveness — Can this professor actually explain the material?
• Assessment Fairness — Are exams reasonable reflections of what's taught?
• Accessibility and Support — Is the professor available outside class?
• Grade Distribution — What grades do students typically earn?
• Recommendation Potential — Could this professor become an advocate for you later?
• Your Personal Learning Style — Structured lectures vs. discussion-based, etc.

Rate My Professors and Similar Sites

• Read beyond the overall rating.
• Look for patterns across many reviews.
• Pay attention to specifics.
• Note the dates.
• Watch for red flags: "Tests on material not covered," "Unclear expectations," "Impossible to get help," "Grades arbitrarily."
• Watch for green flags: "Explains concepts clearly," "Exams are fair," "Actually cares about students."

Grade Distribution Data — Some schools publish grade distributions. Be careful not to optimize purely for easy grades.

Upperclassmen and Peer Networks — Ask: teaching style, exam fairness, time required, preparation for next course, tips for success.

Pre-Health Advisors — Ask directly. They've watched students cycle through these courses for years.

Sitting In On Classes — Invaluable when possible.

Syllabus Review — Reveals exam frequency, grading breakdown, attendance policies, workload.

Department Reputation and Awards — Teaching awards indicate recognized effectiveness.

Foundational Prerequisite Courses — Teaching effectiveness matters most. Prioritize clear explanations, fair exams, and preparation for subsequent courses.

Upper-Level Electives — Teaching style and engagement matter most. Look for passion, engagement, and inspiration.

Courses Outside Your Strength Areas — Accessibility and support become paramount.

Courses Where You Want a Letter Writer — Consider mentorship reputation. Reasonable class sizes that allow individual attention.

• Teaching Quality vs. Easy Grades — Prioritize teaching quality for foundational courses.
• Rigorous vs. Fair — "Rigorous" and "fair" aren't opposites. Avoid rigorous-but-unfair.
• Great Lecturer vs. Accessible — Depends on whether you'll use office hours.
• Challenging vs. GPA-Friendly — There's no shame in being strategic, but don't avoid being challenged.

• "Exams Don't Match Lectures"
• "Unclear Expectations"
• "Arbitrary Grading"
• "Dismissive in Office Hours"
• "Disorganized"
• Extremely Bimodal Grade Distributions
• Consistent Themes Across Years

• "Actually Explains Why"
• "Fair and Predictable"
• "Wants You to Succeed"
• "Challenging but Worth It"
• "Changed How I Think About the Subject"
• "Great Recommendation Letters"

• Understand Your Registration System — Plan based on priority structure.
• Prepare Before Registration Opens — Research complete before time slot opens.
• Have Backup Combinations — Have multiple complete schedules planned.
• Waitlist Strategy — Join immediately, stay vigilant.
• Section Changes After Registration — Keep watching even after enrolled.
• Build Relationships with Departments — Knowing administrative staff can help.

• Reset Your Mindset — Reviews are averages; you can be an outlier.
• Get Ahead Before Day One — Study material independently before class.
• Build Support Systems Early — Tutoring, study groups, office hours, TAs.
• Learn the Professor's System — Study old exams, identify patterns.
• Use External Resources — Textbooks, Khan Academy, YouTube, tutoring, pre-med org study guides.
• Document Problems Appropriately — Keep emails, save graded materials.

• Be Present and Engaged — Come to class, sit near the front, ask questions.
• Use Office Hours Strategically — Discuss interesting concepts, ask about their research.
• Excel in Their Class — Strong performance opens doors.
• Show Genuine Interest — If you find the subject interesting, express that.
• Stay Connected After the Course Ends — Occasional updates.
• Ask for Recommendations Thoughtfully — Ask early, explain why specifically, provide materials, follow up with thanks.

Sometimes the best strategic choice isn't the easiest professor or even the best teacher:

• You Need a Challenge
• You Want to Stand Out for a Letter
• You Need Preparation, Not Just a Grade
• The Hard Professor Is an Expert

Instructor selection is a skill, not luck. The algorithm:

1. Clarify what you need from each course.
2. Gather information through multiple channels.
3. Evaluate trade-offs thoughtfully.
4. Execute strategically during registration with backup plans.
5. Adapt when you can't get your first choice.

Over your college career, the cumulative effect of thoughtful instructor selection is substantial.