The class is hard, but so are all other orgo classes. Dr Szpunar is one of the better Orgo teacher's here. She is definately helpful and willing to help you understand the material. I wouldnt take orgo in general if you want to get an easy A.

dr. szpunar is great. she gives you hints as to what will be on the exams. any trick that she has learned along the way to make organic less awful, she passes it on to her students. tests are very hard, but organic is hard. she makes it up to you by providing bonus points on the exam. highly recommended but beware: you have to study tons for an A.

Helpful but very very hard. Tests are insane.

She is a wonderful lady who cares about her students' success. She will do anything she can to help you understand and learn the material. She tells you exactly what to expect on the exam and the bonus questions are nice! Curve is huge. Orgo is hard no matter who you take, she just makes it more understandable to us non-visual people.

people that are complaining are showing up to the exams unprepared. if you show up REALLY PREPARED, you can finish them. but you can't expect to be sort of familiar with the material, if that's you then YOU WONT FINISH THE TEST! dr. szpunar gives a time pressured-exam, but guess what - the MCAT is very time-pressured. She's very helpful to students

Difficult teacher but you'll learn a lot. if you can afford a GPA hit then take her but otherwise try the other orgo teachers. 3 tests 1 cumulative final + pop up quizes

Dr. S is without question a good teacher. For one she is always there to help and she presents the material in a way that everyone can understand. As one who has practiced using tests from 2 other O-chem professors, I can earnestly say that her tests are overly difficult. But you should know what makes them so difficult is the time restrain.

She is a great lady and will help you anytime and wants you to do well. However, she does go quickly and does expect a lot of homework to be done, but what orgo teacher doesn't. She puts on her test what she goes over in class, it's just semi-difficult though.

People who leave Dr. Szpunar bad ratings clearly DO NOT give enough effort in her class. She is a really great professor!! Go to her office hours! She will help you as long as you need. She gives pop quizes in discussion section but I like them because they are really easy and force you to stay on top of things. its orgo! its hard!! face it!

I'm really sick of all the whiners and complainers...Dr. Szpunar is not hard. If you need to take orgo, she's the best teacher for it. All the complainers are just lazy, don't listen to them. To do well in this class, all you need to do is read the book and go to class.

Dr. S is a very knowledgeable, helpful,and approachable prof. I recommend her to anyone who is willing to work hard to learn orgo. She will help you every step of the way. If not, I think there is an easy orgo prof..yeah.. Dr.Urbeingweededout. Shoot, he doesn’t even care if you come to class!! Oh, but he's not teaching next semester. Cheers!

Orgo is a hard class to begin with but Szpunar is extremely helpful in helping you understand the concepts. She really is one of the better chem teachers here and you should definitely take her if you can.

Prof. Szpunar is very helpful and wants everyone to do well. Her tests are not easy but if you listen to her during class lecture, you will know exactly what she will cover on the exam. She doesnt try to trick you...Gives extra credit and generous curves....

she is a very good teacher and does everything to help you. wake up people the subject sucks not the teacher. if you really needed it she would help you. recommended

Dr. S is great...you must realize that Orgo is a hard classs, she does her best to make it simpler for each student. Do the reading, homework and come talk to her and you will do fine...don't be scared to take her, be scare to take Orgo.

orgo=hard szpunar=easy

I was absolutely terrified of her for the first 2 weeks of class. However, she really is not that bad at all. Her tests are really long, but she is very nice and helpful; she knew practically everyone's name (in a class of 80)! She does care about her students... don't be scared to take her.

She is a great teacher that I really regret not taking for the first semester of Orgo. She makes sure that students understand what's going on. She hands out PPTs that are really helpful for taking notes and remembering things that are relevant. Many people say she's hard, but its because they are lazy or they don't realize its orgo. TAKE HER CLASS

Seems to not be approachable in class, but she is very helpful in office hours. She really knows her stuff, but makes a hard exam. She does give a nice curve and EC though.

Organic Chemistry is hard. Dr. Szpunar does her best to clarify everything by giving handouts on the important details. Her tests are REALLY LONG! and you can't take your time to finish them. She is more than willing to answer your questions during discussion.

Goes through lectures really fast! Tests are REALLY long and you can't take your time on them, you have to know what you're doing! Doesn't like to answer questions during lecture but more than willing to work out any problems during discussion.

This lady is such a great teacher!!! She doesn't take any crap from people trying to get something for nothing either.

Szpunar has read your comments and changed accordingly. Her tests are not too long anymore, and they are not unreasonably hard considering how hard the subject matter is. She is helpful and willing to answer questions in discussion class and takes steps to help students do better (like giving a take-home quiz). SHE IS VERY GOOD

I'm going to remain as objective as I can. Her tests are not as long as people say they are. The exam is based on the homework, which she's willing to go over during discussion. She grades fair and gives a lot of extra credit. Admits when she messes something up. Plus she curves the exam. If you study, like you are suppose to do then you'll be fine

good teacher, have to work hard to get a good grade like any orgo class should be. grades on a curve which helps because there are a lot of idiots at loyola

Her tests are long but doable. I took Becker first semester and her this semester and I'm glad I did. I only wished I took her both semesters then I think I would have had a better understanding the material. She makes orgo easier for such a hard subject.

I had Szpunar both semesters of ochem and she is awesome. She makes class fun and interesting,she's great at teaching,and she is very concerned about her students.She was always available when I needed help and always took the time to answer questions .She's an A+ professor.I'll miss her class next semester, especialy her sense of humor.

Dr Szpunar is a very intimidating person to begin with with a hardcore mullet, but is actually extremely nice and helpful if you go to office hours. This class is a b**** no matter what. The homework is harder than her exams which are LONG but manageable. Overall a great professor who knows her stuff. (and no, i am not getting an A)

I took orgo with Dr. Szpunar during the 2007-8 year. My advice: read the textbook, do ALL assigned homework problems, and *never* fall behind. Her tests are long but doable (if you're prepared), and are curved generously. At times it will feel like you're running an endless marathon, but your efforts will pay dividends come MCAT time.

Organic Chem is a tough class, but Dr. Szpunar is helpful and clear. Her tests are very long, but she always includes lots of E.C. I never read the chapters, just do homework, and am currently getting an A in the class. She is a very nice lady and a very god professor-- highly recommended!!

If you need to learn orgo because you?re pre-med, she is the teacher to take. She is a good teacher, that actually teaches. She may seem intimidating at the beginning but one you get to know her she is great. She makes time for her students. Need extra help, go to her during office hours. Totally recommend her.

Although she's intimidating at first and her personality can seem a bit abrasive, Dr. S is a great professor. She knows the name of almost everyone in our 100+ person class and is always willing to answer questions. Tests are hard, but that's to be expected. Attend lectures and keep up with homework problems and you should do fine.

she is very intimidating but once you go talk to her she's empathetic and understanding. good pace for the class, explains everything very clearly. tests are pretty standard & are easier than the book homework, just long. overall i really liked her!

She's scary when you first meet her but she only acts like that to show people that organic chemistry is not a blow off class and that they should take it seriously. Once you get to know her you'll see that she's really rooting for you. She knows every single student in class and sincerely wants them to succeed. Arguably the best prof at Loyola.

Szpunar is an amazing professor. Even in the summer when it's really a lot harder to get all the information in she manages to teach it very well. She is also really funny and nice. She wants you to succeed. She offers a lot of extra credit on each quiz and exam. Definitely not a blow off class. Do the work it will pay off.

Good Prof. Wants to help students. You need to do the hw, and come to the discussion class ready to ask questions on what you don't understand. Rushed tests are hard, but you learn a pretty good amount

Good for outside of class help. Tests are made so that you are rushed and need to know the material. Do all the suggested hw problems, and come prepared in discussion

She is a very good professor. Will explain everything until all the students understand. Her exams are similar to homework problems. I got an A in both semesters.

One of my favorite teachers so far. I took her class as a Freshman. She's an amazing teacher, I had no background in orgo whatsoever. I learned so much from this lady, can explain things perfectly. I agree you have no time to breathe on her tests. I will honestly say I learned 90% from her slides, book wasn't my main source. I got a high A both sem

I had her for both semesters of organic chem. If you read the powerpoints and do the practice problems, then you are set for an A. Don't bother with the book, it'll just confuse you if more. She does a really good job in terms of keeping it simple.

I got an A both semesters of orgo, and the funny thing is I barely passed general chemistry. She is very nice and helpful. Her exams are basically the same questions from the studyguide except a little changed here and there.

Szpunar is awesome! It is completely possible to get an A in her class! I really recommend her to my fellow premeds.

Ok i took her for orgo 1. If you want to do good in her class like an A or B. You need to attend every class. Take notes as she talks. She uses power points so have them with you. Use office hours and discussion. To study: read the book/memorize the slides/ practice problems (KNOW THEM ITS SOO MUCH EASIER? her tests are basic orgo. not too bad

she. is. HILARIOUS. and also a great teacher - I went in to her 2nd semester class knowing nothing and still managed a good grade and even better understanding of the material. Go to class! Pay attention, and definitely go to discussion. She seems like a beast, but her bark is far bigger than her bite - a great teacher.

Dr Szpunar is a very good teacher. She lectures well and is helpful. However, her tests are too long and she demands perfection. She doesn't give partial credit. I took this class over summer, but ended up doing pretty well because I read the book, listened in lecture, and did all of the homework. Orgo is not easy, but Szpunar tries to help

Szpunar is a great teacher. Yes, the class is demanding, you put in hours of work doing homework problems but it is worth it. She is very available and willing to help you. The tests are difficult so if you care about your GPA you might want to take a different professor but if you want an interesting class where you will learn something take this!

Szpunar is the only reason I made it through orgo. She is an excellent professor who has clear lectures and is always available for questions. You have to attend lecture and discussion and do the homework but it all pays off in the end.

Maybe fav. professor at Loyola. Orgo is a tough subject but she is a great teacher and very enthusiastic. She will help you in office hours and in discussion a lot. This is ORGO: you have to attend all classes, do the homework, read, and study to do well. E.C. on all tests/quizzes(pop). An A is most definitely possibly (90%). Only ABCDF (no +-).

she is great! I would wake up 8 am just to attend this class worth it totally, TAKE HER! I did amazing on my mcats all thanks to her :)

This was my favorite class. I had her for Chem223 as well,and the tests were much easier in Chem224. Szpunar taught me everything I needed to know for my MCAT. She was very clear, gave awesome lectures, and is a very smart person. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone that finds organic chemistry difficult.

If you go into this class with the understanding that you'll have to do 5X the amount of work you would do for any other science class, you'll do fine. Tests are fast-paced but fair. There are semi-generous curves on each test (82% is an A-), but you can't drop any of them. Expect this class to take a hit out of your social life.

You need to work REALLY fast on exams. REALLLLLLY fast. My first semester orgo prof's exams were jokes compared to hers. But, that said, she really prepares you for the MCAT. She also learns all of her students names. Overall, this class is difficult. But shes a very respectable professor. i'm glad that i took her.

I had her first and second semester. She is by far the most difficult professor, but she cares about her students and tries her best to help you succeed. Tests are very long, and you definitely need to do the homework, even if she isn't collecting. She's a chemistry genius though. Bad for GPA, good for actually learning orgo

Nice lady, class is extremely difficult.

Must go to lecture to learn anything, cant learn orgo alone! YOU MUST KEEP UP!!!! Discussion is reserved for quizzes, she'll surprise you with them when you least expect it. Homework is easy. Four exams. Doesn't drop anything. Need 55% to get C. If you're thinking you can do it yourself, you cant, take someone else.

Szpunar is a tough, yet FANTASTIC orgo professor. Her lectures are crystal clear and she is very straightforward about her expectations. I took her over the summer and got an A both semesters. If you go into this class willing to work hard, you can do very well. There is a time crunch on her tests, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected.

Honestly I liked her as a professor. Powerpoints online made studying a lot better and her lectures are clear. BUY THE SOLUTIONS MANUAL AND MODEL, makes studying so much easier. Tests are exactly like examples in lecture and homework, if you so the Homework and take good notes You're set for good grades.

She is definitely very passionate about the subject. She is very helpful but definitely not easy. Her tests are very tricky and you have to work very hard to get an A. It is possible but very difficult

I thought she was a really awesome teacher. She is really fun and nice if you get to know her. As she tells you on the first day, if you don't keep up, you will struggle. Do the homework after lecture and try to be her best friend. And don't skip lecture. It isnt impossible to get an A but it will be hard work but you will know orgo in and out.

She comes off as irritated and mean, and she knows it. But office hours are so amazingly helpful if you can get over being intimidated by her. She's very clear in lecture and repeats herself over and over. She is the hardest Orgo professor though, an A is not likely

One of the best professors i have ever had. Yes, it is the hardest orgo class, and her tests are very hard, but she gives you all the tools you need to pass. Just do the homework that is assigned, and study for the quizzes, and you can get an A no problem. She is also very nice outside of class and is hilarious. She just wants everyone to do well.

She made me hate my life all semester, but now that the A is in the books and I'm on break, I'm so happy I took her. I'm definitely better off for the MCAT and for next semester having taken her. She gives you everything you need for an A. If you don't get one, you didn't put enough time into it. Take mostly easy classes at the same time.

Dr. Szpunar is infamous for the difficulty of her class. However, her lectures are CRYSTAL CLEAR. She is by far the most clear and most organized lecturer I've ever had! She is brilliant!!! However, be prepared to work - I mean it! No exaggeration! She opens the door for you, but it is your responsibility to enter. You really have to keep up! WORK!

Dr Szpunar isn't as bad people make her ought to be. Her lectures are really clear and tells you what's going to be on the test. You do have to work, but this is organic chemistry. Tests are little rushed, but the class is manageable. From what I heard, she is just as hard as May, but maybe a little easier.

I thought Szpunar was an incredible lecturer. Her tests were fair, but long and difficult. You really must make sure that you do all of the homework and understand the material as second nature because there is little time to think on the exams. I had to put in 3-4x more work for this class than any other, but I felt like I got out what I put in.

Although Dr. Szpunar's class is brutally difficult, I am happy I took her class. She teaches everything very clearly and she makes sure you learn; she is very approachable outside of class as well. The class is not an easy A, but to be fair, you only need a 75 for a B and a 55 for a C. Extra credit is offered. I recommend her.

thinking about this class makes me want to cry

Ms. Szpunar is extremely difficult. Do not take this class if you're worried about GPA. However, I have no doubt in my mind that I know more chemistry than anyone taking another teacher even though I only received a B. She is a fantastic teacher and really pushes her students to be the best possible.

I love Dr. Szpunar. She is so nice and really wants you to succeed but you have to put the work in. Must do the homework that she assigns and def get the book and solutions manual those will save your life. A is possible but you gotta work.

Carole is actually a great professor, contrary to what you have heard from many. Organic chemistry is a hard class, no professor is going to hold your hand through it. She will teach you the material clearly and answer any of your questions.

Dr. Szpunar is one of those timeless folks who just knows how to teach. The class is extremely easy to do well in: do all the homework problems, and you get an A. Don't, and you can still do well, but it's tougher. Her lectures are engaging and thoroughly enjoyable, everyone who is capable of doing premed adores her.

It's a trap! Lecture are amazing, tests are pretty hard, quizzes are easy, but oh... here comes the final and bammmmm, does she really expect us to know this? Dropped from an A- to a C+ due to the final. GO TO CLASS.

Dr. Szpunar is an amazing person. She's a great lecturer and she wants her students to do well. However, she wants to make sure everyone EARNS the grade they receive. The trick is, DO EVERY SINGLE HOMEWORK PROBLEM. So far, I like her and am doing well, but have heard nothing but horror stories about her final, so we'll see how that goes.

Great teacher, made Organic Chemistry very understandable. You need to do the homework or you will have a very hard time passing. Tests aren't tough, just long which makes them hard to confidently finish. Expect weekly quizzes. Does give extra credit problems on quizzes and tests. accepts homework for 5% boost to your grade.

This is a hard class. A 55% is considered a C. That being said, Dr. Szpunar is the best orgo lecturer out there. Quizzes every week during discussion and 4 tests total with extra credit opportunities on every test. Very helpful during office hours. In order to pass, you MUST WORK HARD. There is no way to cheat your way through this. Take her

Dr. Szpunar is easily the most notoriously difficult orgoprof at loyola. However, the key to doing well in her class is doing every single one of her recommended practice problems. If you do that, and understand nomenclature, you will pass with flying colors and learn a lot. shes an amazing person, and wants students to do well and earn their grade

Comparable to a morsel of bitter chocolate--class had bitter undertones, but Carole still, was, in fact, chocolate. Incredible lectures on her part, but expect to work your tail off ten times over. Show confidence and never give up, as she has done, in order to win her respect, maybe. Prepare to embark on part I of the battle of a lifetime.

Dr. Szpunar's class is challenging, but I learned a lot. Her lectures are quick and on a Powerpoint, but she provides a lot of resources and tips for how to do well in her class. You definitely have to do all the book problems, but Dr. Szpunar is approachable in office hours and genuinely wants students to learn and do well.

Dr. S is the BEST plain and simple. I came into this class scared out of my mind. But honestly, it wasn't that bad. Just do the hw problems, spend at least two hours everyday, and make a toolbox sheet at least a week before. Don't wait until the last minute! The tests are hard, but very doable if u put in the time. The final isn't bad.

Szpunar is by far the hardest Orgo Prof at Loyola. She is very strict on grading tests, but also very clear on what she expects of you on her tests. 3 tests total and a final. Tests are very hard, but manageable as long as you keep up with material. Szpunar is helpful in office hours. Take her if you want to learn a lot and willing to work!

Szpunar is the hardest orgo professor at Loyola. Do all of the homework and don't fall behind. She has discussions where we take quizzes and ask questions. She is helpful during office hours. If you put in the work you will be fine! I wasn't great a chem 101/102 and I like orgo a lot more! Must be willing to put in the time!

Szpunar is by far the hardest and best Orgo professor at Loyola. She is very clear on what she expects on her tests and her tests are very hard. Regardless who you take, you have to keep up with the material. Do NOT fall behind, and do NOT try to cram. Her office hours are great although they may be full of dry humor, she is excellent at explaining

Szpunar is a great teacher. The material is damn hard, but she does a good job off repeating important material until it goes through your head. Definitely need to read the book and do the homework practice.

Carol is amazing. She's engaging and really knows everything there is to know about organic chemistry. I have no idea why she has such a bad reputation because she's a great professor. Yes the tests are hard and she challenges you but is never unreasonable. You're not going to find an easy orgo class no matter what and you'll truly learn in szpunar

BEST ORGO TEACHER EVER. GREAT CLASS. REALLY EASY AND FUN. TAKE FOR THE EASY A

Absurdly hard class but possible to pass. Dr. Szpunar is a very tough grader and fast lecturer but at the same time really does want you to learn orgo. The class is the hardest thing I've ever taken but Szpunar will prep you very well for the MCAT. Do every single problem she assigns.

Dr. Szpunar is one of the hardest professors for organic chemistry. She is a great lecturer and her discussions are helpful. Be sure to ask questions and go to office hours. DO ALL OF THE HOMEWORK PROBLEMS!!!! I never liked regular chemistry, but liked orgo more. Try to do a little bit everyday and you will be fine!!

Orgo is a hard subject to begin with and isn't for everybody. As long as you read the textbook before class every day and do all the practice problems you will be able to pull of a B or even an A. Keep pace with the class because you do not want to fall behind.

Dr. Szpunar is a great lecturer. She really knows how to explain things all you have to do is pay attention. Her tests are very difficult but with lots of practice you can get an A on them. Visit her during office hours she really appreciates the effort. Her quizzes are a completely different story though, they are unnecessarily hard.

Dr. Szpunar is an incredible lecturer. Her lectures are intended to expound on the reading, so you have to do the reading before class. Her exams are hard only if you have not put the time in to truly integrate the material. The questions are hard if you have only seen the material a few times before. You have to put in a lot of effort!!

People are crazy for thinking she isn't the best. Szpunar knows what she is doing and if you don't understand something, she is willing to help clarify the material. I went to May's and Osners lectures one time, and boy I was lost. Their exam are REALLY BAD. AVOID THEM! For Szpunar study your notes and do practice problem and you will be set!!

It won't be an easy class if you're not used to the level difficulty that the class possess. She wants her students to succeed but you will definitely need to spend time out of class learning everything to be able to do well. Would 100% take her again.

Szpunar is a solid choice for orgo. Her exams are very long and fast paced so be prepared to work quickly on exams. She is a fair grader and very accessible during office hours. I always found her quizzes to be unnecessarily hard but they did little damage to you grade. The textbook is your best friend, use it.

Dr. Szpunar is THE BEST orgo professor you can take- she is just misunderstood. She has really dry humor but understand when it seems she's being mean she is just being funny. The best way to pass this class is to review the sections she went over immediately after, and be prepared on the latest material for a pop quiz. Lots of EC on tests.

She's a decent teacher but her class and her tests are pretty hard. She can seem intimidating but in reality she's very nice. There are only 3-4 tests each semester, and in Orgo 2 that's the only thing in the gradebook. If you take this class, you're going to have to work hard.

People who complain about her class are likely people who don't try. The course is inherently difficult and if you plan on going to grad school don't expect courses to be as easy as intro classes.

Orgo is hard regardless of who you take but Carole is amazing. Highly recommend reading the textbook and taking notes before lecture so that your lecture notes can just be the points emphasized from the reading. HW not collected in 224, but she still recommends doing problems throughout the semester. Overall super hard but Carole is fantastic!

Orgo is overall an extremely difficult subject, but Szpunar makes you work for it. Exams are fair and maintain the same format each time but the pop quizzes are difficult. If you take her prepare to do 1-2 hours of orgo each night. You really will know your stuff after taking her.

Dr. Szpunar is a good teacher but her tests are too long and difficult, especially the final. Plus, she does not give a lot of partial credit. For the summer, her quizzes are planned unlike in the regular semester. She seems unapproachable but she is not, once you get used to her somewhat abrasive personality. I felt that she prepared me for orgo2

Szpunar makes you work for your grade but she prepares you for what will be on the exam. She offers a lot of extra credit on tests and quizzes so that helps your grade a lot. For summer, its 4 quizzes, midterm, and final. Orgo is hard and you need to study on your own but after her class, you will really know your stuff. I would take her again.

Carole is hilarious, she is a very high energy person and super funny. Her lectures are really straightforward, right out of the book. Honestly, this is refreshing and makes it pretty easy. Obviously orgo is hard but she makes it pretty accessible imo.

Honestly, she's not as bad as people are saying she is on here. She does go pretty fast but if you're struggling just go to office hours. Her quizzes though, especially towards the end of the semester are extremely hard so be prepared for that. Get to know her and she's not that bad I promise.

There are a lot of things I really respect about Dr. Szpunar. She clearly wants her students to do well. An absurdly fast grader. Like after an exam, next class she hands them back graded: do check for grading mistakes! As a scientist, she is passionate about each contributor to the course content receiving their due respect. Wonderfully Feminist.

Don't understand all of the negative reviews but she really isn't a bad teacher at all. Her powerpoints are straight from the book so the book is definitely needed. Tests are long and can be difficult but if you do a lot of practice problems and really understand the material you should be fine. Spent about 6 hours a week studying so put in work!

Dr. Szpunar is very well-educated and a good person. She just has a tough-love vibe but shes always willing to help during office hours. Expect a pop quiz every week, didn't read the book just went off lectures, studied about 5 hours a week. Quizzes are similar to exams. Exams are long so go fast. A is doable if you just commit the time!

TOUGH but she's clear of her expectations. Prepares you for the rest of your career in STEM and you'll leave more knowledged in Ochem. Gives lots of opportunities for bonus pts on exams since they are difficult. Gave our class chances on redos on parts of tests for its back. Also quite the expert on chem, very smart prof. GPA might take a hit tho.

Take the time to get to know her. She comes off strong in lecture, esp in the first few weeks, but she cares about her students and especially those who are trying. Unfortunately, her tests are soul crushing and harder than the practice problems in the book. Ochem is hard, but those tests were punishment. She's very helpful in office hours.

I honestly think that Dr. Szpunar is a good teacher. If you put in effort, and understand that this course is going to be difficult, you will be fine. She does move fast, but she cares about her students and wants them to succeed. I was ambivalent to take her course after reading the reviews, but I really enjoyed her class!