4.1

Alan Sultan

Mathematics - CUNY Queens College

4.1
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
65%
Would Retake
90
Reviews
4.1
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
4.1
Clarity

65%

Would Retake

90

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

57

4

12

3

10

2

2

1

9

What Students Say

DO NOT TAKE HIM IF YOU DON'T WANT TO FAIL

143 - 1.0 rating

He is not fair and does not care for students highly recommend NOT taking him

CALC141 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

54%

Textbook Required

71%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 19 grades
Most common grades:
B+ (6)
Not sure yet (4)
B (4)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(5)C(4)D(1)F(1)A-/B+(7)
Based on 26 reported grades
B+: 6
Not sure yet: 4
B: 4
A: 2
Common Tags
Tough Grader (5)
Respected (5)
Caring (5)
Test heavy (5)
Amazing lectures (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Hilarious (3)
Gives good feedback (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.49 avg change
Feb
May
Aug
Jan
Apr
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

142

5.0

(1)

MATH550

5.0

(1)

MATH

5.0

(1)

MA152

5.0

(1)

MATH151

5.0

(1)
+24 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATH550

5.0

CALC141

5.0

MATHMATH

5.0

152

4.5

143

4.4

Reviews (90)
5.0
5.0
MATH550
Sep 26, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
MATH
Dec 4, 2003

Dr. sultan is a great professor. he is always available if you have a question. he is a hard grader but u will understand the math.

5.0
4.0
MAT151152
Jun 26, 2004

Great teacher! He is excellent at understanding what it is his students struggle with.

5.0
4.0
MA152
Aug 31, 2004

Great professor. very helpful and excellent teaching. He's funny and make his class laugh, very friendly to his students. One of the best math teacher I have ever had.

5.0
1.0
MATH151
Jan 5, 2005

Best calc prof out there. Always willing to answer questions and clarify for his students. Very laid back and easy going man. Unitimidating and funny too. Teaches calc well.

5.0
2.0
MATH141
Jan 9, 2005

Explains stuff so clearly, you wonder why you didn't see it for yourself. Dr. Sultan is the BEST.

4.0
4.0
MATH141
May 27, 2005

he is a great teacher but because of teh difficulties of the class you have to attend everyday. gives homework everyday but doesn't check it. he does go over it in class. so do it. comes highly recommend, an excellent teacher. he knows his stuff and teaches it great.

5.0
3.0
MATH152
Grade: A
Jul 8, 2005

the greatest calc teacher out there ... very funny and amusing .. he would tell us weird stories during class .. but refuses to give A's

5.0
3.0
MATH152
Aug 21, 2005

Great teacher, made a really difficult course much simpler, helps you understand the material and get a decent grade at the same time, really cares about the students

4.0
4.0
152
Aug 21, 2005

I agree with most graders here, but he is very hard grader, many B's but few A

5.0
5.0
MATH152
Nov 9, 2005

if you want A, wark, work and once again work. Test will make your head spin, but he is a great teacher. Show him that you put effort-do HW, it helps a lot.

5.0
3.0
MATH151152
Dec 27, 2005

DO THE HOMEWORK AND STUDY FOR THE TESTS. IT ALSO HELPS TO PUT PROBLEMS UP ON THE BOARD. IF HE SEES THAT YOU'RE PUTTING IN EFFORT, HE IS MORE LIKELY TO GIVE YOU A BETTER GRADE IN THE END.

3.0
5.0
143
Feb 21, 2006

hardest tests in the world

5.0
3.0
MATH142
Apr 22, 2006

What can I say. A nice guy, very helpful, always knowledgable. The class moves quickly but, it doesn't feel that way since he explains the material so well. He also gives examples of how the material is used in various professions. If you enjoy math you'll enjoy it even more after taking Dr. Sultan.

5.0
4.0
MATH142
May 2, 2006

very good prof, very clear, underdstands completelty on the material he teaches. Only downfall is tests, which are extremely hard. Even if you understand hw probs, his tests probs are upped another level.

5.0
4.0
142
May 6, 2006

He's probably the best math professor I've had. He explains everything so well and he encourages questions. He also made the class more exciting since he relates the concepts to real -life situations. Dr. Sultan definitely knows his stuff. Take him!

5.0
5.0
MATH142
May 24, 2006

Great professor! Knows how to make the students laugh along with helping students to understand the material! He is great at explaining things, if you want to understand Calculus better, take him! But be prepared for his extremely hard exams! Make sure you study daily along w/doing homework every night! For a better grade, put homework on the board

5.0
4.0
MATH141142
Jun 3, 2006

Sultan is AMAZING. Definitely one of the best math teachers at QC. He's not the easiest by far but he's a very good teacher which makes up for it. He's always available and willing to help his students in any way he can.

3.0
4.0
MATH143
Nov 2, 2006

No Comments

5.0
4.0
MATH143
Nov 10, 2006

great teacher, tough tests

2.0
3.0
MATH143
Nov 21, 2006

No Comments

4.0
5.0
MATH152
Dec 4, 2006

GREAT TEACHER. Knows his stuff and will tell you endless stories and show endless proofs. Be prepared for the hardest tests you'll ever take. One tough grader. DO NOT TAKE HIS 152 Class in the Summer unless you have nothing else to do. If you work, even 1/2 days forget about it.

5.0
5.0
MATH505
Dec 20, 2006

Funny and interesting guy. He is a very tough grader on his exams though.

3.0
3.0
MATH143
Feb 13, 2007

No Comments

3.0
5.0
CALC141
Nov 26, 2007

terrible impossible to pass if u didn't take the class before . he teaches as if everyone is a grad student. he killed my dreams of being a mathamatichian .if u do bad he advises u to quit. good guy just not a class a student is likley to pass

2.0
4.0
MATH505
Jan 17, 2008

Took different classes with him, he knows what he's teaching very well. BUT BUT BUT he was completly unable to make the students understand the subject and he is very very very bad test giver and grader.

4.0
5.0
MATHMATH
Jul 15, 2008

Hard Tests!!!!

5.0
5.0
MATH143
Aug 4, 2008

give challenging exams but he is the best; he is crystal clear; many of the students who are complaining are students with weak background especially ones who took an easy ride from previous courses so their background is weak. when you take sultan's class you learn your stuffs more than anything. people if you need to learn take sultan,kahan don

5.0
2.0
MATH143
Nov 10, 2008

He's a great teacher! He's very clear and his tests aren't too hard. You can tell that he really wants his students to do well. Definitely take this teacher!

5.0
3.0
MATH141
Nov 13, 2008

He makes some calculus concepts look SOOO much easier. Probably the best math teacher I had yet.

5.0
2.0
MATH142
Nov 25, 2008

All i did is go to class and do Homework. He gives you extra credit if you put homework on the board before class. Knows his stuff ,good sense of humor.exams are though. explains so well you should give him a break. 3 exams and a final. Always show work on your paper. He'll give you partial credit. Work hard.

5.0
4.0
MATHALL
Dec 5, 2008

Hard Tests, Hard Grader, poor judgment on giving partial credit on tests. Good Teacher though, and very clear.

5.0
2.0
MATH141
Dec 19, 2008

Pro. Sultan is the best. He's very funny and has lots of patients. He gives assignments and review them very time. He gives us many useful examples for what he teaches. The exams are not very hard. Most of us got As. Just review the questions before the exams. If u have questions, just ask professor. STRONGLY RECOMMEND PRO. SULTAN.

5.0
5.0
MATH143
Jan 23, 2009

awesome guy. knows his stuff, he clearly loves calculus. try to stick with him trough the whole series of calculus. he is a hard grader, but has a lot of concern for his students. put homework up on the board as much as you can, cus in the end it will help you. he tends to have favorites, in which reflects in the grading. do the homework.

5.0
4.0
MATH142
May 12, 2009

Dr.Sultan is truly an amazing professor. He teaches what he loves and it is almost impossible for you to not know what he is saying because he explains everything so clearly. You will however be lost if you do not practice what he teaches. If you want to really learn Calc. then take him and you won't regret it.

3.0
3.0
MATH152
May 16, 2009

don't take him... really hard tests...

5.0
2.0
MATH142
May 16, 2009

He is a very good professor. I really like him. I took him for Math 141 and I am taking Math 142 right now. I wanted to take him for Math 143, but I am not able to take him. I really recomend this professor. Very Good!!! Not BAd At All!!!!!!

5.0
4.0
MATH152
May 27, 2009

Dr. Sultan has to be THE best teacher out there. His teaching method is crystal clear. He is helpful and caring. He is willing to help even if it is 11:00 pm. He responds to e-mail a minute after you send it. VERY NICE!!! His exams, however are challenging which goes hand-in hand to his excellent teaching standards. If you want to learn.....TAKE HI

5.0
2.0
CALC142
Jul 3, 2009

What is there to say about Dr. Sultan besides the fact that he is an incredible and awesome teacher. No Joke. This man explains calculus so clearly, so thouroughly! If you do the homework, participate and do well on his tests ,there is no reason for you not to do well in the class. Also, if you ever have questions, he loves to answer them.Take him!

5.0
2.0
MATH142
Aug 5, 2009

He is an awesome professor-Calc 2 was SOOOOOOOOOOO easy because of him- he makes everything very clear and understandable. He does not tell you to just memorize formulas- He'll tell you where they came from. Personally, I thought his exams were the easiest exams I ever took in my life--from this site, I can see that, that's just me.

5.0
4.0
MATH141
Dec 3, 2009

Great professor! Explains calculus easily and in new lights i hadn't seen before. By the end of class he's covered in chalk and is funny throughout the class. Answers questions/emails quickly and clearly. Fair exams, practice with homework questions, ask him for help at times and you'll do fine.

3.0
5.0
CALC141
Mar 24, 2010

a very nice man but a horibble teacher. he knows his stuff but does not present it well. he teaches as though you know the material and hes just giving a review. HW sometimes does not follow classwork and exams make your head spin. if you like a challenge then this class is for you, if you looking for a thorough understanding that dont do it.

5.0
1.0
MTH141
Mar 31, 2010

Dr. Sultun is an amazing teacher. No theory, just equations and applications. The tests are a bit harder than average but he gives a small curve so it evens out.

3.0
5.0
MATH142
Apr 17, 2010

Professor Sultan is a great professor when it comes to teaching and explaining. His tests, however, are extremely hard, very little similarity to homeworks.

5.0
3.0
MAT505
Oct 2, 2010

If you have a problem with math, go see the Sultan! He's the man with the plan.

5.0
3.0
MAT142
May 6, 2011

Possibly the best math professor in NYS. I'm serious. Great enthusiasm, funny, and VERY clear. It's actually incredible how clearly he presents the information. Best thing about him? He's patient and understanding. Exams are challenging, but not impossible! Wants you to succeed. Please take him, he deserves caring students.

5.0
3.0
MATH201
Aug 15, 2011

Took him for 201 (multivariable) in the summer. A gem of a professor. He explains everything clearly, and will go over anything until you understand it. He goes over all the HW probs and has a great sense of humor. The exams are challenging BUT FAIR. They're only "hard" if you don't do the HW. I'd take him again if he taught anything else.

5.0
3.0
MATH201
Aug 17, 2011

Great Professor, Highly recommended for everyone! explained everything very well. Very fair grader and tests. You can write HW problems on the board to improve your grade by one mark. Very intelligent professor.

5.0
1.0
MATH505
Jan 6, 2012

So much fun! This was probably the most fun class I've taken so far. All of the questions are basically like "advanced extra credit high school questions." If you know HS math, youll get an A. Thinking outside the box at times is handy too. He just grades based on how you are thinking to solve the problems, the final answer isnt wut he looks for.

5.0
3.0
MATH142
Apr 22, 2012

He is by far the best math professor i have ever had, he loves what he does and is willing to explain anything. I highly recommend taking his class if you want to learn math, his test are hard but fair nothing he doesnt teach in class.

5.0
3.0
MATH143
Dec 25, 2012

Excellent, funny guy who will help you in class and at his office. Put up HW, this will be 50% of class time and may help your grade/understanding. Keep up with the work and practice- test are challenging but predictable. Listen to every word he says and his brilliance may rub off on you. Loved him and the class.

4.0
4.0
MATH505
Mar 12, 2013

He's a nice guy and all, but his tests are hard and tricky. You'll end up having to work on your own to barely get a B-. If you can avoid him, do so. Other professors teach 505 too, so take them instead.

4.0
4.0
MATH614
Mar 19, 2013

Take the exams seriously. If you make little or some mistakes, this professor takes serious amount of points off. Put up the HW on the board everyday since he likes to see students showing how much they understand the problems. Other than that, the professor is nice. He teaches like a high school teacher. Recommended for serious students only.

5.0
5.0
152
May 20, 2013

RUN FOR THE HILLS. if you want a good calc 2 professor then take rothstein. for one, she lets you bring note cards on her test, 2) she drops the lowest test grade and 3) shes a good grader and really helpful. if your really good at calc 1 then you can try this professor but odds are you're going to get a low grade

5.0
3.0
MATH201MULTIC
Sep 27, 2013

The guys a good PROFESSOR. The other math heavy courses like physics have professors, yeah, but they're researchers first. Don't know a thing about teaching. Sultan gives hard exams, but the man teaches you the material. Homework's are almost identical to the exams, and he gives a grade +1 if you put up homework. Got a A in his class. Take him.

5.0
3.0
MA142
May 16, 2014

A good math teacher does not let you slide or anything silly like that.Sultan is the man when it comes to calculus and really teaching as well.He doesn't water down the course like most other professors. He is 1000% helpful and will help clarify anything you needs to be cleared up. Tests are hard but they test full understanding which is important!

5.0
3.0
MATH152
May 21, 2014

SULTAN IS THE KING! OK you want an easy class don't take him, you want to love calculus take him! 152 is no easy class, 151 is baby math compared, so get ready for the best math class you will ever take. its rare to see someone teaching a course for so long and still have the enthusiasim he has for the course. He is simply the best!

5.0
5.0
MATH141
Grade: Pass
Jun 12, 2014

very hard class but he is a great proffesor!! his tests are super hard

5.0
3.0
M141
Nov 5, 2014

He's a Genius Professor. He loves what he does and you could tell by how he lectures . Calc is not always a fun subject but he's able to grab the attention of the students. He is far from boring. Grades are based on test and NO other strings tied. LOVEEEEE HIM . He has a great sense of humor also .

3.0
5.0
143
Nov 20, 2014

.He is fun loving guy but he is more focused to the students who have taken his class before. He is one of the harsh graders, and he loves to take out points in every small issues. You can clearly tell from your grade if he truly dislikes you. The material is hard but his exams even harder. Do not take him unless you are willing to fail

1.0
5.0
143
Dec 2, 2014

Professor Sultan teaches well but his exams are ridiculously difficult and he grades them very hardly with no partial credit. The class average is usually very low and he gives no curve. DO NOT TAKE HIM IF YOU DON'T WANT TO FAIL!

5.0
5.0
MATH505
Grade: C+
Feb 24, 2015

I'm a math major, aced calc with sultan and decided to take 505 with him for "fun". I mean he's a great teacher, fun and incredibly bright but I could not figure this class out- my lowest grade at QC. Certain kids are great problem solving and it's tough to learn the art. Coming to class may help for practice but don't get your hopes up....

4.0
4.0
141
Grade: C
Mar 16, 2015

Study for the tests! They are the major grades for your GPA

1.0
5.0
MATH142
May 14, 2015

I came into the class as an enthusiast for calc 2 and leaving with complete disappointment from this professor. Teaches one thing in class, assigns the hw. But the exams have nothing to do with any of it! DONT TAKE. Wait another semester. No syllabus was handed!!! Would walk into the class 'oh btw ur having another exam in two days' not organized!!

5.0
4.0
MATH141
Grade: B+
Dec 12, 2015

LOVE HIM!!!!!! Just study and you'll be fine

1.0
5.0
CALC141
Grade: C-
Mar 15, 2016

DO. NOT. TAKE. He is sooo tough and totally not worth the stress. He is not fair and does not care for students highly recommend NOT taking him

5.0
4.0
MATH141142143
Grade: B+
Mar 28, 2016

I had Dr. Sultan for 141, 142 and 143. He is a spectacular professor. He seriously knows his stuff, WELL. By the end of the courses, you will too. There's literally one bad thing about him. His tests are very difficult, however, make friends with the TIME 2000 students, they have his old exams. I average a B+ in all classes.

4.0
4.0
MATH142
May 5, 2017
Would take again

Great professor I took 141 2 years before taking 142. And taking his class I wasn't lost. If you go to class and take notes. Do the homework and ask questions when you don't know how to solve something you will do great. He gives review sheets they are pretty much the same type of questions as the test so if you do those you will pass the test

Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
MATH143
Grade: F
May 31, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He's a very tough grader and doesn't explain stuff very well

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
MATH143
Grade: A
Jun 2, 2017
Would take again

Teacher is amazing. Do the homework and you will do fine.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
CALC142
Jun 3, 2017
Wouldn't take again

What he teaches is all easy until you get to the final. nothing he teaches is as hard compared to the actual exam

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
1.0
CALC142
Jun 3, 2017
Wouldn't take again

not worth it find a better professor

Tough Grader
5.0
4.0
MATH505
Grade: B+
Jun 8, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Sultan is too honest with his grading to give you anything but what you deserve, which often is interpreted as being a tough grader. But when you get an A from him, you know that you've truly aced the material and are ready for real challenges. I didn't get an A from him but he's still the best QC professor I've ever had. He truly cares.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Caring
3.0
5.0
MATH201
Sep 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Hard grader, takes lots of points off exams,

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
MATH505
Grade: B+
Dec 24, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Sultan may be tough when it comes to grading exams, but he's clear when teaching. He taught us problem solving techniques in class, in which I've used in his exams. At least he lets us use the facts sheet during exams. I really enjoyed this class. As long as you explain your reasoning for your answers and are on the right track, you'll be fine.

Tough Grader
Hilarious
Tests are tough
5.0
4.0
MATH143
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 13, 2018
Would take again

Professor Sultan tries his absolute best to explain the material in the most simplest way. Math 143 is a very detailed course and many of the topics can be complex, but he breaks them down into understandable chunks that work out very well! Prepares students well for the exams, will curve if needed, and always willing to help both in class and out.

Gives good feedback
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
MAT151152
Grade: B+
Dec 20, 2020
Would take again

I would love to take this professor again but not the class. Calculus is rough but he makes it as clear as he can. You have to study if you wanna pass his exams and he's no joke. If you wanna learn calculus, he's ur man.

5.0
3.0
141
Grade: B
Apr 7, 2022
Would take again

Great professor, highly recommended. very helpful outside of class and very available to help if you need it.

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
141
Grade: C-
May 25, 2022
Would take again

Amazing professor!! He gives excellent lectures and is extremely accessible next semester, would definitely take him again.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
MATH143
Grade: A-
Aug 22, 2023
Would take again

The greatest professor I've had at QC. You gotta participate, you want him to know your name. Has a lot of pull in the Math Department so it's good to be on his good side. 143 is a tough course but he taught in a way that was interesting. Ask him for proofs, they won't be on the test and he will be so excited to show them to you. Very quick emailer

Participation matters
Gives good feedback
Caring
4.0
4.0
143
Grade: Rather not say
Aug 26, 2023
Would take again

I believe the class was fair and you have a good chance to pass. But I urge you to really keep up with the homework, class lessons in math143 and review them, as this will save you in the long run. I didnt do all that well, but i admit it was my own fault for my mistakes. He teaches extremely well, but I recommend when you take him,Stay Consistent.

Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
4.0
3.0
MATH143
Grade: B
Oct 25, 2023
Would take again

Attendance isn't mandatory, but more than 2 misses and you're digging your own grave. The material is hard, and only way to be ready for the exams is to DO THE HW'S and go to tutoring. He's a chill math dude, ngl. One of those proofs/theorum heavy profs. Pro tip: skim through the chapters ahead of class!

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
143
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 8, 2023
Would take again

BEST CALC PROFESSOR QC

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Respected
1.0
5.0
143
Grade: B
Feb 27, 2024

I found Dr. Sultan to be unnecessarily difficult. I did not think he was caring or empathetic towards his students. His exams were hard - there were always questions that were impossible to solve and it felt purposeful that he wanted to trick us. I would not recommend taking this professor - I will never do so again.

4.0
4.0
143
Grade: Not sure yet
May 17, 2024
Would take again

Professor Sultan is amazing. He cares and understands his students. He wants you to pass! If you post HW consistently on the board he will boost your grade slightly, a huge benefit in a difficult course like 143. He explains concepts clearly and at a manageable pace. Exams could be some what difficult but very fair! Participate and show interest!!!

Caring
Respected
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
MATH143
Grade: Not sure yet
Aug 13, 2024
Would take again

He is incredibly straightforward and to the point in teaching the material, no accent and is very easy to understand. HW's aren't mandatory, but are extremely important since they are what he tests you on. He also takes short breaks sometimes and talks about the history behind the math topic he's teaching, making class very captivating as well!

Hilarious
Caring
Respected
5.0
3.0
141
Grade: B
Jan 5, 2025
Would take again

His teaching is great and he answers any questions. However, you need to keep up with the HWs and take good notes and attend all classes. We were only graded on 3 exams and a final and he gave one extra credit, which is answering 12 questions on the board (you will need it).

Respected
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
MATH142
Grade: B+
Apr 23, 2025

no review for anything and doesn't assign no work to do.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
M141
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 4, 2025

This prof is very knowledgeable when it comes to math, BUT it feels as if this prof expects you to be superb in Calc before entering this class. I studied day and night to pass his course/ exams , just to be met with very difficult questions on exam day that seemed like he asked chatgpt to make questions with many flaws. Forced to drop the course

Tough grader
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
141
Grade: B-
Dec 28, 2025

12 homeworks on the board and you get some type of extra credit. daily homeworks from the textbook but he does not check them, but his tests are based off of the homework. I had to teach myself everything because he just taught for the entire class and i had no time to digest it. Your entire grade is based off of 4 tests.

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

54%

Textbook Required

71%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 19 grades
Most common grades:
B+ (6)
Not sure yet (4)
B (4)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(5)C(4)D(1)F(1)A-/B+(7)
Based on 26 reported grades
B+: 6
Not sure yet: 4
B: 4
A: 2
Common Tags
Tough Grader (5)
Respected (5)
Caring (5)
Test heavy (5)
Amazing lectures (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Hilarious (3)
Gives good feedback (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.49 avg change
Feb
May
Aug
Jan
Apr
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

142

5.0

(1)

MATH550

5.0

(1)

MATH

5.0

(1)

MA152

5.0

(1)

MATH151

5.0

(1)
+24 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATH550

5.0

CALC141

5.0

MATHMATH

5.0

152

4.5

143

4.4

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