3.5
Quality4.3
Difficulty56%
Would Retake83
Reviews56%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
38
4
12
3
7
2
12
1
14
What Students Say
“Her negative views get deleted, please heed this warning, do NOT take this professor”
MATH160 - 1.0 rating“hardest class i ever took due to her lack of chill”
MATH160 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
61%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.02 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH310
5.0
(1)MATH375
5.0
(2)MATH385
5.0
(1)MATH250
4.7
(24)MATH151
4.1
(13)Difficulty by Course
21
5.0
MATH52
5.0
SURVEYOFCALC
5.0
CALC150
5.0
MATH150
5.0
Reviews (83)
the class is not what it says it will be, very hard and complicated. take math 11 instead, this class is not worth it
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she has a hard time explaining things in a way one can understand. Problems we difficult. Do all the assigned homework, she is pretty helpful if you go to her office hours. She has an exceedingly annoying voice.
This class would have been ten times better if Dr. Hoffoss understood assembly programming. However, since she doesn't, she fails to teach it effectivley
Definately not your typical math course. She's very friendly and approachable, just doesn't know how to explain things very well. Don't take this class if you can't think abstractly. It makes you expand your mind, some people just can't.
If you can handle some abstract thinking, you're fine. Daily quizzes ar straight from the hw, her tests are the same way, she explains the concepts well and tries her best to make a boring subject less boring. You could do a lot worse in college.
alot of people don't like her it seems because math 112 is a weird class, but she is really encouraging and appreciates hard work even if you are not doing that great in the class...is good about extra-credit...and better than all of the college algebra teachers at USD...i liked her overall!
She is the most helpful teacher I have had, go to her office hours! The class is very abstract but she explains clearly and only asks for hard work and a decent attitude. She is very knowledgable.
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No Comments
Awful class, too much homework. You have at least 3 hours a night of homework, and you still won't understand it! The concepts are already hard to understand and she doesn't explain them at all. It would be very hard for you to come out with a good grade.
too much homework that you don't get credit for...even if you get the answers right. DONT DO WORK TOGETHER. she does not take kindly to anyone questioning her.
This is the worst teacher I have ever had. She is worse than a high school teacher. Even if you finish all your homework and get the answers right, you won't get higher than a 6/10. She demands paragraphs of explanation along with number explanations. She is impossible, and office hours are not helpful either. DONT TAKE HER!!!
This is one of the worst teachers I have ever had. She is unfair, doesn't teach, doesn't go over the homework, puts rediculous questions on the tests and teaches by only giving examples on the board.
Absolutely Terrible Teacher!! she puts the most difficult questions ever on the test. Avoid her at all costs. It's very hard to get a good grade because she is unfair and isn't helpful!
The worst teacher ever. Far too much homework, at least 3 hours a night! She is a tough grader, won't ever get a grade better than a 6/10 on homework. Her tests are impossible and she has a couple of group projects that are awful. DONT TAKE HER!!!!!!! The class is comprable to HELL!
Terrible. I can't see any University paying for a teacher like this. Awful and I'm so disappointed to have spent money on this pointless education.
Outstanding professor; one of the best mathematics professors I've ever taken. Simplifies difficult concepts with clarity. Exams are straightforward. Homework is challenging, but with some effort, it can easily be tackled. Very helpful in office hours if you come with specific questions (i.e. you've already put forth some effort).
She is a very good professor. She may be difficult to understand at times, and may assign a lot of homework, but she is always willing to help, and wants you to get a good grade. If you show interest and always do your work, your sure to get an A or B! trust me!
She is the best math teacher I have ever had. Don't get me wrong, her class was hard, but that's what you expect with Calc 3. As long as you see her right away when you have a problem, you will do fine. She writes everything on the board, making it really easy to study for test. I highly recommend her.
Her class was tough, but Hoffoss is the best math teacher in the math department. She's very excited about math so class will never be boring-slightly entertaining sometimes. The material is tough, but she is willing to help. Go to office hours the minute you have a probem and participate in class and you will do fine. Final is non-accumulative
Dr. Hoffoss is an outstanding professor. I took her for both Calc II and Math Logic, and though both classes required a ton of work she is always more than willing to help you understand. Go to her office hours because even if you understnad everything that you're doing in class she really takes note of who cares enough to come get extra help.
Dr. Hoffoss is probably the best math teacher I have ever had! She absoulutely loves math as well as teaching and it shows every day in the classroom! Her lessons are clear and interesting and she is very willing to help! She wants you to succeed in her class and want to learn math!
Calc 3 is really hard but she made it much better. She's a great teacher and explains things well. Go to office hours! She is very helpful there. Considering how tough the material is, her tests are pretty easy and she gives extra credit on tests for neat & clear work, which helps SO MUCH!
Whatever you read here, is EXACTLY right. Calc 3 is very difficult but she really tries her best to make it easy for you. She speaks as fast as she writes on the board. She's very passionate about Math, and she offers a lot of time to help you in any way possible. Take advantage of that! Work REALLY hard and you're guaranteed a B.
Great class, just hard
She works you hard, but she is a great teacher. I think like half of my class switched to majoring in or minoring in Mathematics after having her, myself included. Before her class I was just planning to take it to get my Math credit I needed, but now I am majoring in math. Make sure to keep up with the homework and do all the funpacks
This teach deserves a red chili pepper... Because hard professors are hot, and so are ones that are as gosh darn good looking as she is.
Really hard class. Kind of moody and obviously thinks very highly of herself. Assigns WAY too much hw, to the point where it can take you hours to complete. I had to take a W in this class b/c I was afraid I was going to fail. Do not take unless you plan on majoring/minoring in math.
Dr. Hoffoss is extremely knowledgable and helpful. She really cares about the students and encourages discussion and speculation about the topic. Although Calc III was very challenging, and A is definitely possible because she is such a great teacher. She has been my favorite teacher so far and I would highly recommend her.
This class is extremely hard, but you can definitely succeed in it as long as you put in the time and effort. Go to her office hours!! It will help you a lot! I highly recommend this professor for this class since she teaches the subject so well. The only problem is that if you want to get an A you must work hard and have a lot of time commitment.
Hoffoss is one of the best math professors i've had. Took Calc BC before but took 151 again. Her explanations are very clear and mathematically correct. She emphasizes clarity and organization when solving problems and will give EC on tests for it. Go to hoffoss hours. Good class, can be difficult at times, but manageable. And she has a nice ass.
Her class is extremely hard, but it is worth it. She is the best teacher I have had at this school. She genuinely cares about her students and wants them to succeed. Make use of her office hours, she makes you find the answers on your own, but she helps guide you in the right direction. Take her class any chance you get. Great lady.
Amazing teacher. Probably the best I've had at this school. The class is challenging, but she does an amazing job at getting the information to stick. Definitely recommended.
Extremely difficult teacher. Has taken off half points for proofs when she even writes they were correct, simply not done the way she wanted, for it wasn't as "neat". People study over 15 hours for tests and pray for C's. If you need this class for your major, good luck. You'll need it.
This class is too difficult to be a lower division only worth 3 units. Hoffoss is a great teacher, but her exams are nearly impossible. I studied over 30 hrs for her final and got a C on it. Go to "Hoffoss hours", get on her good side, and do all hw/fun packs. Only take her if you're majoring/minoring in math, bc it will consume your life.
Dr. Hoffoss is not very helpful. She doesn't respond to emails and always busy in her office hours because there tons of other students who need help as well. Class is extremely hard and requires way too much time. Forget about life and pleasure if you're going to take this class, especially with Dr. Hoffoss.
This class has super tough material, but Dr. Hoffoss teaches the concepts in a clear, and easy to understand manner. Her notes on the board are very organized, and she can explain any questions you have extremely well. Tests are tough, study a lot in advance and do the funpacks!
Dr. Hoffoss is AMAZING. She is enthusiastic and incredibly clear. She has high expectations, but not unmanageably as she expects you to push your limits. If you don't plan on putting in at least 20 hours prior to each exam and about 5 hours a week normally, then don't take her class. Take her class if you work hard and want a challenge.
Dont take her if you aren't majoring in math. Way too much work, I am not happy with her teaching style, in general not happy with this class. I am taking it right now and I hate it.
I am a graduating senior and I only have one B on my transcripts from all 4 years. That B was in Hoffoss' class. Plan on spending 2-3 hours a night doing the bookwork and studying 10+ hours for each test. It was doable in the end, but the first midterm definitely knocked my socks off.
Hoffoss will definitely test your knowledge of the subject. She turns math into an art form and truly loves what she does. take her if you want to improve your math skills and grow your love for math, don't take her if your lazy and are unwilling to work hard for something other than your business major or party planning.
Calc 3 is a tough class, so if you have to take it, take it with Hoffoss. She is extremely clear, writes the best and most detailed notes on the board, is super helpful in office hours, and gives extra credit on exams. She knows you want to get a good grade, & she helps you get there, but she makes you work for it.
Hoffoss is actually a really good teacher. Sure, she can be hard, but if you speak with her one on one in office hours or you just ask for a further explanation you'll get it. She can also be condescending, but you get used to it. She also allows for a lot of extra credit and the homework is REALLY easy to do well on (she's not the one grading it).
Most enthusiastic teacher at USD, loves her profession and makes you try to love it too. However, it feels like she sets you up to fail if you don't. Her tests are catered to the people who only truly get the material. There is no skimping by. Her test avgs are around a 75 and she does not curve. The most demanding class I've ever taken.
Dr. Hoffoss was one of the best professors I've had! She's always so excited about teaching math. Although the material was very challenging, she was clear in her teaching and was willing to answer questions in class and help in office hours. You have to go to class because she assigns homework based on what is learned in class.
Hoffoss's class is tough, but she is a GREAT professor. Best one I've had so far at USD. She covers a lot but explains it well. Study a lot for the tests and go to office hours if you're confused and you'll do just fine. Definitely take her class!!
Hoffoss is the hardest teacher I have ever had. Fortunately, I learned a lot and she is a great teacher. She is very in depth and doesn't skimp on any material. You must do all your homework and listen to her advice about studying. Do what she says and you will become a math genius.
Calc 3 with Hoffoss is hard/ challenging, but worth it. Doing well in this class leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and you are rewarded for your hard work in the course. Hoffoss is one of the smartest individuals you will ever meet. Be prepared to study 20 hrs per test (im not joshing you) and you'll do great. Not for the lazy student
This class is a nightmare. I thought I was pretty good at math going in, and I got wrecked. She moves a million miles per hour, and I didn't find her office hours helpful in the slightest. She's the kind of teacher that answers my questions with another question. She doesn't curve tests at all.I studied pretty hard and did poorly each time.
This was definitely one of the toughest classes I've taken, but Dr. Hoffoss is a great teacher. Do your homework very clearly and carefully and you could get life-saving EC. She isn't joking that you have to study 20 hours for each test but she will help you get there. Very clear notes, clear expectations, and clear teaching stile.
The most frustrating factor is the lack of preparation for the homework: sometimes, lectures do not even cover homework content. Her negative views get deleted, please heed this warning, do NOT take this professor!
Very challenging class. Be prepared to go to office hours regularly and study A LOT for tests. Even then, you might end up with only a C. That being said, you learn a ton, and she is truly a helpful professor.
hardest class i ever took due to her lack of chill. grades homework like a test. the only way to get a good grade is to study for 10 hrs a day or go to office hours lick her balls. dont take her. rly hard teacher
If you are pristine in the accumulated knowledge of Calc 1, geometry, and algebra, then you will survive this class and enjoy her teaching. I was not one of those people and I got an F despite 15 hours/week on homework (not including exam study time). I got a B in Calc 1 so I know I'm not inept at math. She's nice but that class was killer.
Very hard, must spend at least 25 hours of studying to pass the midterms. Do not take this if you have no prior knowledge of calculus.
Beware, do not take this class if you have not taken calculus before. You have to be be willing to put it an extreme amount of effort to pass this class. Each test requires at least 20 hours of studying outside of homework. Homework is graded like a test and lectures do not prepare you for homework at all. Hardest class/teacher I have ever had.
Do not take this class if you don't want to destroy your GPA. The homework is graded like a test, not just for completion. Lectures and notes do not adequately prepare you for the homework problems. I spent at least 20 hours studying and still got a D on exams.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. Her lecture and class notes are fine, but the test is completely different from what was learned in class and in hw. She takes pride in the fact that most kids drop or fail. Claims to be willing to help, but treats you like you're stupid for being confused. Just ridiculous and very unfair.
Try to switch teachers if you can and if you can't then definitely take it next semester. Destroys your gpa even if you put in effort to understand the material. The hardest possible problems will be on the test and there are only 3 tests and a homework grade Teaches very fast, if you don't understand something go over it a million times. Good luck
AWFUL! DO NOT TAKE HER CLASS!WORST DECISION OF MY LIFE NO JOKE! Totally destroyed my GPA. Class is extremely fast pace,all note taking. 1/2 of my class dropped including kids who took AP Calc in highschool. Tests are impossible & if u go see her during office hours be prepared to sit and wait and when she finally does help she'll make u fell stupid
Do not take this class especially if you haven't taken Calc in high school. I tried everything (office hours, math help center, private tutor) to get at least a B- and ended up having to drop for the survival of my gpa. I had a cold two weeks before the exam and she would not let me go into office hours so I had no way to ask the questions I had.
Dr. Hoffoss is enthusiastic about Calculus and does well explaining new topics in class however she expects an unrealistic amount of work and knowledge from her students. If you are not prepared to do 3 hours of homework for each class, study 30 hours for each test (and still end up with a bad grade) do not take this class.
Keep in mind that Linda Hoffoss is the same person. I took Calculus 2 with her and it was probably the hardest class Ive taken. She is a very tough grader because she sets high expectations for you. Attendance is not really taken, but she will notice when youre gone and probably call you out for it. She also asks you to study 20 hr/testdo it!
Took Calc 1 and Calc 2 with her, got an A in Calc 1 and a B in Calc 2. Both classes were quite hard but fair. filled a full notebook and a half each class with lecture notes. When she tells you to study 20 hours for each test, do it, it's worth it. Super nice person, hard class but by the end you will know your stuff.
If you work hard, don't complain, show up, and try, you'll be fine. She is straight forward. She is super smart and helpful, so ask questions. She wants you to do your part in putting in effort. Totally possible to get an A or a B if you just show up, do the homework, and actually study a good amount before tests. She is not as bad as people say.
I respect her as a professor, but the class is very hard especially when you have not take Calculus 3 before. I feel like a lot of people in the class have previous experience and know how to do a lot of the stuff already when I am struggling to pass. She is sympathetic and if you ask her questions or are struggling she will do her best to help.
I have had Dr. Hoffoss for 3 different classes. She is the best professor. Her lecture notes are very organized which makes it easy to follow, especially in calc 3. HW once a week. Quizzes in upper divs. Tests are rough, be sure to study at least 20 hrs per test. You WILL learn the material. Any class after will be easy. Go to office hrs to do hw.
I have had Dr. Hoffoss 3 times. Good grades are not given out easily, but she is one of the best professors/teachers I have ever had. Lectures and notes are all EXTREMELY organized. The way she teaches allows you to grasp a deep understanding of the material. She is also so sweet and always love cracking some good jokes during class. she cares!!!!
Dr. Hoffoss is the best professor I've ever had. She makes you work for it, but I have never learned so much in my life. She is a must-take professor.
Took this class online. Dr Hoffoss was always very prepared for class, had excellent notes and assigned relevant homework. Learned so much and was very enjoyable. Not an easy class by any means but certainly possible (this class especially doesn't require much background knowledge). Look for an international version of the textbook if you are buyin
Calc 2 with DH was the hardest yet most rewarding class I have ever had. She says to study 20+ hours per test - I say raise that to 35+ hours. Hoffoss was always clear with her expectations. And her grading was always objective and fair. She has numerous office hours to attend throughout the week and is always willing help.
Don't always trust students past experiences or even ratings on here. I was told it would be the worst decision of my life taking this class. But Dr. Hoffoss is easily one of my favorite profs. It's a hard class regardless so get ready to put effort in. But show up and ask questions, she is super helpful especially when she sees you are trying.
She had a really tough class and expected us to study for 20 hours for all of the tests we were given. If you can, listen to her advice because although it is a lot of work, it is very rewarding and you will learn immensely. She was also so much fun in class and had a great balance between having fun and getting work done.
Dr. Hoffoss has high expectations for her students, but also gives so much of her time in return. Homeworks and tests are returned quickly with individualized feedback. Her class will demand much of your time with regular homework but you will gain much in return. Extremely organized, enthusiastic, and an excellent teacher.
Amazing professors but very difficult class. Prepare to study a LOT
TAKE HER! She's thorough with the concepts. She's a great professor, but it is still a difficult class, so prepare to do tons of math outside of class.
This class is going to be very difficult but it was the most rewarding class I have ever taken. She suggests to study for 20 hours and it seems crazy at first but it really is essential. She is awesome and is my favorite professor at USD.
TAKE HER! Attendance is mandatory, you will not pass if you dont show up. Calc 3 is a strenuous course but she makes it so much better. You will have to work hard for an A, but its feasible if you put in the work. Her office hours are helpful so make sure you utilize them. There's 3 exams (20% of your grade each), final 25%, HW 10%, Partic. 5%.
A Calculus Legend. You will not only be inspired in the world of calculus but in your whole life as well. You must show up ready to go every day, that doesn't mean understanding everything right off the bat, it means being willing to ask the questions to want to succeed. She genuinely WANTS you to succeed. Calculus GOAT.
She is the worst professor in the math dept. Her grading scales are arbitrary (MSPBZ), and you would not know your grade until it is officially posted. She refused to answer useful questions during class and pushed her students to go to office hours, which she might not get to you. She uses a textbook that has been discontinued since the 1980s
Genuinely the coolest prof. at USD. Has so many accolades, but doesn't brag about them. This class is HARD. But go to office hours often, and she will help you tremendously! Homework every class (only worth 10% of grade) and 3 exams make up 90%. She will like you if you show you care, and she is genuinely so interesting + great lecturer
Professor Hoffoss is easily my favorite professor at USD! It is a HARD class, but it is so interesting and very rewarding. Her lectures are fast, but take notes and don't be afraid to go to office hours or ask questions in class because she is very willing to help.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
61%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.02 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH310
5.0
(1)MATH375
5.0
(2)MATH385
5.0
(1)MATH250
4.7
(24)MATH151
4.1
(13)Difficulty by Course
21
5.0
MATH52
5.0
SURVEYOFCALC
5.0
CALC150
5.0
MATH150
5.0