4.2
Quality3.5
Difficulty83%
Would Retake342
Reviews83%
Would Retake
342
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
342 total ratings5
233
4
40
3
21
2
19
1
29
What Students Say
“Hand's down Cruz is a wonderful person”
CHM2210 - 3.0 rating“Doesn't prepare you for tests”
2210 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
5%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.19 avg changeRatings by Course
2023
5.0
(1)2045
5.0
(4)CHEM2023J
5.0
(1)CHM2046
5.0
(2)CHM2025
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
2010
4.0
CHM2211
4.0
CHM2210
3.8
CHM2010
3.8
CHEM2210
3.7
Reviews (299)
I took Dr. Cruz because he had good Intro Chem reviews but I would not recommend him for Orgo. He can be funny and seem nice but he could get extremely sassy. He would constantly go back and forth in his lectures leaving everyone confused. Doesn't prepare you for tests. I know Orgo is a difficult class but he is a harsh and meticulous test grader.
Professor Cruz is one of the best professors for chemistry I've had so far. He makes sure his students understand a topic before he moves on in the lecture. His clicker questions are super helpful for practice, and he uploads all of the powerpoints from the lecture which really helps when it comes to exam time. I would recommend him!
Hand's down Cruz is a wonderful person. I selected him over Bisht and Antilla because of his CHM 2023 reviews, however, I deeply regret this. Cruz makes lectures interesting, but his tests are extremely tough and he doesn't really tell you what to expect. All other Orgo profs give practice tests, but he doesn't. He also has the most tests 4 + final
Cruz may have been great for Intro Chem but Orgo is another ball game. He is very vague with grading tests and sometimes he'll say one thing but then change it, he's also the only prof who doesn't give practice tests. Definitely not the easiest prof, but he's probably the most entertaining. Ultimately, I wish I took another prof for Orgo.
Dr. Cruz is one of the best teachers I have had. He is very understandable and he takes the time to repeat concepts if necessary. He goes over everything that is on the tests and there are no surprises. Organic chemistry is hard and he does not just hand out A's but he does give you everything you need to be successful in the course. Amazing Prof!
I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about him as a professor. He is helpful when you have questions and always goes the extra mile to explain things. he's hilarious, but also very good at teaching. I wish he could teach all of my classes. He really cares about all of his students & I feel like I really understand Orgo now.
Do not take this guy for ORGO. took him over some other professors because of rating, and he SUCKS SO BAD FOR ORGO do not take him. His tests are extremely hard. Yes yes i know Orgo is hard, but this was honestly retarded. His final too was the icing on the cake. So F'ing hard. DONT TAKE HIM FOR ORGO
Tough concept so prepare to study all day everyday. The 4 exams were kinda similar in style but the final was like I took an exam for the wrong class. Told us to study our prior exams and notes but that did nothing to prepare me for the final. Take a teacher with a proven track record so you know what to expect, with Cruz, its a constant surprise.
Dr. Cruz was a down to earth professor towards the beginning, but as the semester progressed, his attitude and willingness to help went downhill. His test were fair, but the deviation of points were not, not to mention the horrible grading. HIS FINAL WAS BS, seemed I was taking a test I'd never seen before. I truly don't recommend Cruz AT ALL.
DON'T BE FOOLED BY INTRO TO CHEM REVIEWS! He is very vague with grading exams. He's the only professor to not give practice exams. The hw does not help! Obviously orgo is a difficult course but if some sort of practice were given, it'll be much bearable. Overall, I regret taking him and wish I would have taken a prof. with experience teaching orgo.
Simply put, he is great for gen chem but a horrible orgo professor. Take another professor for Orgo
I took Cruz for Organic Chemistry 1. Dr. Cruz is hands down the best chemistry professor at USF. He really cares for his students, and does a great job teaching such difficult material. He explains things is very understandable way. I felt like I was really understanding the material instead of memorizing. Would highly recommend!!
Organic chemistry is a hard class regardless of who you take. Cruz is a good teacher but didn't provide us with practice exams or neither did he specify what would be in the exams. His test were fair but the final was completely ridiculous. He was a good teacher, but you could find a better teacher that will provide extra practice.
Very helpful, and makes sense. If you don't understand, go to his office hours and he will spend time with you to help you. I must have sent him tons of emails with questions and he answered every single one. Never made me feel awkward for it either, he welcomed my questions. Prof Cruz's is a great professor and he truly cares. He knows his stuff!
I don't get why people are giving Dr. Cruz such a hard time. I found him to be an amazing Orgo professor and he really made the class interesting. He gave us the necessary tools to succeed in the course and I thought his lectures were engaging and easy to understand. Orgo is a tough class in general, but he did a great job at making it manageable.
VERY smart guy but gives you no insight on anything that he tests on. His tests are harder than anything you'll find in the book or powerpoints. I loved him in class, but he was such a jerk with his tests. I worked my butt off for the A that I got but I would NEVER recommend him to anyone, he's also very rude if you ask a question he thinks is dumb
Took Cruz based of his intro chem reviews. Terrible choice. He is good in lecture, but his tests are awful. No practice tests and usually no curve. You have no idea what to expect for the tests. If you try to go to office hours, he is not helpful and can be rude. Take Antilla if you can, he has practice tests and generous curves.
Orgo is a hard subject, but Dr. Cruz makes sure we understand it. He did give a lot of homework but it was to our benefit. I went to him several times during office hours and he was very nice. I think he is the best orgo prof at USF. Yes, he doesn't give practice exam but all the exam questions were similar to ones he gave in class and in the book.
If you show up to class or his office hours, then you will be fine. He is really good about making sure the class understands the topic before moving on. He's overall the most helpful professor I've ever had.
Great teacher. Really interacts with students to keep the attention during lectures. Has a great personality, and will literally teach you a problem step by step until you understand it. I would take his class again.
Works problems out in lectures and gives lots of examples. He's easy to understand and has a good humor. Don't expect any surprises on tests, everything is straight from the book or lecture.
Super enthusiastic and funny teacher. Loves all of the subjects that he teaches. I would take him for chem 1 and chem 2, but I had him for orgo and it wasn't good. It was his first time teaching it so we're the guinea pigs basically. Other than that a great teacher and he remembers his students!
He is by far the best gen chem teacher. His lectures are great and he always goes over any questions a student has. He's also super funny and can be sassy sometimes. I definitely recommend him for gen chem 1. He's great and the class is super easy. You will need to study a bit for the tests but that's about it.
I took Dr Cruz twice and i think he is one of the best teachers ive taken. He did not give practices exams, Hw helped, and so did the problems in the book. the final was extremely hard, but his normal tests seemed alot easier than other teachers. Its Orgo, you need to study, ppl complained but expected a gen chem clas. I would recommend him any day
He's great and clear!
Great professor. Book is not required, but does help. Sapling homework code is a must. Come to class, do your homework, and do decently on exams and you'll pass with a B. Most definitely the best Chemistry teacher for General Chemistry 1.
Probably the best General Chemistry 1 professor at USF. I hear complaints about the other professors but rarely any of him. I very rarely needed to use the book but it could be helpful. There are iClicker questions but they're easily doable, and the class requires access to Sapling for homework. Really funny and enthusiastic professor.
He has an awesome personality and I loved his lectures. Course is tough especially if you don't do well with Chem but he make it very enjoyable and worth while. Attendance isn't mandatory but clicker questions ever class so definitely go.
Cruz is an amazing lecturer and definitely the best chem 1 instructor. Although he has an accent, it is very easy to understand everything. His lectures are funny and enjoyable and you are able to learn all the necessary material through them. 10/10 would recommend him as an instructor.
Dr. Cruz's lectures were the highlight of my week! He cares about his students and wants to make sure they understand what he is saying. ASK QUESTIONS because he is more then happy to explain it again. He is a little sassy but made the class very enjoyable. Before every lecture he said "Good Morning, How are you?" and it always made my day better.
Honestly, there's not a sane student that doesn't like Dr. Cruz. He really cares about his students, and tries to help them understand as much as possible. I enjoyed taking him, and would take him again if possible.
My all-time favorite professor. I only marked him down for easiness since it's Chem (not an "easy" subject). But his teaching method is clear and concise, and he's an incredibly charismatic lecturer that will make you a chem-lover if you aren't one already. Only slightly sassy (and usually just for the sake of humor) I'd recommend him 1000 times
Easy to understand and passionate about what he is talking about. Lectures and actually enjoyable and he truly wants you to understand. Best chem for today professor.
Its chem... so obviously its a pretty tough course regardless. Dr. Cruz is probably the best option out of all Gen Chem 1 professors. However, he is a little sassy. Course overall is enjoyable with him though.
Awesome professor, very passionate. Chemistry is not an easy subject, but he was a good professor for what needed to be taught.
Great teacher!!! Makes class not only funny, but very interesting. He is sassy sometimes which is hilarious! If you ever need help with any problems he will be more than happy to help you with anything you need. I would definitely suggest him for any chemistry class.
Took this last semester and he is still my favorite chem prof. He is clear cut and really wants you to do well. He stops often and asks if he needs to repeat the past few slides or state things in a different way. Has a clear love of teaching and love for his students. Would take any class he offered.
I had Cruz for both Chem for Today and Gen Chem one. He's incredibly approachable and encourages you to do so. If you attend lectures and actually pay attention, then you will be golden. If you do not want to attend class (poor choice bc clicker q's), you have to read the textbook to teach yourself the material
Great professor and great person all around! I wish he was teaching General Chemistry 2 and Orgo!!
i really don't understand how he became a professor. Everything he teaches in class was never on the test. oh and p.s make sure you do not pack up your materials before class is up ,or you will get yelled at..
Its chemistry so its not easy but Dr. Cruz really does his best to teach the material and make sure everyone understands. He always leaves lots of time for questions and further explanations. To pass the class, i suggest attending each lecture and really pay attention, watch lots of practice videos on youtube and know the practice tests inside out.
He is very good in lecture. Explains concepts well. If you go to class you will probably do okay. Test's are a bit difficult but if you get participation and homework points you'll do fine
TAKE. A. CLASS. WITH. CRUZ. Seriously, I had never taken a chem class before and I was terrified, but Dr. Cruz is so great at explaining everything that I got A+s on all the tests. Use all the *great* studying resources he provides, go to every lecture, and you WILL get an A. Lovely personality, super funny and approachable and helpful.
Dr. Cruz is one, if not the best, professor I have ever seen. ON his last lecture the class applauded him for an outstanding job. You must attend class, do the homework, and participate. If you do that he will help you anyway that he can. If you want to see how a class is taught, I would suggest taking this professor.
Honestly, professor Cruz was a great professor. I took him for intro to Chem and without going into the depths he did with the class I would not have had the proper foundation for Chem 1 or Chem 2. His tests were easy if you did the majority of the practice problems in the book, read the chapters, and attended class. He's also very enthusiastic!
Dr. Cruz was one of my favorite, if not my favorite, professor I have ever taken. He gives amazing lectures and makes sure the class understands before he moves on. He expects a lot, but he cares about how well you do. I took this class in Summer A so I was nervous for the fast pace. Dr. Cruz is so helpful and keeps class fun. TAKE HIM FOR CHEM!
LOVED his class. Cruz explained his material in a way where it was easy to understand and apply. The labs were also helpful. Showing up isn't mandatory but there are a lot of clicker questions, and every extra point helps
One of the best teachers I have ever had. Lectures are very straight forward and very specific to what you are tested on. He doesn't mind the class asking a lot of questions, and answers them all thoroughly. You do need to come to class and actually pay attention in order to get a good grade in his class. Very passionate about the subject.
An amazing Professor that knows what he's talking about and works very hard to ensure he's clear to his whole class. Attending lecture counts for attendance grades but it makes everything VERY clear. Chem exams come from the dept as a whole but he teaches the concepts so students can apply everything they've learned. Always available for help
He is an amazingly caring and funny teacher! Everyone should have him their first year if they struggle with sciences because he is always open to questions and helping!
I didn't crack open my textbook all semester but you need it to access the homework. Honestly just buy the online access code it's cheaper. Dr. Cruz is pretty nice and funny, but isn't very receptive to questions. He expects you to know exactly what you're doing. I'd take him again, though.
Test are harder than what he is teaching in lecture, he is very caring and is always open to questions. Can be very sassy if you pack up early and leave but if you understand what he's teaching and do the practice problem you should be good.
Dr. Cruz was very fun to attend lectures with. I am not a strong chemistry student but he always made the class fun. Do not pack your bags early or he will get sassy. He is very helpful and sweet.
Cruz is an angel :-)
Professor Cruz is the best and only Chemistry teacher I've had at USF. Lectures are extremely informative and he makes sure you understand concepts before moving on. Tests are comprehensive and includes everything. Drops the lowest test. He is a caring guy and is willing to help during office hours or in class. Would take again!
Professor Cruz is supper charismatic and keeps class interesting. I took Chem for Today with him after I received several recommendations from friend who had taken his class. However, the discussion section work is hard and I hardly ever received full credit for them. Make sure you pay attention in class and are there for clickers.
I love HIM! He is an amazing chemistry teacher, every chemistry he teaches is spectacular! He breaks things down so well for students and really tries to offer the best feedback in class and makes sure everyone is on the same page.
Fair. Cares. Nice guy; explains things really well, knows his stuff. But very condescending when answering some questions. May just be the nature of the material, but I felt that his lectures were way too fast for the middle of the course. Seemed like he made last 2exams easier after most people failed. Gave old exams and Fields wkshts for practice
Dr. Cruz is an amazing professor. He gives you all the tools to pass and get A's on all your exams, you just need to do the work. He is very fair and makes an effort to be there when you need him for anything. If you have to take Orgo at all, make sure to take Cruz so that your GPA doesn't suffer.
Great Orgo teacher. Explains concepts clearly and constantly asking the class if they need him to clarify more. Uploads powerpoints but it is in your best interest to come to class to really understand the subject. Caps clickers, homework and friday quizzes. His tests are perfectly reasonable and includes everything he teaches. Super kind guy.
Cruz is very good professor but his exams are very tricky and the exam averages are usually low. He and his TA's grade the exams very harsh. He sometimes lecture the materials really fast. He can also be sassy too. Caps the quizzes, hw and clickers. He also drop the lowest exam grade. He doesn't curve the final exam.
Lectures are interesting but tests are ten times harder than clicker questions in class. Even if the whole class average is below 45%, he'll say it's our fault for not studying, he taught us everything, etc. Don't recommend.
Dr. Cruz breaks down hard concepts and makes them more understandable. If you go to class, participate, use the Wiley textbook, go to Friday discussion and do the homework an A is defintley possible. Those who consider Cruz too tough are most likely underprepared because they didn't take all of his suggestions for being successful in Orgo.
Hands down BEST lecturer I've ever had. I was super intimidated to take chem but I'm finding it a breeze purely thanks to him. So charismatic, amazing at explaining concepts, patient and incredibly helpful, funny, everything you'd want for a class that can be really challenging for people with little to no prior chem experience.
Best professor I've had yet!
Cruz is by far the best professor I have ever had. That said, you do have to work hard for your grade. His tests are challenging, but fair. His lectures are engaging and filled with information. What puts him apart from other professors is he cares, he will do everything and give you as much information he can give you to do well in his class.
So funny and such a good teacher! He explains everything so well and doesnt more on till everyone understands! very caring !
He is the best teacher that I have ever had. I don't understand chem but he made it so interesting and clear. He is also really funny and makes the lectures fun. There is a lot of work and the class is pretty hard but he does his best to make it fun. He is also great about answering questions, even in the middle of lecture.
Cruz is an amazing teacher! He explains concepts in a very understandable way. He uses clicker questions to test the understanding of the lesson. He goes quickly through concepts though so lectures are important(he will post slides but his explanations are great). Book useful but not necessary. Will prepare you for the tests if you pay attention.
Dr. Cruz is by far one of the best professors I've had at USF. He's a funny, intelligent, and overall good person who wants you to succeed in his class. He has on average 3 clicker questions, but he sets them up so that even if you get them wrong you still get credit for them. I would definitely take Professor Cruz again.
Professor Cruz is a great chemistry teacher. He is passionate and wants everyone to understand. If you do the practice problems he gives you and complete them before the test they shouldn't be too hard. You will need to attend lecture for clicker points and the textbook isn't really a need but if you want an extra resource I would recommend it.
HE IS A GREAT TEACHER. REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT YOU ONLY NEED TO GO TO HALF THE CLASSES TO PAST, GO TO ALL OF THEM OR YOU WILL GET A C OR WORSE
Great teacher. If you're confused, raise your hand, and he will do his best to help you. Lots of wiggle room with the grading as well
Other than the final he provides you with sufficient material and prepares you extremely well for the exams, your job is to practice as much as possible. Go to lecture, not just for clickers but bc he's a great teacher and hilarious, review his slides, and do the suggested textbook exercises and your gold for all 4 exams. He also drops the lowest!
Dr. Cruz is such a sweetheart! His passion for chem makes others just as excited. There is wiggle room on the grading scale, which is great. His lectures really help you understand the material, so make sure you attend. Chemistry is a difficult class, but Cruz breaks it down well.
Every so often we get lucky enough to have an outstanding professor. Dr. Cruz is that professor. He teaches each concept very well. I recorded the lectures, which helped while studying. There are ample amounts of resources available, so a good grade is doable if you really try. He wants you to learn so shut up and listen or sassiness will show
Professor Cruz is my absolute favorite take any chm class with him. He is so caring for everyone and he makes lectures really fun and enjoyable. Studying off the lecture slides and practice uploaded seems enough. The class was great with him
If you go to class, actually pay attention and do the suggested problems as well as homework there is no reason why you should not pass this class. You cannot do 3 weeks of Orgo content the week of the exam and expect a good grade and thats probably were a lot of people failed.
Show up for clicker points. He does give you a lot of opportunities for clickers, but it will affect your grade throughout the semester. Gives lots of review on Canvas and lecture is enjoyable
Awesome professor! He's keeps lectures interesting and he thoroughly explains each concepts. He's makes sure everyone understands the concept before he moves on. As long as you show up to the lectures, you'll get full points for clickers. The homework he assigned was reasonable.
He keeps chemistry interesting and lectures can be so hilarious!! He gives points for clickers in class and online homework which help add to your total grade. His class is not hard at all but you must put in the time to make sure you understand the material. He's happy to answer any questions and make sure you understand! I hope to take him again!
This course is very fast paced. He doesn't curve. The averages are usually failing scores 65<. With that being said.... Cruz is caring but can sometimes assume you know how to do the problems and get a little annoyed/sassy. Study everything (hw, book, practice exams) until you feel confident. Exams are not easy. Attend lecture.
Extremely helpful, more than willing to work with you. Always asking if people are understanding, and if not, how can he teach it differently. 10/10 would recommend
This man has to be the greatest chemistry teacher at USF, if not the best teacher at USF. Orgo is a hard subject that you can not just breeze through. Cruz understands this and gives you as many resources as he can for you to succeed. 4 tests with 1 drop, and a multiple choice final. The usual stuff like clickers and online homework. Work hard A
Took him for Orgo 1. This class is just hard in general but he makes it easier than other Orgo I professors. One dropped exam. His tests are the hardest thing you will ever take! And that is an understatement. But he does curve some exams if he notices the majority did bad on a question or two. He also gave us one E.C. opportunity.
Hes super sassy but I love it! Always entertaining which kept me focused. Great at explaining.
He is a really great teacher and makes lecture interesting. He is also super nice, but can be rude when you ask questions.
I love Cruz. He made Orgo really enjoyable. His exams are tough but if you put in the work you'll pass. Keep your hw and quiz grades high as well as clicker points and you'll do fine.
Sassss master!!! Appreciates good questions, keeps lectures fun and interesting, go to class it will help on the exam. Dr. Cruz is equipped with the best comebacks and the best attitude. I love him!!!
Cruz sets the class up so that a good grade is attainable. He posts a bunch of resources and practice questions on Canvas -- there's nothing new on the exams. Extra credit is offered after each test. One homework assignment gets dropped at the end of the course. Clickers set up so you only need to get 50% of the questions he gives you.
While Chemistry as a subject was very difficult for me, Cruz still found a way to make the lectures fun and understandable. He made me laugh many times in class and it is apparent that he has a true passion for helping students succeed. If you choose Cruz for your Chemistry professor, you made the best choice.
Good professor that actually cares. Subject is very difficult, but he drops one exam and there is a curve on the final exam.
If you do the suggested textbook exercises, old exams, homework, and go to office hours, you're sure to at least get a B in this class (75). Dr. Cruz provides every opportunity for success. Fair tests that accurately reflect what we've learned, extra help if needed. He's a great professor and if you put in the work, you will succeed.
He has a great personality that made lecture enjoyable. He packs his lectures full of information up to the very last minute and sometimes over. The grading on the exams is very tough. All the exams are written so you're answers need to be specific or you will not get points.
Organic Chemistry is not an easy subject, but DrCruz makes it understandable. This is a class that no matter with who you take it you need to put time in it. You won't find a better professor at USF to teach you Organic Chem than Cruz.
Dr. Cruz was hands down the best chemistry professor I've had at USF. I had him for both Orgo 1 and Orgo 2, and he was phenomenal. His test are mostly free response, reaction schemes, mechanisms, and synthesis, but they're definitely fair. He cares about his students doing well, but studying many hours a week is a must if you want a good grade.
Dr. Cruz was amazing. He is great at explaining the material. My major is Chem (w/ a concentration in bio chem & bio tech) and some days I wonder if this is the right choice for me. Taking his class made me fall in love with Chemistry again and confirmed that I made the right decision. I will definitely take another class with him
Dr. Cruz was an amazing professor; his lectures are always funny and engaging. He was good at explaining the concepts and gave many examples. You don't need the textbookjust use the slides and take advantage of all the practice problems he posts and you'll be all set. He doesn't post lecture slides until after class though. I loved his class!
Dr. Cruz is amazing, I highly recommend taking him. He explains everything thoroughly and despite having to cover a lot of material in a short amount of time, he doesn't move on if you tell him you're lost. He really cares about your learning and will help you if you're struggling. Wish I could take him for every science course I need to take
Professor Cruz is one of those professors who makes the material a lot easier to understand. He is also really helpful during office hours, and very accommodating if you have any issues! I hear he is especially great for Organic Chem as well
Cruz is awesome and you should find yourself lucky to be in his class. Makes learning orgo fun and way easier than with any other professor. 1 dropped exam and a little extra credit. Everything is very clear during lecture and tests are formatted in a very clear manner. Exam 3 will always be the hardest, but we still had a 70% average. Take him.
Dr. Cruz is one of the best professors I have ever had and it was such an honor to be in his class. I was able to understand all of his material and he is very patient with everyone in class. He is very fair and made orgo as simple as possible. Make sure you study the textbook problems and old exams and you're set!
Best teacher hands down, it's chemistry it's hard. Take notes, pay attention, do the homework and actually read your notes. The exams are straight forward and pretty easy if you do the hw which is online(sappling). I received an A , literally pay attention, take decent notes and do the hw. If you do then you should have no problem getting a B.
Dr Cruz is a brilliant chemistry professor and truly cares about the success of his students. He has a great way of explaining difficult concepts and will go out of his way for every student. Use his office hours! Always excited to teach and is motivated to help students. His test grade averages for his class, are ALWAYS higher than others.
Orgo is tough, but Dr. Cruz makes it manageable. He gives out old exams, selected textbook exercises, and even reaction guides to help prepare for exams. Couldnt have gotten a better professor for Orgo 1. An A in his class is definitely possible.
Cruz is one of the best teachers/professors I have ever had. He teaches the material extremely well, and makes sure everyone in the class understands before moving on. It is really important to show up to class because the clicker points can bring your grade down until they are corrected. He made chem so much more fun and so much easier than before
Dr. Cruz is a great professor for orgo. He gives you all the resources you need and then some. A great lecturer and cares a lot about his students. 4 exams, lowest exam grade gets dropped and a multiple choice cumulative final. He does not offer EC or curves. HIGHLY RECOMMEND doing the assigned textbook problems. 2 HW drops, clickers capped at 50%.
Possibly my favorite professor at USF thus far. Orgo is pretty tough in general but he's great at explaining and gives you many resources to understand. if you do the textbook problems, the hw and the old exams, there is no way you can fail the exams. He doesn't give extra credit but it wasn't needed anyways because he caps the hw and clickers.
Dr. Cruz is the best chemistry professor for organic chemistry. His lectures are very detailed and he posts them on Canvas for you to look back on. It is important that you go to class and participate in the clicker questions because they help you better understand the material. To do well on the tests, make sure to complete textbook problems.
BEST PROFESSOR EVER!!! Had him in gen chm 1 and again in orgo, Orgo is a hard subject but he really makes it so much easier, he's so good that I recommend him to anyone I know. He expects you to put in work because he tries so hard to help. Cares so much about the students and subject. You will do good with him if you try.
I give FULL credit to Dr. Cruz for my A- in orgo. I never thought I would be able to understand orgo. He drops 2 HW assignment and caps clickers at 50%. Discussions with TAs are super helpful for understanding the material. His lectures are visual heavy. He hand picks problems from each chapter for xtra practice. You can't go wrong with him.
Dr. Cruz is an angel in Chemistry Professor form. Seriously, I cannot emphasize how incredible this man is. Amazing lectures, cares about his students and easy to contact outside of class. He gives you every resource you need to pass. Orgo is hard no matter what but with Cruz it feels possible.
Amazing skills
If you want to pass got to show up for class.
Dr. Cruz is an amazing professor. Very fair and willing to help students. Taking orgo with him is challenging, but he explains concepts very well and makes the class very fair. Be prepared to do lots of studying and practice. Overall if you can take orgo with Dr. Cruz do it!
You cannot go wrong with Cruz! No matter the class, he is outstanding! He loves what he does and loves teaching. The tests are as expected and there are no tricks. Cruz will not move on until he knows that everyone is clear (or as clear as they can get for the moment). He's passionate and explains things thoroughly. Get him no matter what!
I love Dr. Cruz! Very good at teaching organic chemistry. Makes a very difficult subject much easier to understand. I enjoyed his lectures and was motivated to do well on the exams. Wish he taught orgo 2!
Absolutely LOVED Cruz! Please do yourself a favor and take him. I wish he taught orgo 2! He makes organic chemistry as easy to understand as possible and is very fair in his material/exams. It isnt an easy class, so you do have to do your part and dedicate yourself to it, but he is there every step of the way!
He is the best professor for Organic Chemistry. Wish he taught Orgo 2. He made Organic Chemistry easier. He offers several practice materials to prepare us for the exams. Also, his lectures are really helpful. One of the best professors I have had!
Dr. Cruz is a gem! Hes passionate about teaching organic chemistry and will make you passionate about learning. His class consists of 4 written exams + multiple choice final (cumulative). He provides many resources to help you study including old exams! An A or B is definitely possible if you take the time to study! 10/10 would recommend.
Hardest class Ive taken, but Cruz makes it so doable. Study at least an hour everyday and you can get an A. This class demands a lot so I don't recommend taking it with other tough classes. His study guides are previous exams. GO TO OFFICE HOURS. pls just go to them.
Dr. Cruz is the single best professor that I have ever had, and I did not even do well in his class because I slept through the third exam (oops). He is 100% by the syllabus and is firm in his class structure, but it is a virtue that benefits the class as a whole and the integrity of his teaching. Super clear lectures, very approachable guy.
To those that gave Professor Cruz a bad rating, you clearly didnt try or you expected to get a good grade for free. I had to drop out of an intro to chem course at UF before & Dr. Cruz helped me discover my love for chemistry & showed me how easy it can be! I never had a chem class in high school but I passed with an A+. Do all practice problems!
I honestly do not even know how your life would be if you did not take Cruz for Orgo 1! It is a PRIVILEGE to be in his class, the best one at USF. He explains the material so well and is so easy to approach. He makes sure the entire class understands the material before moving forward. Exams are not bad as long as you practice and put in the effort
He gets offended when students ask something.
Gonna be a hard class but Cruz will be your best bet. He turns the most challenging course into something worth working for... Just dont skip the lectures.
Best orgo teacher ever. Sarcastic but funny. Feel free to have him explain things and ask questions in class. He is dedicated to helping students and having them succeed.
Cruz really cares about his students. As far as I know, CHM2210 was "coordinated" course in Fall2019, so all the orgo professors offered the same exams. The lecture and discussion clickers were capped at 50% and you get to miss 2 hw assignments. One of the exams had a 49% average, so they offered 20pts to fix the curve at 70% again :)
Dr. Cruz was the best teacher to take orgo 1 with and I wish he would teach orgo 2. He was definitely the reason I passed orgo with such a high grade. He was clear about everything that was on the exams. The homework and clickers allowed for so many missed points that it was an easy 100%. He made the lectures interesting and everything fun to learn
Cruz is a god. Seriously is so passionate about chemistry and it shows. He's so kind and always willing to help his students. Very strict about bumping grades but he makes this very clear and is super fair in the way he grades. Read the textbook, do the homework, and do practice problems. This class is not that hard and he makes it even easier.
I LOVE professor Cruz. Chem is intimidating but with Cruz it feels possible. He makes his lectures interesting & gives a lot of resources. I love the way he explains concept. You can really tell that he cares about his students. I recommend him to everyone! He even has me considering taking orgo II. BEST ONE AT USF! TAKE HIM!
I could not imagine taking Organic Chemistry with anyone other than Dr. Cruz, not only does he make the subject manageable to understand, but he is also an extremely caring professor. It is apparent that he is passionate about his work and loves to help students with it as well. Must take of you wanna pass and understand Organic Chemistry!
He is the perfect professor. To set the seen, those who do not get him attend their professor's lectures for clickers AND his so that they can actually learn. He has every lecture down to a science and explains perfectly while answering & anticipating questions whilst exhibiting a keen ability to read the room. Cruz or wait.
Dr. Cruz truly is so passionate about organic chemistry. He does such a good job breaking down difficult material and explaining all things. I WISH he taught orgo 2! Orgo is tough but if you are willing to work for the grade you want, Cruz will not disappoint you. TAKE HIM YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
For as hard a class as orgo is, he really is a great professor. I got really sick right before an exam and he allowed me to take it later, even though I had yet to get a doctor's note (which I sent to him later). However, you still really need to study your butt off for this class.
Dr. Cruz is probably the best professor I have ever had for a science. For someone who had done mediocre in high school chemistry, I was very apprehensive to take this class, but he gave me the confidence to succeed. The exams are straight forward if you pay attention in lecture, do the review, and HWs. Can't wait to take him again for orgo.
Currently taking Cruz online and honestly he is one of the worst profs I've ever had. Prior to taking him I heard nothing but good things about him and that's why I chose him. Because we are online, he has decided to make the already hard class, harder. He takes no feedback at all, doesn't answer emails respectfully and in general doesn't care.
Dr. Cruz is a really great professor. This class is really hard but for it being online, he really tries to help and explain the material in a way his students can best understand. You def have to study a lot and make sure you have the material down. He always gives a lot of great resources before the tests and the homework is not bad at all.
In all honesty, I have never had more of a disrespectful, discouraging, and inconsiderate teacher while at USF. With the transition to online the class has been made more difficult in every single aspect. So much crucial information is left out of lectures and examinations have been made 10X harder. Save your mental health and take someone else.
The practice problems are even harder than what is taught in the lecture. This will have to be your ONLY hard class. You are given past exams, practice exams, all of which do not reflect the difficulty of the test that is 10x harder. You need to be an excellent test taker, even if you know all the info you could still fail. You have been warned.
Im not entirely sure he deserves it all the negative reviews. Cruz is a very good lecturer, he really does care, hes just too worried about people cheating that he went overboard with the level of difficulty. The exams were so much harder than the practice material and the quizzes were just mini exams. The switch to online was just too much.
First off, hes hilarious & if you speak Spanish you will find his lectures to be 10x funnier. HOWEVER the transition to online has made this class impossible. 75% of your grade is from exams. Even if you study hard, do the practice exams & go to tutoring theres a big chance you will STILL fail. Really disappointed in the way hes handled this.
Organic chemistry is a hard class by itself and with COVID and everything else happening in the world, focusing on studies has been extra hard. I am disheartened by the fact that this class (according to past seniors) has been made much harder. The exams are extremely hard, even when you think you are completely prepared.
Dr Cruz in lectures is fun and personnable and he explains concepts well but almost too simplified because the rigor of the exams does not match the practice given, the tests are very hard and require a lot of studying and out of the box thinking, I dont think that he handled the transition to online very well as he is more concerned with cheating.
I have always been aware that Organic Chemistry is a difficult class. The class is asynchronous, so if you fall behind, good luck. You are basically teaching yourself. Cannot check answers on exams and he makes the exams worlds more difficult than the practice. He does give extra credit but you'll probably still fail anyway.
I'm warning you all right now to take someone else. He has made the transition online a brutal one. All he cares about is preventing cheating but the way he has gone about that is NOT it. There are so many alternatives but he has definitely gone overboard with his exams which are 10x harder than previous semesters. He's also very rude.
He seems like a nice guy in his lectures but I truly believe he doesn't actually care about his students. Went to one of his office hours and I was the only one there and asked a question to which he replied "I can't teach you that again, do the homework". Also exams are way too hard, the lectures and any preparation doesn't reflect the difficulty.
I tried really hard to like him because all of my older friends do, but he was awful this semester. He got so butthurt over people cheating last semester that he took it out on us and made the class impossible. Exams are 20x harder and never representative of lectures, no matter how hard you study, he's rude, and lecture videos were 2 hours long.
Please save your mental sanity and take someone else. The information is really not that bad, but he chooses to not teach you what you need to learn to do well on the impossibly hard exams. You can learn orgo I promise, but this is really not the guy to teach it to you. And don't take Fields either there in on it together.
Please be aware that if you miss an exam and are approved for the makeup, that the makeup exam will be cumulative. He does not include this in the syllabus, but hopefully he will next semester. By far the worst semester I've ever had because it was more difficult than it needed to be. I really hope he reads these reviews and plans to make changes.
Do. not. take. him. I took Dr. Cruz this semester and he made the class 10x harder than it should've been. Orgo is not a hard class, but it will be with Dr. Cruz. His tests are absolute garbage and he doesn't even prepare you for the questions he throws on them. Everyone who took it before me said he was great, but he was completely opposite.
If you are taking him in the fall, just don't. You will definitely be better off taking it in person. Things they put us through: -Online exams are extremely hard and have little to do with the actual lectures -Cannot go back on the exam -Weekly quizzes (last quiz each question was worth 6 points, 5 question in total) -No curves (avg was 60 ish)
DO NOT TAKE HIM DURING A PANDEMIC. Like others said, this is NOT a hard class, but he makes it way harder than it needs to be. Exams DO NOT reflect the study materials given.
Cruzs lectures were actually entertaining. However, every question on exams were x10 harder. Due to covid, our exams were online and we werent allowed to go back, but on the past exams he gives you for practice there is literally tips telling you to go back through when your done to answer harder questions.
Knows his stuff but lect goes overtime. Not very sympathetic imo. Doesnt care how the panny has impacted learning. CANT go back on quizzes/exams & see 1 q at a time to prevent cheating but still low key unfair. Exams very hard- never felt prepared esp bc his practice didnt help a lot. DONT do online, is traumatized. class :(
Dr. Cruz is a really great teacher and really knows Orgo. He can come off as rude when you talk to him but he does his best to help you, and its evident he cares about his students. Really prepared me knowledge-wise, but its organic chem, you still have to PRACTICE on your own to be good at it. If I had to retake Orgo would definitely choose him!
Dr. Cruz is a really good professor and if you want to really understand Orgo, he is the best choice. If you want an easy A, take another professor. This semester, the tests were much more difficult than past semesters which was frustrating. However, you will have mastered the coursework and be very confident in your abilities once you finish!
Cruz is great at making orgo fun and understandable, but his exams were ridiculously hard because of people cheating in the spring. He was always super nice and helpful in office hours or private conferences though. He will go above and beyond to make sure you can be successful in his class. Don't listen to the butt hurt kids from this semester.
Unless you want to study 24/7 just to barely pass, then DO NOT TAKE HIM!! He has handled the online transition terribly, and made the exams 100x harder and only allowed us to view one question at a time on quizzes and exams. Change your ways to how you were pre-COVID Dr. Cruz, for the sake of the mental health and success of your students!!
Cruz had amazing lecture videos that he posted to Canvas. At office hours, however, he was not the happy guy he is in his videos. I get not everyone is happy all the time, but in his videos, he talked about how he understands we aren't gonna understand all topics right away, but in office hours, he was a bit short. Would probably take again, though
The exams are MUCH HARDER than past years exams and it is hard to do well since none of the practice problems nearly resemble the real exam qs even with 50 hrs studying . All exams were averaged at a low D and F and there was no curve! Even if canvas crashes on you during exams, cruz wont do anything, no mercy or empathy. Hes terrible.
BEST ADVICE: Do not take Dr. Cruz during this pandemic (online). Due to cheating during past semesters, he has made everything 10x harder. I would take the past semesters exams he would give us and get 85-90's. Then, our exam would come around and I would fail. He is a good lecturer, but the exams will kill you. I wish I could take him in person...
someone said people were butthurt bc they didn't get a good grade. not true. exams were harder than the past and the changes they made were frustrating. we asked for extra practice questions to reflect the harder exams, and they gave us a joke of a practice exam. grading scale also changed where an 85 used to be an A; A- now. best lectures though.
His exams are really not very hard, the reason why most people get a B/ A- or worse is that he purposefully hides or doesn't accentuate key information for particular exam questions, and there is nothing you can do about that. Also, this class is curved for lower grades but not for high grades. It's an easy B/C but super hard and unpredictable A.
If he gives you a bonus quiz it's a traaaappppp!!!!! The bonus quiz will be the hardest thing you have ever seen in your lifetime, and you can forget about getting full marks on it. After I saw the exams I thought he was unfair, after I saw the bonus quiz I knew he was evil.
Dr. Cruz is the best chemistry professor I've had. I once hated chemistry, but he makes it so much more fun. If you want to pass organic chemistry, choose Dr. Cruz as your professor, you definitely won't regret it!
Cruz has made this class so that you feel terrible about yourself and regret ever taking his class. I thought going into it based off previous rates that he was going to be great, hes everything but. Hes made his quizzes and exams are ridiculously hard now with 7+ answer choices always and only 2 exams so theres no buffer Stay away at all costs
He was overall one of the better professors I've had. He has extremely detailed lectures with multiple examples. The HW is a lot but helps you understand the material. Exams suck! 2 exams and cumulative final all proctored. Each question has multiple answers. Make sure you do A LOT of additional examples for each ch. If you try hard you will pass
This class ruined my whole semester. Test question difficulty is way too difficult compared to examples he shows us in class and on quizzes & hw. This shows since our test 1 and 2 class average was BELOW 50%. But he will just tell you to study harder next time. Hey Dr. Cruz, maybe you should take note of the failing avg and change how you teach!
I really think that any orgo class you take is going to make you work for your grade. Cruz is a great lecturer, but the quizzes and exams definitely require you to do practice problems outside of class to pass. I definitely recommend using all the resources he gives you. Go slow on the exams because he does try to trip you up sometimes.
Stay clear.
Orgo 1 is an extremely hard course, don't take with any other heavy load course! This class was offered online and Dr. Cruz was very clear from the get go about how things would go. Quiz every Friday, 2 Exams, 1 Final. I recommend going to office hours twice a week and to study wisely! Practice problems are your best friend!
Dr. Cruz is the best OChem professor at USF. I feel robbed with this online format. His lectures made the material easy to comprehend. The departments exams however did not reflect the lecture content. Tested on the tiny exceptions rather than general ochem rules for the most part. If you can wait to take him in person, do it. Online sucks.
Cruz is a pretty decent professor but Orgo 100% depends on the work and effort you are willing to put in. I would recommend taking Orgo with an easier science such as Genetics (with Rao or El Rady). Do as many practice problems as possible with orgo! Prioritize this class and start off strong. A lot of people withdraw or fail
He is probably the best orgo teacher. Honestly, all science based professors suck, but the harsh ratings are probably people who didn't understand orgo. It's a difficult class. The tests are hard, the material is hard, get over it. You have to dedicate time to this class or you won't pass. The syllabus is literally made so flexible bc orgo is hard
Cruz's lectures are the only thing decent about him, except the exams barely relate to them. The exams are very difficult. He gave EC, but it's a super hard quiz. He doesn't care for his students. At times he is rude, and doesn't care if you got COVID or are literally in the ER. He's probably the worst teacher I've had in my entire life.
His lectures are very understandable and straightforward. He definitely makes you work for your grade and is not very forgiving. The class is a lot, so definitely be prepared to spend hours everyday just reviewing the material in order to pass.
Dr. Cruz was somehow able to make his pre-recorded lectures engaging and genuinely funny. I'm not able to understand why he has any negative reviews at all; as far as Orgo professors go, Dr. Cruz is the best you're gonna get. I promise you this: he will give you everything you need to make an A. The rest is up to you. TAKE HIS CLASS!
Really funny teacher with some great lectures. Helped me understand orgo a lot more.
Cruz was amazing, his lectures really helped me understand organic chemistry. While his lectures are not mandatory but he does do class clicker points. 4 exams and a cumulative final, and HW for practice. Exams are NOT multiple-choice, but he provides partial credit.
I am going to miss Cruz so much for Orgo II :(. He has such good lectures that actually make you want to learn. By far my most favorite teacher on this campus. Clickers are for participation, study, and practice hard to get an A for the course. Provides so many chances for extra credit (2% bump and 15 points towards the final). TAKE IT WITH HIM!!!!
This class was super difficult but Cruz made it easier and more engaging. He altered the grading scale and gives so much extra credit to help you. Textbook is not used but still required to purchase because of an application that comes with it that is used for homework. He is great! super funny and caring.
Very good professor. Lectures are strong, really good. Exams weren't bad at all, just study efficiently by practicing and you'll be fine. I recommend Cruz for his teaching ability. Practice the learning objectives!!!
Dr. Cruz is absolutely amazing, hilarious, and really cares about his students. His class is tough, I recommend doing all of the Learning Objectives, HW, and Practice Exams. You have to put in the time and effort, but it is very doable. Easily one of my favorite classes and professors I have had. I never thought I would do well in orgo, but I did
I struggled a lot with general chemistry so I was really scared for this class but Dr. Cruz explains everything so well, I swear if you do the practice learning objectives you will do great on exams. Cruz is also very kind and accessible outside of class. Basically do all the practice problems he gives and you'll be fine!
I can't stress enough on how incredible this professor is at teaching Organic Chemistry. Don't be fooled by how hilarious he is because if you don't put in 20-40 hours of practice and consistent use the resources he gives to you (even on non exam weeks), you will not do well. I REALLY wish Dr. Cruz taught ORGO2 as well, no professor compares.
He is such a great teacher that explains everything very well while also be open to further questions. The material is not easy, and he is aware, but it seems he has figured out how to teach it the best way possible. Definitely stresses the importance of practice but doesn't go overboard on homework, making most practice optional.
I can't sing this man's praise enough. I wouldn't want to take orgo with any other professor. The material itself is pretty straight forward, it just takes a commitment to really learn and practice, and that's where students fall short. Luckily, Dr. Cruz is absolutely willing to help his students with that. And there's never a boring lecture!
Best Orgo 1 professor. Anyone else is a waste of time and energy.
I absolutely loved Dr. Cruz! As someone who is currently taking Orgo II with another professor and missing Cruz's teaching, do not take him for granted!! He did not give much work to do in Orgo I, so it honestly helped with my busy schedule and allowed ME to fit in studying where I could. Do all of the resources he gives you and you will pass!
Blatant disrespect, unprofessionalism, and absolute lack of sympathy. DON’T ask him questions, ask the TA cause he will make you feel stupid and embarrass you in front of everyone with a condescending unprofessional attitude. Don’t expect a “I’m sorry you’re going through a crisis” or reference to counseling, expect annoyance
Dr. Cruz has made orgo I so easy! He is passionate about teaching and just wants you to understand the content. He answers all questions and helps as much as he can and provides a ton of resources. It is a lecture heavy class, but he makes jokes during lecture and engages well. If he taught orgo II, I would take him. Highly recommend
This class is hard. Keep that in mind. I'm a chemistry major and there are moments where it's a lot, and I love chemistry. However, Dr. Cruz is the best person to teach this class. YES the tests are REALLY HARD but he gives a lot of resources you need to take advantage of. This is a class that needs a great professor and Cruz is that guy.
Dr.Cruz was an amazing professor. Obviously, Orgo is a difficult subject no matter what, but he made it so easy and enjoyable! Easily the best chemistry professor I have had, and would definitely recommend him if you have to take orgo. He makes his lectures engaging and fun
He is wonderful professor and cares about the well-being of his students. This is how I got an A+ in the course: (1) attended all lectures and paid attention during class; (2) learning objectives; (3) office hours; (4) went over all past exams. Didn't take a single note for this class. Just annotated lecture slides and made flashcards!
Dr. Cruz is a great professor. He is caring and engaging. However, if you're like me, it is important to know that his tests are difficult. They are all free response. Exams 3 & 4 of this semester had averages in the 50s, with no curves given. He also does not drop an exam. Lots of study resources are given, and he is great at lecturing.
I can't stress this enough, Cruz is an amazing professor. The first half of orgo is very easy, DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED. They grade the test VERY hard. Test 1 + 2 are easy and you should study a lot bc that will help you get a solid ground. Test 3 and 4 are VERY difficult, but if you know the reagents by heart you'll be okay. Final is very easy.
I can't stress this enough, Cruz is an amazing professor. The first half of orgo is very easy, DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED. They grade the test VERY hard. Test 1 + 2 are a breeze, you should study bc that will help you get a solid ground. Test 3 and 4 are extremely difficult. if you know the reagents by heart you'll be okay. Final is very easy.
Dr. Cruz is one of those professors who genuinely wants to make everyone understand more about orgo. It's by no means a hard class, but with other hard classes, you gotta put in the work to practice and get used to all of the reagents. Dr. Cruz also takes the time to make sure his students are well accommodated for. He's definitely worth the hype.
Dr. Cruz was a great professor for Orgo 1. I was always told that this course was going to kill me, but he made it manageable. I would say that some earlier reviews claim that he gave a lot of extra credit. Other than a few points per exam, there weren't that many. He does not curve any exam grades, so don't expect a boost. Great lectures though!
I've taken this class multiple times because I don't understand Orgo. He is a great professor for me his test is extremely hard no matter how much effort I put into the course. Friday classes clicker discussions are simple, hw every Sunday. He is kinda "sassy" during his lectures which is why I avoid asking questions.
There is something about him that's unsettling. Always found a way to make his exams difficult or annoying. He thinks his students are all trying to become doctors because of money or their parents. Rude over email. But right now, he seems to be the best option at usf tampa. We seriously need better options.
He is a great professor and willing to help students. He can be a bit "sassy" but isnt a bad thing because his lectures are never boring. His exams are hard - no multiple choices and you have to write each solution out. My recommendation is to read the textbook, print out the lectures, and do all the practice problems. This course is alot of work !
(I took 2045 during the summer in person) - Fast paced - You get to take the test home after you hand in the scantron (multiple choice) - Participation was graded on an iClicker point system where only half of the points are required for full participation. - Lectures weren't boring, but don't ask excessive questions - Easy to understand
Great lecturer but very challenging tests
Took him for gen chem 1 over Summer A. Great professor, very nice, was a bit sassy but enjoyable. He also teaches orgo chem 1, I am definitely taking it with him.
HORRIBLE. DO NOT TAKE HIM. Curve balls, sassy, and makes you feel dumb.
Did amazing at explaining. He was the reason I did so well in Orgo 1 and 2. Definitely recommend drawing out each mechanism step-by-step AS YOU LEARN DO NOT WAIT LAST MINUTE. I have a long list of mechanisms that helped me excel in this class. He's funny and caring definitely recommend him, he is the best.
The Exams and quizzes were definitely a struggle but Cruz does his best to explain the concepts and ensure that his students will understand. You'll definitely need to go over the concepts on your own due to the difficulty of the tests but overall he was one of the good teachers to take for Orgo 1.
Overall great professor. He provides recorded lecture videos and old exams so you can practice. There is also office hours with him & many other TA's M-F, so it gives you a chance to ask questions. So long as you show up & put in the effort and use the practice he offers, you will do good. Im so glad i got Dr. Cruz for Orgo 1
Cruz very obviously cares about students learning and does tons of practice problems in class to help students understand the mechanisms. Try your best to save questions for office hours or after class because he has very little time to cover alot of material. Outside of class he is very willing to help students who lack understanding
He was an amazing professor, def the best for orgo 1 at USF. He can be intimidating at times, but his lectures are very engaging which definitely helped a lot to stay focused. Provides a huge number of resources to study. The grading scale is curved, and there are many drops and caps. However, you really need to put time in to do well
This was one of the hardest classes I have ever taken. Dr. Cruz is a great professor and you can tell he loves the subject matter, however he can be kind of sassy and intimidating which makes him hard to approach with questions. This class requires ALOT of time and effort and you must do practice problems and not procrastinate.
Dr. Cruz is very nice and provides videos of lectures and practice questions to use in addition to the homework to help with understanding. I retook this class after failing with a previous professor and I find that Dr. Cruz provided clicker questions and a discussion class where the points were capped at 50% and this really helped my grade.
Very difficult class, but Dr. Cruz made it way more enjoyable. I took him for Gen chem 1 and orgo chem 1, enjoyed both times.
I took Orgo 1 with Dr. Cruz and he made an already very difficult class way more "bearable." Although he can be a little sassy, he is very funny and passionate about Orgo. He gives you opportunities to do better, but you still need to dedicate a LOT of time and practice for this class if you are trying to get a good grade.
Dr. Cruz is simply the best Orgo I professor. Take Dr. Cruz's section if you can. He made what was supposed to be a hard class easy. Make sure you attend lecture and make sure you study for the exams because they're hard.
Dr. Cruz is the best professor I've had at USF. He provides so many resources for studying for exams; it's definitely possible to pass with an A. He posts old lecture videos, old exams, and ungraded practice learning objectives. He doesn't curve exams or drop the worst exam grade but the class is curved slightly. Highly recommend taking him.
Dr. Cruz is a great professor. He makes Organic Chemistry manageable and fun, and gives us many resources for exams. His lectures are great and he lets you know what to expect on each exam. He is also willing to answer questions during and after lecture. Would recommend 100%
This class is overall extremely hard. Dr. Cruz does provide many resources to help prepare for the test. He does not offer any extra credit and has a set criteria. This class requires time and dedication.There are weekly homework assignments and attendance is mandatory including the Friday peer leading sessions.
Great lectures. Predictable exams. A million practice questions for exams. Lenient on clickers. Overall great professor.
Dr. Cruz makes Organic Chemistry fun. The content is inherently difficult, but he has a way of explaining things that just makes sense. In order to do well, do ALL of the practice problems available and attend office hours. Exams are worth 75% overall, and no exams are dropped, There are also clickers, homework, and recitation sessions.
Great professor
I didn't open the book once, his lectures are all you need. The best practice you can do is doing practice exams and thats how you see what its going to be like. The format of the tests is always similar. There is always a small amount of extra credit as a survey.
Dr Cruz is a great teacher for Orgo 1. He knows the material really well and loves teaching it. He moves pretty fast, but is always willing to answer questions during class. He gives lots of practice tests to work on and study before exams. He has a fun personality but knows his stuff. Highly recommend Dr Cruz!
AMAZING PROF! If you pay attention in lecture, do all of the learning objectives and practice exams, the exams are pretty easy to score well on! Cruz explains concepts SO thoroughly, has online lecture videos, and gives all of the necessary resources to succeed in this class (extra credit too). Would 100% recommend :)
Dr Cruz is one of the better professors I've ever had at USF. Orgo 1 is a very difficult class and takes a lot of outside practice and learning in order to do well. Dr Cruz is a great lecturer and explains concepts very well. His tests are quite difficult and graded intensely but with proper studying and preparation it is very easy to do well.
Dr. Cruz is an amazing professor, most definitely the best for this difficult class. He provides many examples and numerous exams from previous semesters for us to prepare for each exam. It is truly up to you to do well, as he provides so many resources to succeed.
Dr.Cruz made Orgo I understandable and also enjoyable. His dedication to teaching and ability to break down complex concepts truly made a significant difference. His guidance and support throughout the course were invaluable. He offers a lot of resources to study for exams, and provides extra credit (2 pts) before each exam (5 total).
Dr. Cruz is a great professor, and he made the course very easy to comprehend. Exams are 75% of the course grade, but Cruz offers tons of optional practice, as well as exams from previous years that are similar to help you study. Extra credit is also offered for every exam. He explains concepts well, and is always willing to answer questions.
Dr. Cruz is the best option at USF for Organic Chemistry. He makes the material engaging and does a great job providing clear explanations for complex topics. This class is difficult though and requires dedication to do well. But anyone who is motivated to study and attend lectures will do very well in this class. He also gives extra credit.
Dr. Cruz is the only reason students actually learn orgo at USF. The man is a godsend. He takes a ridiculouslt hard subject and makes it super understandable. Tests are content heavy, but accurately reflect his teachings and slides.
Professor Cruz provides a lot of material to help student succeed! Defiantly recommend to take this professor if you need to take Orgo 1. Do the practice of learning objectives, they are a life saver!!
The best professor I have ever had, hands down. I had always struggled with chemistry & never liked the subject and didn't expect to do will in this class, but I got an A minus. He somehow made it fun, and on top of that made the class manageable because he is a fantastic professor. Do not take organic chemistry if Cruz is not your professor.
One of the hardest classes you will ever take. Dr. Cruz is amazing but the material is very hard. You must study as soon as you can for as long as you can if you want to pass. You must know all material like the back of your hand. The tests are drawing mechanisms that you must know with 100% accuracy if you want to do well. Good luck soldier.
The Best Professor at this university for Organic Chemistry, I wish he taught orgo II. He makes a difficult class like this manageable. Make sure to really study and score high on the first 2 tests because the last 2 are hard. DO THE PRACTICE TESTS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES! Rewatch his lectures and you'll be fine
So funny and engaging during class. Genuinely made learning organic chemistry fun. He also provides so much practice work to prepare you for exams. Study and pay attention during lectures and this will be an easy A class. You got this!!
BEST PROFESSOR EVER. He gives great lectures, he is super caring, and provides so many resources for the exams. He seriously made Orgo 1 so simple. I wish he taught Orgo 2 as well.
Dr. Cruz is the best! He actually teaches and makes lectures fun and interesting. You will need to study a lot for this class, do all the practice problems he provides you with. 5 total exams which are free response (which is good because he gives partial credit). If you can take Dr. Cruz, take him!!!
He forgets to teach mechanisms , has attitude if you ask questions, his practice problems and practice exams ARE NOTHING like the actual exam which is 1000x harder. Take somewhere else.
Dr. Cruz is definitely one of the best professors I have ever taken. He makes a difficult subject so easy to comprehend and it seems like he actually likes to do his job unlike a lot of other professors. Another great thing about him is he provides a lot of resources for practice which is necessary if you want to pass.
He is one of the best teachers on campus. Orgo is a hard subject for a lot of people but he makes it seem easy. The only reason people fail his class is due to not studying. His lectures are super informative and attention grabbing. He gives homework, clicker points, and some extra credit for final, but the 4 exams and the final weigh the most.
One of the best profs at USF. Orgo is so difficult, but he makes it actually make sense, he well prepares you for exams. He has funny ways of remembering things, is a relatable person, overall I would take him again!
He makes orgo very understandable although I will say he has a bit of an intimidating personality, but ask questions if you need to! Do everything he tells you to study for/with it makes so much of a difference in your understanding. DO the extra credit surveys they add 10 pts back to your final exam grade if you complete all of them!
Professor Cruz prides himself on his teaching and professor Cruz loves teaching. Professor Cruz is also always trying to improve his teaching. Professor Cruz is a good teacher. Professor Cruz also posts practice exams, which seemed extremely similar to his actual exams to me (I read a review on here that said the contrary which confused me).
He's an ok professor. He's a good teacher, and easy to understand; however, he couldn't care less about his students sometimes. I am sure he's a good person outside class, but It wasnt worth the hype.
He will show you everything you need to know for the exams. Practice exams and problems are provided. Practice is the only thing that will make you success on this class, nothing else. Each week there is hw, 4 tests, and a final exam. Extra credit is also provided.
Bless this man. Orgo is hard but Cruz makes it so much easier. You have to put in the work, but an A is definitely attainable with Cruz. Do all EC bc it will boost your final. The only things I used to study were lecture videos, practice exams, and practice problem sets. Take him if you can!!
This class is not easy, but Cruz is the best out of the offered professors. Getting a good TA for your friday discussions is key, bc they're the one grading your papers and helping you practice. I had a bad one who wasted our time and took off points on our exams because he wasn't careful (many had to correct him to get points back). Study everyday
Cruz in my opinion, is probably the best Orgo professor in the state of Florida. With that being said, this is not an easy class. It is difficult and you will need to put in multiple hours a week. He does not round AT ALL, and honestly is a little snarky and can come off as mean. But if you have tougher skin, you'll love him. Take him.
Absolutely loved his lectures for Chem 1. He's incredibly funny which made his class enjoyable. He always made sure to answer any questions we had during class. You can tell he genuinely wants the best for his students which does not go unnoticed. He's truly amazing, take him for any chem corse if you have the chance!!!
Dr. Cruz is so awesome. I was so nervous to take Chem over the summer, but he made it not only easy to learn but enjoyable, too. He provides a multitude of review materials before each exam, so it's pretty hard to fail a test if you do them. Textbook isn't required. Attendance is mandatory for iClicker points. Pay attention in class and practice!
Dr. Cruz is a fun professor. But it would be best to study very hard, like, VERY HARD, to get an A. His tests are tough, but you will know what to expect in the tests as past papers are available. Always practice them before tests. I took them for granted, and this caused me to fail. Many got 100s by only following lectures, HWs, and past papers.
Professor Cruz is a tough but engaging Orgo instructor. Lectures are informative, and he provides ample practice materials. Stay on top of the work and utilize resources like unstuckstudy ai, and an A is definitely within reach.
Absolutely take Dr. Cruz. He is very good at explaining and takes his time to answer everyone's questions, even if he can be a little intimidating. his material is straight forward and he provides previous exams as practice which is extremely helpful and similar to the actual exam. 4 exams + a final so 5 total and no curves so def study hard
funny guy, entertaining lectures very knowledgable about orgo. he cares about his students, if you have questions go to office hours. orgo is hard but cruz makes it tolerable
Dr. Cruz is genuinely the best professor I ever had. He made material very easy to understand and had so many helpful resources to prepare for exams. You cannot pass this class without going to all lectures and discussions, if you really focus on this course you will be fine. He even said most students pass with an A- on the first day.
Bless this man. I was terrified of Orgo. This class is a lot of work and consists of hard topics. But coming from someone who failed Gen Chem 2 the first time around, Dr. Cruz made this course much easier. You have to put the time in, but Dr. Cruz is the very best option if you want to succeed. Wish he taught Orgo 2!!
Dr.Cruz is probably the best teacher I have ever had at USF. He truly cares for his students and tries his best to make sure everyone succeeds. Orgo 1 is challenging but he made it so simple, he genuinely loves teaching and he is so funny. He posts so many resources for studying for the test and if you use those you're good.
I don't know how people struggle in this class with Cruz as a professor. He is a great lecturer and kind person. Start studying for the exams two weeks before and do practice problems and you will be fine. Do not make it more complicated than it has to be.
Good class but the subject itself is very hard.
Dr. Cruz is my favorite prof ever at USF. He is smart, passionate about what he does, and very fair. Provides recorded lecture vids from COVID and provides past exams! If you stay on top of ur work and put in the effort, an A is very attainable :)
I love this man with my entire life. Honestly the best prof at USF, he's so funny and wants everyone to succeed. Orgo is obviously hard, but he makes content so accessible and easy to learn. Go to all of the lectures, do all objectives (there are a lot but it's worth it), old exams, problem sets, and EC, and you'll get a good grade!
lots of resources, do the practice exams and utilize the TA office hours! they helped me so much. cruz can be sassy in class and off putting when it comes to asking questions but hes hilarious and the class isnt boring at all. put in the work, do the practice exams, study ahead, and clarify all your concerns during office hours and youll get an A-
Provides many resources, previous tests, practice problem sets, and additional video lectures to help understand the topics. Orgo in itself was a bit difficult but I feel like Dr. Cruz was a great professor. Uses clicker questions with location so you need to present in class. A very fun guy in general.
He's funny. It's a hard class, but I think he explains concepts and mechanisms really well. Old exams are available and he doesn't try to trick you. Homeworks help a lot. I have no complaints. You have to put in the work, obviously, but the resources are there and right in front of you with Cruz. Highly recommend.
Dr. Cruz is the absolute best professor at USF. Organic chemistry is supposed to be hard so the material is challenging but he teaches you everything you need to know. He wants you to succeed so if you put in the effort and study it won't be too bad. He is also really funny, this has been one of my favorite classes so far.
Orgo is hard, but he is definitely the best of the two teachers to pick. I enjoy his teaching style, & his lectures generally aren't too hard to understand, it's just a lot of information to remember so constantly study/review. No curves or drops and test heavy with a few homeworks. But he's a good lecturer and would definitely take him again
His lectures are good, but don't ask any questions as gives a bold response which makes me feel badly for the student who asked. He refuses to give any extra credit, and does not drop an exam. The tests are written and are very difficult compared to the "practice" and homework assignments. Your overall grade heavily relies on your exam scores.
I took Dr. Cruz as I heard from students that he was the best. But, his exams are challenging. I have heard from students who take a different professor that are doing much better than the people I know in Dr. Cruz's. As someone who already struggles with exams, I would strongly advise not taking Dr. Cruz as he does not drop or give extra credit.
He is a pretty good lecturer, but his exams are terrible. He purposely tries to trick you, and he hates giving partial credit even if the answer is mostly right. No multiple choice, free response.
He does everything he can to support his students. An 85 is an A-, the last 3 exams are provided as practice, and there is hundreds of optional learning objectives questions for practice. Utilize all the resources given and do the practice- you will do well. He is the best professor I have ever had. Funny and caring and pushes you in a good way
Orgo 1 is a hard class, but we have to take it and Cruz is 100% your best option. I know ppl who took the other profs and they failed. ALL OF THE ORGO EXAMS AT THE TAMPA CAMPUS ARE NOT MULTIPLE CHOICE. Its the same exams for all the profs and the TA's grade them. I suck at studying and hate chem but Cruz made it just simpler to understand.Goodluck!
Dr. Cruz is funny and tries his best to help students in lectures, Orgo is just hard. His tests are all free response but gives partial credit. Beware: he tries to trick you on questions to "make sure you know the info" so just do practice problems and memorize rules. Offers previous tests for practice and abundance of online practice problems
I did not enjoy Dr.Cruz as a prof. He purposely tries to trick his students. Do not ask questions in class because he will just give you an attitude and a snarky comment. The other orgo professor gives extra credit, a dropped exam, and their practice exams are very similar to the test. That is not the case for Cruz's class. TAKE OTHER PROFESSOR!
Cruz is one of the best professors i've ever had. Hes funny, caring and passionate. I usually study by myself, but hes one of the few profs whose lectures really helped. Orgo is hard, but if you put in the effort, review, and go to class, you can make it. Cruz can be a bit inflexible: he doesn't curve. Still, he's the best for orgo.
A lot of recent reviewers here have complained about this class, but they are just very lazy and rarely study. I received an A+ in the class simply by paying attention to the lectures and doing all practice problem sets/old exams. He definitely provides you with everything you need. His jokes are incredibly funny and he is so much fun. TAKE HIM! :)
Part 2 of last review- Dr. Cruz is a phenomenal orgo 1 teacher, but you guys seriously need to step up ur game and actually put in a lot of effort and several hours to learn the material. It's definitely challenging, but by using all the resources he gives you, it's an easy A. He is a hilarious guy, always willing to answer questions and help you.
Dr.Cruz is an amazing teacher!! He is really good with explaining concepts and really know what he's talking about. He provides a lot of resoures and materials to help students do well in the class. He can be a little strict, and SOMETIMES mock students for asking 'obvious' questions.
Dr. Cruz is the best professor I've had at USF by far! Orgo 1 is a hard class but he makes it interesting and he is super funny. He gives you lots of practice problems / previous exams which is super helpful in preparing for exams. I honestly feel that with all the resources he gives you it's pretty hard to fail as long as you put in the work.
I wasn't a huge fan of his teaching style. I got A's on the assignments, but I kept failing the tests. He requires you to use I-clicker, but you have to buy the physical remote.
Dr. Cruz is the absolute best chem professor I have had in all 4 years of being at USF. He explains concepts in ways that are easy to understand and you can tell he has a passion for what he does. On top of that, he is hilarious. Can not recommend him enough. Orgo is a hard class but he makes it manageable!!! Good luck to anyone taking!
take this professor over any other orgo 1 professor bc he makes lectures enjoyable and explains concepts well. He just wants you to learn so the exams are extremely similar to the old practice exams (best way to study). His lecture videos are exactly like in person lectures incase u miss class. Uses clickers. had extra credit pop quiz for final
Very good lecturer. Very understanding and funny. He lectures like we're little kids, which makes understanding very easy. Just know that there are a lot of hours to be put in outside of his lecture to understand the material. For example, his lectures are the baseline of what we should know.
Absolutely amazing, the way he teaches is phenomenal, he cares deeply about his students and everyone's understanding. Just going to lecture I could understand the material. To succeed in the class you MUST practice, which he provides plenty. Exams are written and partial credit is given. Amazing funny guy, would recommend him 100 times over!!!
Literally the best STEM teacher at usf! Loved going to his lectures and he actually made me enjoy learning. Did better in orgo than I did in gen chem. Obvi you have to put the work in for this class but he gives you plenty of resources, practice, and what he expects on the tests. Cannot recommend him enough. He's hilarious and a joy to be around!
Everyone goes into Orgo 1 nervous, and Dr. Cruz lays out the path for success immediately. His charisma makes lectures worthwhile and made me excited to learn about the greater story of organic chemistry. The course relies heavily on previous concepts as it progresses, so a little bit everyday will get you on the right track. Cruz wants to help you
dr cruz is the best! he wants his students to succeed and it shows. orgo is a difficult class, but he explains it in a way thats not confusing, and understandable. hes also hilarious and class is never a snoozefest. i recommend him 1000%!!
Great professor. Orgo I is tough, but he explains concepts clearly and really wants students to understand, not memorize. He can be a little sassy, but he's patient in office hours and genuinely helpful. Put in the work and you'll learn a lot. I earned an A+ because his teaching pushed me to improve.
I absolutely love Dr. Cruz. He's hilarious and cares about his students. He's very passionate about Chemistry and tries to connect what we learn to real life. This is class is very difficult and takes ALOT of practice. Do not underestimate it and use ALL of your resources!!!!
honestly im not going to say anything about this man that you already havent heard. hes the best orgo professor this school has so if you are lucky take him. this class is crazy tough as is so give yourself the best chance to pass and DO NOT TAKE BISHT. hes funny and has lotsss of resources online. tests are a bit unreasonable i feel. good luck!
Very hard course but Dr. Cruz makes it a lot easier to understand. He offers so many resources and it is VERY important that you use them!! There are four tests throughout the semester and then a final. None of them are dropped. Make sure you keep up with the material and study hard. Dr. Cruz makes lecture very fun for teaching a hard class
Dr. Cruz is amazing. The only professor you should take for orgo 1. Truly the goat. Orgo 1 is obviously hard but with Cruz's practice materials and lots of work put in studying outside of class, you can make an A. His lectures are amazing and you NEED to attend if you wanna pass. and you should want to attend, his lectures are amazing.
No regrets taking his class. The exam style closely matched past exams, and he always provided the three most recent ones. Attending lectures and taking notes as he sometimes mentioned what would appear on exams. Understand every slide, complete the homework, review past exams, and start early.
the BEST PROF for orgo 1 period. His exams closely align with previous exams. He gives a lot of resources and has online lecture videos for each chapter. i would recommend watching the lecture videos before coming to class. if u work hard and pay attention, you WILL get an A! DO NOT TAKE BISHT OR ANYONE ELSE. Cruz is truly amazing for orgo!
MOST OVERRATED professor at USF. Forces you to buy clicker, his exams are not similar to the material covered in class. You'll be tested on exceptions to rules as much as the rules themselves, so be extra diligent for tricky questions. He snaps at people who ask questions. Harder grade scale than other professors, take it with someone else.
Best Orgo 1 teacher at USF, great at conveying topics. Gives many practice exams which are very helpful. The most recent practice exams are formatted almost exactly like the actual exams you will take, use those to familiarize yourself with how questions will be asked. Also gives many other resources to use. Lectures are engaging and very helpful.
It is true, Dr.Cruz is 100% the best professor for Orgo 1 at USF. Please take him, everyone not in Cruz said they had a horrible experience with Orgo 1 this semester. Make sure to focus heavily on practice exams he gives to you. He will attempt to trick you on exams so know your exceptions, he can also be sassy to those with questions in class.
I cannot recommend Dr. Druz enough for Orgo. He is an excellent teacher with very engaging classes. He is strict and no-nonsense, but for good reason. My only complaint is that he can be sassy/ rude when answering questions. Your grade is entirely up to the time and attention you give to him and the practice. Difficult, but manageable!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
5%
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