3.9
Quality3.2
Difficulty66%
Would Retake95
Reviews66%
Would Retake
95
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
53
4
18
3
6
2
7
1
11
What Students Say
“He is a good professor but he often puts things on tests which are not on the lecture notes nor the homework”
MATH215 - 3.0 rating“Not the best math teacher in my opinion”
MATH205 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
87%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.62 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH208
5.0
(4)MATH105205
5.0
(1)MATH255
5.0
(1)MATH1050
5.0
(1)MATH2130
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
MATH104A
5.0
MATH209
4.2
MATH3450
4.0
MATH2130
4.0
MATH2050
3.8
Reviews (95)
VERY helpful and CLEAR in his teaching. He's funny too and won't make it boring. If get help at his office hours you will definitely get an A on the test. The exam questions are just like the homework. There are no surprises.
easy easy easy. i didnt do any homework and still got an A. easy easy easy
Had some surprises on test and I am not happy with how he structured his tests or based his point system off of. For that person that didn't do homework and got an A, well how is that possible? If you didn't do homework you lost 20% of your test grade, if you did homework then you get nothing.
he was a delight to have as a professor. his teaching is clear and persice. any questions you have, it will be answered right away. Very easy and fun to be with. his grading is very appropriate and makes sure everyone understands the lesson before waking out of the door
awesome professor, explains everything in multiple ways so that everyone will understand. friendly, homework optional (at least in my class), and the study guides are practically like the tests. (and if you do the study guide, you'll get extra credit). Ace the first two midterms, and you don't have to take the final. highly recommended.
EXCELLENT PROFESSOR! his tests were very similar to the study guides he gives out. Very helpful during class and offers help when needed. Grading was a bit tough considering he doesn't count much for homework but if you just prepare for the tests and do the study guides you'll do fine =)
I got a C! That was a high grade for his class
All his notes were in class, but his work and quizzes were online. He isnt very clear when he explains.
very helpful, very nice, made class easy and fun
easy easy easy! his lactures were very clear and most hw was on-line. easy A.
No Comments
Very understanding and quality style of teaching.
Great teacher, takes time to get you aquainted with the material. Have to do the legwork to get a good grade in class. One of the best math teachers i've ever had.
Okay I'm a really bad math student, but prof. Arcos was able to explain to me in simple english what pre calculus is all about. He's always asking the class if they have questions and is very attentive towards the students needs. His exams are very straight foreward because it's just like the hw. If your bad at math take him, he's a great professor
Prof. Arcos is awesome!! He really wants you to understand the material and he goes over things well in class and allowed us to take quizzes twice; one in class for most points and once at home to help boost the class quiz grade a few points. He made himself available 3 saturdays to review problems! Take him! 2 mid-ts, 7 quizzes, & final for grade.
He really wants you to do well and is very helpful during office hours. To his discretion he might allow you to have the final take the place of the entire course, but you have to demonstrate improvement. His test are not easy and he makes up some of his own questions. Do your homework and attend class. It's a lot of work.
He knows how to teach. When doing examples and going over formulas. He draws picture so you could visualize what the text is talking about. His writing is clear. He uses a lot of chalk, so if you hate chalk stay away from the front.
The BEST teacher at CSULA or anywhere I have gone! He wants you to pass and do well, but you have to work hard to get there! His tests aren't easy, but you show your work. He's very fair and extremely helpful during office hours. He deserves Professor of the year!!
Arcos appear to be a good teacher at first but as the quarter processes you will find he needs more help on explaining the concept of calculus. He also gives a tons of homework that he grades and is hard to keep up.
Very fair and understanding professor. Definitely wants you to understand and learn the material. Beware of the Calculus paper!
He's a very concise and responsible teacher. There wasn't a day he came late. He is no killer hard; he actually makes the math understandable. If you're taking sub collegial math, take him. Very good teacher.
He does take his time on the harder topics and because he spends 1-2 weeks of review since he finishes the material that fast|His tests are based off what his lecture/quiz problems are, he definitely emphasizes concepts you should know|One thing of caution is that he expects you to know what your calculating and wants explanations on some problems.
Professor Arcos is indeed one of the best professors at Cal State L.A. He is concerned about the success of each student. But most importantly he knows how to teach the subject extremely well. He deserves an award that compensates him for being a good teacher. Simply the best teacher at Cal State L.A.
Professor Arcos is willing to help his students and just wants the best. He is an excellent teacher who loves teaching and does it extremely well.
For math, Professor Arcos is really clear and straight to the point. There were 2 midterms and a final; before that, lots of homework to be turned in but it's all good; just put the effort in. There might be times when it looks like he will get mad at you but instead he is just making a point about something he wants you to understand.
He is simply the best professor at Cal State L.A. He really knows his stuff and most importantly enjoys teaching calculus. He is one of the few professors at Cal State L.A. that is concern about his students achievements.
This was my first quarter at Calstate and he's the best professor I have had so far.From his lectures, you can see that he loves teaching calculus. He really wants everyone to pass. If you missed classes, unless you're a genius and can teach yourself following what's in the book, you'll do fine; however you will lose points for attendance,quizzes.
He expects a lot from the students in his Differentials class since it's a higher level math course but he offers a lot of assistance. I've yet to come across another math professor that offers as much help as he does. His lectures lack a bit of clarity, but the course is accompanied by a very thorough book if you take the time to read it.
Best teacher ive had thus far. Takes the time to explain the material AND manages to teach what he has to. Good HW assignments, and awesome grader! He focuses on the right stuff and doesn't make you waste time doing trivial calculations. Decent tests- 3 + Final. Calculus isn't easy though-lots to memorize. Be ready to put in the effort.
He is the best professor in the mathematics department. He loves his job and does an excellent job at teaching mathematics.
Professor Arcos is a GREAT math professor. He is willing to help you as long as you are willing to put in the effort to learn. I had him for 3 quarters straight. I absolutely loved his class. 3 + final. Office hours are highly suggested if you feel youre struggling.
Teaches really well. There are 3 midterms, which I like if you're looking to improve your grade. They are fair. Gives lots of probs for hw, but that's how you get good practice.
This professor was horrible. Took him over the summer, and he didn't let up one bit. The class is very fast paced, and homework is collected every week. He builds you up to bring you down, in other words tells you that you can still pass, and then fails you at the end. He gives no partial credit for work on tests. Be cautious while taking this guy.
Really good teacher, explains well, answers your questions, to the point doesnt waste time in class, his 2 midterm one test is annoying can easily mess up your grade, give some useless homework alot, but overall a great teacher
Best professor at CSULA.
Best professor at CSULA. He really cares about your success. I was lucky to be able to take him for my entire math career at CSULA,,,HIGHLY RECOMMEND
This guy is not good, tests are very very very very hard, a lot of curveballs on each question.HARD, HARD,HARD, HARD
This professor is just amazing. He is very kind and just wants the best for all of his students. He is very passionate about teaching. His office hours are of a lot of help. He is just a genius and really knows how to explain difficult topics. His lectures are crystal clear. I enjoyed his class. He is simple the best math professor at CSULA.
He is simply the best professor. His office hours are of great help. His lectures are crystal clear and he knows how to explain difficult topics in a concise manner that makes it easier for everyone to understand.
Carlos does a really good job at teaching. His lectures are very detailed, and he's approachable when you are confused/have questions. He has really convenient office hours, so there's no reason for you not to go in and get extra help. He really likes seeing students put in effort- that's an extra grade boost! 3 test & a final. He doesn't curve.
Exams you cant even prove how much you truly know. Hw, a boat load. wasted time studying on tons of stuff that is not on exam. Disappointed.
Only took this class because he was the only prof teaching. Lectures were long and dull, I relied primarily on the book to figure out what was going on and got a tutor. Tests have almost nothing to do with the hw, which already takes an 1-1.5 hrs per assignment. Take him if you want, he's an average prof. He tries to help, but he is really unclear
You have to work for your grade. Arcos is a tough grader and expects the most from you but its all worth it. He explains and helps you out when you are confused and will take time out of his busy schedule to have midterm reviews. Always enthusiastic and gives in-class assignments regularly so don't miss out on class!
He is so supportive, and helpful, has office hours Monday through Friday. So nice! he has been my best professor thus far
Math has always been a difficult subject for me until I took this class with professor Arcos. His exams are fairly easy and the homework is do-able. He makes everything easy to understand and pushes his students, I highly recommend you take his class!
Prof. Arcos is awesome. He is an excellent professor and is always willing to help.
He is a good professor but he often puts things on tests which are not on the lecture notes nor the homework
Fair professor, I would take more classes with him.
HATE, HATE, HATE, DOUBLE HATE, TRIPLE HATE
Sometimes ideas are unclear, go to his office hours and he'll explain it to you
Super helpful and comes on Saturdays for extra office hours, I went to every session. Gave us the chance to retake both midterms because everyone always failed them. I retook them and they were harder than the first. His grading is based on points, so even though the midterm averages were 35% there is NO CURVE. I worked so hard and only got a B-.
literally.. from a full class to less than half. half of the class dropped before half way because he was such a terrible instructor. The average class test scores were almost humiliating. so sad.
Grades hard, doesn't feel bad when most of the class fails.. there was a full class in the beginning, and now there's literally 9 people left.. gives the easiest problems for notes, but homeworkquizmidterms, gives the hardest problem that is nowhere similar to the notes and expects us to figure it out.. probably have to retake.. don't recommend
I loved having him! I not good at math, but if you care about your grade you will attend the extra credit office hours he has everyday Monday-Friday. These were so helpful. If you get to know him, he is so helpful. He just wants to see that you care about your grade!
Attendance is mandatory. Not the best math teacher in my opinion. Makes a lot of mistakes during lecture and homework's don't match what he teaches. He has an accent so it was difficult for me to understand him. Tests are very hard and his test review doesn't match with his test. I wouldn't recommend if math doesn't come naturally to you.
HARD, HARD, HARD, HARD
good teasher for linear algebra. had him and easiest class i passed. homework matched the tests. good notes. has a spanish accent, but other than that, he is helpful. gives tons of leeway if you're late, or absent often. laid-back teasher.
He's a good teacher, but I recommend sitting in the front. His writing style can be a bit hard to recognize and his accent does make it confusing to learn at times. But he's always available when needing help. Tests are kind of hard, but make sure you just practice some of the in-class work, they definitely help.
Carlos Arcos is really caring about his students. This is a difficult course but he will offer any help needed. I would recommend going to his office hours if you're struggling because he will explain it in a simpler way.
Whatever he lectures about in class will be on the exam. He does assign a lot of homework but that is usual for a math class
Honestly its a tough class I wont lie, hw due every week, notes are mandatory they will be submitted every Monday make sure to take a pic of them. 2 midterms and one final. The tests are tough, but if you understand the material, youll be able to pass the class. Professor Arcos actually cares about his students he is always there for help.
Professor Arcos really cares for your success and wants you to pass. He makes himself as available as he can so you can find time to come in for extra help. Hw is manageable, notes are mandatory (to be submitted), and tests are whatever he lectured on/assigns in class. Highly recommend!
Very good office hours , funny, easy to talk too about assignments and shows that he really wants everyone to understand and pass the course.
One of my favorite professors at this stinky school. Funny and incredibly kind. Sweet man, sees his students as his kids, will help you with whatever you need. Just pay him the respects he deserves and do your work! its really not hard and he makes it easy. If you have any prior knowledge of math this class will be a breeze.
I can finally Rate Professor Arcos. I took him for math1085,2040,2050. He know how to teach these type of math courses as simple as possible. His test are a bit hard but that tests your understanding of the class. hes always willing to help his students who are struggling if you ask for help. because of him i truly enjoyed learning math. take him!
An excellent professor. Carlos Arcos made MATH 2050(Calc II) straightforward and simple. His tests are hard and significantly more difficult than classwork and homework, but you'll be fine as long as put effort into understanding the material. He's pretty chill during his office hours and with helping with difficult problems. Down to earth professr
Professor Arcos is very caring and helpful. His course is difficult, but if you take the time to study and attend his office hours he will provide you with all the help you need. If he sees you putting in an effort he will do everything he could to help you pass the course.
I took Professor Arcos for 2040 and then 2050. He is one of the best professors I've had so far, really caring and smart man. He really wants to see everyone pass and understand the material. Would 100% recommend !!!
Sooo much homework. Kind of rude sometimes. Midterms are hard but if you study you will be fine.
Do not recommend this professor. Makes tests hard and does not know how to teach. Assigns a lot of HW and tests are way too hard. Stay away from this professor.
He gave our 0s on exams like they were donuts when we switched to online instruction. He also told us that he wrote His positive reviews on here and he didnt mind. He also displays a favoritism in the class towards females. Avoid this guy
Took his new 2045 class and it was difficult, but not impossible. Carlos Arcos is a great teacher, who knows his stuff. Material is somewhat dense, so you may have to email him or go to office hours but hes always ready to answer any questions you may have. Calculus is a hard subject, but its less difficult with a teacher like Professor Arcos.
The worst math professor i have ever taken. Majority of these reviews seem fake and inaccurate. He is not accommodating of the online switch and expects students to make his class a #1 priority. Doesn't know his own HW he assigns. Besides covid, taking this class was the worst to ever happen to me this year. Save your money and avoid Prof arcos.
Math 2045? yes, thats Calc 1 and 2 combined. to keep it brief, it was brutal. The amount of work you need to put into it is ridiculous. So why, then, have I given professor Arcos a 5 in rating? Well, because this is Rate My Professor, not Rate My Course. Arcos is an amazing professor who will push you to the limit, which is the best way to learn.
The best South American math professor at CSULA. He has a passion for teaching math and goes above and beyond with helping students reach their academic goals.
Graded only on tests, very picky grader (if you don't do it exactly the way he does you lose points, even when you're objectively correct). Didn't allow me to reschedule a midterm because of my commencement ceremony. Completely inflexible.
Explains the material that is easy to digest! I had a hard time understanding the material while taking Calculus 3 online during previous semesters, but once I took it with this professor (and it was in person), concepts that were confusing to me really helped me out.
Took him for math1082 and Honestly great professor! He really wants his students to pass, but at the end of the day, if the students don't want to put in an effort, there's nothing he can do. He'll help you if you're having any trouble. It's precal so it's definitely tough. Just make sure to understand the material, DO THE HWS, AND ACTIVITIES.
by far the worst professor I've ever had i. It got so bad I was worried about him purposely grading me harsher so I went to the department head within the first few weeks of classes (which didn't help) if you want a prof. who is genuine, unbiased, calm, & respectful & tends to their students and their needs DONT TAKE ARCOS.
avoid this man like the plague and don't trust the positive reviews. He was a trash professor. Has lost all respect, dignity, and praise as a professor and human being from me. He does not deserve the position he's in. RUN
Honestly, i could see him trying but he can be pretty disrespectful he will lash out at students at times. He taught okay, but he marked off points like crazy on exams for minimal things. I wouldnt take him again if given the opportunity. there are better professors out there. If you want someone to hit your GPA with a lower grade hes you man
He is a great professor. He is caring and always accessible. He has good office hours and is a smart man who loves his job.
I took Arcos for Calc 2 and will be taking him again for Calc 3. He is easily one of the better math teachers I have had not only at CSULA but ever. He will review old material from Calc 1 with enough detail to expand on old ideas, but not waste time. 3 tests and 7 quizzes. As long as you pay attention in class, you will know what to expect.
He is a tough grader. However he is accessible during office hours. If you have the time to dedicate to his class take him. Otherwise take a more chill professor. His class requires a lot of time and dedication. I must say he has a strong educational background. He graduated from UCLA and attended some of the best schools in South America.
Take Professor Arcos if you are willing to work hard. Since he himself is a smart man who is talented in math and the sciences, he will challenge you and will expect a lot from you. Because his classes tend to be challenging, he will make himself accessible and provide tutoring to his students.
Arcos is a straight up professor he going to review what you need for test and its up to u to study for exams but he does provide good notes for test.
He is a great professor. Do take advantage of his office hours. You will get one to one help. You have to put in the effort and do your part by going to office hours.
Professor Arcos is indeed a great professor and is a great example for our community. He is good at teaching and demonstrates deep passion for his job. Professor Arcos is an asset to CSULA.
Definitely a good professor to take if you're taking any calculus courses.
You can definitely get an A in this class as long as you don't skip (that's the reason I got a B). I respect Arcos, I even had him sign my rec letter for my scholarship application. He works hard to make sure you understand the material. He also gave summaries of each lesson at the start of class. Grades often, so try to stay on top of your work.
One of the best math professors I've ever had at this school. He grades very specifically but also gives good feedback so you don't repeat the little mistakes on the next assignment. He works closely with you to make sure that you pass the class if you're struggling. Overall. I would HIGHLY recommend him, he cares about his job and his students.
He will take off any points he can. Possibly even take out points for missing the date. Don't forget any type of notation, because that is at least 2 points. You missed the most important step of a problem. Oh well, you might as well miss the whole test because he's taking off all the points.
Do not take this professor. He does not know how to teach. Take a professor who is more understanding and is better at teaching. He takes off a lot of points whenever you take test.
Seriously such an amazing professor, I was able to ace every Quiz and exam we had because I attended office hours and asked him lots of questions which helped me realize my mistakes therefore I was able to succeed. He cares about students, I spent time in OH and we would have conversations about what I wanted to do with my career in the future.
His lectures are not that good. He kinda explains everything too quick. His in class activities and quizzes are kind of random at some points. He had that look that he didn't want to be in class teaching. But his assignments and exams are straight forward. Exams are similar to in class activities. If you do good on ICA, you will ace the exams.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
87%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.62 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH208
5.0
(4)MATH105205
5.0
(1)MATH255
5.0
(1)MATH1050
5.0
(1)MATH2130
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
MATH104A
5.0
MATH209
4.2
MATH3450
4.0
MATH2130
4.0
MATH2050
3.8