3.9
Quality2.6
Difficulty59%
Would Retake112
Reviews59%
Would Retake
112
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
58
4
23
3
15
2
9
1
7
What Students Say
“(I highly recommend, Don't be shy”
MAT108 - 4.0 rating“Polanco will try his best to make you understand the material”
MAT108 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
91%
Textbook Required
74%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.82 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH100
5.0
(2)MATH18
5.0
(1)MAT104
4.5
(8)MATH103
4.3
(3)108MATH
4.3
(3)Difficulty by Course
105
4.5
MATH104
3.7
MATH18
3.0
108MATH
3.0
108
2.8
Reviews (112)
he is so freaking hot i love him!!!! i try so hard in math now..... which by the way is the worse subject in the history of subjects....he explains very well and isnt a boring dull math professor he's down to earth, intelligent he knows how to interact with his students and did i mention he is HOT!?!
POLANCO IS A COOL PROF. HE REALLY TAKES HIS TIME TO HELP HIS STUDENTS AND MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND. IF THEY DONT HE'LL MEET WITH YOU. NO TEXT WAS USED JUST ONLINE HW'S DO YOUR HW'S! HE GIVES A TEST EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE TO SEE OUR PROGRESS. THE CLASS WAS FUN, HE ISNT BORING. YOU UNDERSTAND HIM AND ITS JUST REALLY CHILL IN HIS CLASS. I PASSED :)
POLANCO IS A COOL PROF.THE CLASS IS VERY CHILL.NOT BORING.HE GIVES THE HW'S ONLINE;DO THEM!HE GIVES A TEST ONCE IN A WHILE TO SEE OUR PROGRESS.VERY HELPFUL PROF.EASY TO UNDERSTAND.HE HATES WHEN YOU TEXT IN HIS CLASS LOL.HES EASYGOING AND NICE.IF YOUR BAD IN MATH AND NEED TO LEARN TAKE HIM HE GOES INTO DEPTH WITH YOU.I PASSED MY REMEDIAL :)
Polanco is very helpful and does his best to make students understand what is being taught. His patience isnt all that super but its funny. He wants his students to learn & have some IMAGINATION when it comes to math. He's very helpful & understanding, just do your Work/HW, dont be lazy. participate bc he likes it. study! hes a cool guy :) Not har
Great Professor.. We were all having a hard time and he took the time and we all passed!!
TOOK HIM FOR ALL MATH SEMESTERS:GREAT PROFESSOR.HE TEACHES HIS STUDENTS A LOT,EVEN THOUGH MAY BE OVERWHELMING.WHEN HE CUTS U SOME SLACK,APPRECIATE IT.DON?T TAKE ADVANTAGE! PARTICIPATE,HAVE IMAGINATION,DO HW,STUDY.COME TO CLASS PREPARED BC HE HATES WHEN YOUR NOT.REALLY HARD WORKING,DEVOTED PROF.WHEN HE SAYS GOOD LUCK,SAY THANK YOU.HE MADE ME PASS =)
He doesnt have any patience, when you dont understand something he gets angry at times. He expects you to know everything. Dont take him especially if your not a fast learner as Iam in math!!!! I regret taking his class. I tried to drop him but found out my finiancial Aid would have been messed up. He also has his favorite students that he would he
I absolutely love him! He is super nice and wants his students to do well. He is really cute too so even though I hate math I enjoyed coming to his class just to look at him : )
I absolutely hate math, I took this class this semester expecting it to be one of my worst classes, it turned out to be a really good class, I understood most of the subjects and topics taught because he explains it as long as you ask questions. I mean I'm absolutely horrible in math and got a decent grade, would highly recommend!
Very nice professor. sometimes a little too relaxed with allowing students to socialize during a math lesson.
Is one of the best professors I've ever had! He does a good job of preparing students for tests as well as presenting his material clearly.
He is very good. Seems as if he is cool but do not fall for it, still remain polite and respectful to kick ur grade up a noch. He seems very motivated and likes his job, very interesting class :)
If your horrible in math, DONT take him. He doesnt have patience at all.....
I hate this teacher, he was alright at first but then when you dont understand how to do a problem beacause he solves the problem without telling you why hes doin what hes doing he gets mad an tells you hes 'not going to give you the answer' if you are bad in math then stay away from this class. Hes rude and sucks as a teacher
he is very laid back. his class is easy at times. he put ppl on the spot just to make them think to solve the problem. he takes his time and explains the hard parts of the lessons. he takes his time and knows what he knows. the only bad thing is that u have to do all the hw nd he gets kinda mad when u test his patience.
As far as math professors go, this guy is awesome. Very clear, good sense of humor (not too serious), and a great teacher. Answers any questions, and actually teaches you what to do rather than memorize things. Sit up front, pay attention, don't miss class (perfect attendance is a huge bonus), easy A. HOMEWORK IS GREAT PRACTICE. DO IT!
By far the best Math professor I have ever taken in my whole life. I have NEVER recieved an A in Math prior to his course, but He's so excellent at his craft, that I did achieve this goal. He gives private tutoring, and is willing to help those who actually show effort. FYI Ladies: He is even hotter if you sit in the front ;)
I LOVED this class. He made it so easy! Very fun, but serious with his teaching. I did really well in his class. I wanted to take him again for math 104. Plus, he's VERY easy on the eyes. <3 lOl
The easiest math class i have taken. You can actually get an average above 100. He gives a quiz each week which are 20 extra bonus points for the tests. You cannot fail.
VERY EASY CLASS! GIVES 2 QUIZZES B4 EVERY EXAM (3 EXAMS)THOSE QUIZZES ARE EXTRA CREDIT TOWARDS YOUR EXAM. HE'S COOL AND NICE.
Amazing professor!!! I thought math was going to be horrible bc I suck at it... BUT it was my favorite for this semester ;). He always made sure EVERYONE understood what he was teaching & he's always willing to help students. I got an A :)... HW's and quizzes are easy!! TAKE HIM & YOU WON'T REGRET IT! He's a Cutie too :)
I loved Prof. Polanco! He's so laid back and cool but at the same time very dedicated to teaching. Participate in his class and you will understand the material better. He tries very hard to get his students to understand the material. If I ever had to take math again,I'd definetly take it with him
Makes the course fun. Explains thoroughly. Quizzes add bonus points. TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. You will not regret it.
Really great professor. If you take tutoring you will do better in the class, as there are alot of formulas to remember. He is a great teacher, made me actually like math! Take this professor!
He is okay, i mean he does try to help his students understand but it is very obvious that he doesn't have much patience to help his students actually get the material. he goes way to fast in his teaching but if you study and go over notes oh and tutoring you will do perfectly fine.
i hate math with a passion but he helped my focus and study and actually pass! great professor! if he taught other classes i had totally take him again. and he's a cutie so its actually nice to pay attention to him :O)
GREAT PROFFESOR! PRIOR TO TAKING HIM I WAS HORRIBLE AT MATH HE IS VERY DEDICATED TO TEACHING AND HELPED ME UNDERSTAND THE WORK. HE IS VERY FAST SO AS LONG AS YOU SHOW UP AND LISTEN YOU WILL DO FINE. DO YOUR HOMEWORK TRUST ME! AND STUDY FORMULAS BECAUSE HE GIVES QUIZZES THAT ACTUALLY BECOME A EXTRA FEW POINTS ON THE EXAMS WHICH YOU WILL NEED! AND YE
he is not very clear, although he is very nice. You can tell he is passionate about making sure students pass although I am not sure his method is effective. He does give quizzes before tests in which you can add on points to the actual test.His grading is a bit unreasonable. If your good at math take him, otherwise go with STERN!
He's a great teacher. His hws are all online and pretty easy to do since the site tells you how to do the problem if you dont get it. Gives quizzes before test and they add on as points to your test grade. He's a little sarcastic but funny. If your naturally good at math take this class 100% you well get an A like me.I suggest you take Polanco!!
He's very clear and makes sure you understand everything. He's funny and very sarcastic, and it makes the class better. The homeworks are all online and very easy. There are 3 exams which are super easy if you pay attention in class. He also gives quizzes, and adds the points to your exam grades. Definitely one of my favorite professors.
he is a good professor. i learned a lot from him (i got an A-) the quizzes are challenging but if u study ull do fine and they benefit u on the test. nice guy, good teacher and has a fair grading system. take him if u wanna do good!
Dont like this class what so ever! He goes way to fast and does the problems in the most difficult ways possible. Did not learn anything in his class. The only time I learned was when I went to tutoring.I also hate that we cannot move on to the next assignment if we don't have a 60% or above. The group work for final preparation didn't even help
DON'T LIKE HIM AND DONT RECOMMEND HIM IF YOU WANT A GOOD GRADE.
BEST PROFESSOR. Super funny and gives you many opportunities to pass his class.
I HATE math, let me start by saying that. Pro. Polanco made it easy to understand and grasp. He has a good sense of humor and personality, which makes things a lot easier. Yes, he gives a lot of work, but this IS college.
Hes a great professor, very helpful knows how to teach. if you don't get anything he will keep going over and over it until you can grasp the material. He's reallllyy good looking, really distracting, defiantly would recommend to take him.
Hes smart hot and hot. MAKES SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL. HE WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE HELP YOU NEED. Knows how to teach. Excellent professor. He has a great personalty , helpful super good looking love him. Definitely recommended.
The best math professor I've come across. Teaches so clear and easy, goes over everything making sure you understand. Polanco is the man, this is one professor that can actually teach math, without making things too complicated. Great personality and caring. Tutoring + Polanco's class = success. Thanks Polanco! Summer2013, 501.
Great professor and a really great guy. He makes class fun and interesting. I'm horrible at math, but with all the extra points and time Polanco gives, I walked away with an A. He explains things well, I finally understood math. (For now)
Excellent professor. Very clear when giving Mathematical explanations. I never get an "A" in ANY Math...I got an A in his class because I understood his way of teaching very well!
The class itself is not easy but he WILL help you understand. Do the HW. Not for a higher grade but so you can know what is going on. He is very funny but the only negative thing about him is he will put you on the spot if your answer to 1+1 is 11
He is a good professor. Good sense of humor. Explains things very thoroughly. Homework assignments usually due at the end of semester, best if completed after each section done in class. I recommend him, you won't regret it!!!
Took this class in the winter. Best math professor I've had so far, he explains every topic STEP BY STEP and in any way you can imagine. He is very patient and willing to help students.
He is WAY TOO CONFUSING. It's like he's speaking another language and he teaches so complex! Worst teacher ever!
Polanco is the best Math Professor @ John Jay! He cares about his students and he just want's everyone to pass. He gives out review sheets before every exam and offers extra credit opportunities. I highly recommend him!
Polanco is amazing! He breaks everything down and explains whatever you need. Review sheets before every exam, 3 exams plus the final. If you have perfect attendance he drops any exam except the final. Online homeworks all due the end of the semester. I'm terrible at math and Polanco is a mriacle worker. Who knew I could get a B+ in math? TAKE HIM!
He explains everything clearly. I am horrible at math, never getting A's, & guess what? I got an A in math first time ever!! Recommend this teacher !
I highly recommend this class for those who are struggling with math. He gives a review sheet before each exam. The exam is VERY SIMILAR to the review. If you master the review, I don't see any reason for not getting a good grade. He also drops the lowest exam score and offers some extra credit opportunities
He is awesome and will make you like math! he makes simple !
Professor polanco is the man! Had him for 105 and 108 and i was horrible and math and i passed both times. If your bad at math hes the teacher for you!
Good professor . Reviews help. Pass your test due your assignments and you'll be fine. Held a review before final which really helped. would take again
The best for math. I'm horrible at math, by far my weakest subject, but got an A. He's clear and teaches easier ways to solve a problem. Go to tutoring to clarify because it will get tough, but this guy is the man. Simple.
If you have problems with math, if you feel likeyou are never going to pass any mathematics course, then you have got to, HAVE GOT TO take Polanco, Polanco is amazing, his teaching style is clear, he will make you understand the material and you will definitely pass with flying colors. Never had I gotten higher than a D in MATH and I got a B+!
17 online hws, 3 tests, 1 final. sarcastic, tough to follow but nice and approachable
Polanco is an amazing professor. I was bad at math since elementary school. However, when I took his class I actually enjoyed math. I went to tutoring, as well as his office hours to get help. He is a fair teacher, gives extra credit, and the reviews are so similar to exam. Take him! He's sarcastic, but its not a problem unless you're sensitive!
Pros: - No textbook is needed (He provides the online mymathlab code for free) - Exams is exactly the samesimilar to review sheets - Grades your work as soon as possible - Funny at times Cons: - Can barely understand what he's saying. (???) - He writes so small on the board, and I sat in the front
He is a really fast grader and does care enough to re-explain things to you. The only thing is really didn't like is he was not shy to call people out when they didn't understand something. He occasionally made people feel beyond stupid. He was really helpful in the end! YOU DONT NEED THE TEXTBOOK!
I honestly liked him. Yes we did have homework after every couple of chapters but it benefits you a lot. Had a couple of pop quizzes before each exam and would use it as extra credit. If your stuck, he'll make sure you understand and won't stop explaining until you do. He is also funny. I highly recommend him.
Gives quizzes before every test, and the points go toward the test. Test review is exactly like the test. No need to buy the textbook! Teaches clearly. Lets you know how you're doing at least twice in the semester. A lot of online homework but its definitely manageable. Attend every class drop lowest test grade. Overall, he's great. Take him! (:
AMAZING PROFESSOR! He actually made me enjoy math, and I have never liked it. He explains thoroughly, and is also available for help during office hours. He gives extra credit towards exams, and drops the lowest grade if you have perfect attendance. He is understanding and always answers emails. Grades pretty fast too. I had him twice, no regrets!
AMAZING PROFESSOR. He is understanding and always answers emails. Grades pretty fast too. I had him twice, no regrets!
Best math professor in johnjay. I never was good at math and thought i wouldnt pass it college, but i had him for 105 and 108 and passed with Bs
Prof Polanco is the best! He really encourages students to think and put all the math concepts together. He is very helpful and approachable and he does his best to explain everything really well. I'd definitely take him again. And he's pretty cute too.
I've taken this class twice because I failed last semester, and I wish I just would've had him as a professor in the first place! There's definitely lots of homework, and pop quizzes, but he tries his best to make the class understand before he moves on. The tests were basically all the same with lessons added on. & Participation is a musttt
Polanco is a really cool teacher. He sometimes speaks really fast and goes through material like it's nothing, but will always be there to help. It's a hard subject but he tries his best to lighten the mood. He gives 3 cumulative tests plus the final which is also cumulative. Pretty fair tests. (everything on the test review packets).
Professor Polanco is a great professor. He is very sarcastic and funny. Math 108 is a tough course, however Polanco does cover the best he can. He can go a bit fast sometimes. He is super cool also! Does give you the opportunity to pass since he considers curving exams. Highly reccomend him.
Professor Polanco gets mad at the students for not understanding. He gives 3 cumulative test. To be honest the course is very tough and kinda hard. He is there & caresfor the students but his sarcasm is too much. Even thought he is funny with his comments the class still hard. He tries his best to make us understand, but he got a very short fuse.
The course itself is extremely hard. Pro. Polanco will try his best to make you understand the material. He has a very sarcastic attitude and it gets annoying but if he sees your effort in wanting to learn he will definitely take that into consideration. Ask questions and participate and do the online homework. Go to class if not you will be lost.
The material in this course are hard but he tries hard so you can understand. His tests are not that hard. He gives review b4 the tests. He is funny and sometimes sarcastic but it makes class take able, otherwise with materials only, its a very boring and hard course. Take him, no regrets.
Class is your basic math class. He's funny, like really funny. He's also very clear, but he does expect you to know basic math and will poke fun if you don't. Nothing serious. EXPECT TO DO WEBASSIGN HW. it is DEF part of you grade! He MIGHT give you an extension if your reasons are good enough, but be safe.
Good teacher but not chili pepper at all
Good professor if you understand math. Took this summer course and he overloaded us with homework every single night! If you don't understand math this isn't the professor to take. He is sarcastic when he doesn't need to be and he seems to get annoyed when you ask questions that he feels you are suppose to know. Worst prof to take in my opinion
Professor Polanco is decent at best. His lectures can get very boring and he follows his handouts to the word. The worst thing about this course is aleks. Especially the fact that you have to spend a certain amount of time on. Aside from that if you show effort in the class and the work, he could give you a good grade. Just study for the tests.
This professor is what you would expect from a math instructor. Relies heavily on homework and class lessons to make you understand the material. He can be sarcastic but it is not offensive and he is definitely not mean. He is very clear and kind of cute... overall 3/5
Very sarcastic to the point that it's and unhelpful.
This professor makes the class understandable, but you have to do your homework to pass. You'd spend at least 3 hours on every homework, it's just exhausting and too much.
He tends to confuse a lot of people when trying to teach different mathematical topics. Very sarcastic and classes are very boring. Do the homework, show up to class, and study the exam review sheets and you'll be completely fine but if you want to be in an exctiting class or if you struggle with mathematical concepts I'd stay away.
No Textbook, online homework that you must buy code to. Prof. Polanco is a good professor, teaches a little fast but stops if anyone need him to clarify something. (I highly recommend, Don't be shy.) Must always do homework (got the grade I did for not completing mine) Follows a packet that is always helpful to look back at. reviews are helpful :)
great teacher
At first I hated his class but thats because I hate math. Once you start understanding you just start loving him because he makes sure you learn. He will take his time to help you out and actually understand the material. He is such a caring person who understands his students and helps them.
I know it is 5.5 years overdue but Professor Polanco is an amazing lecturer and is my mentor. I was not good at math, however he helped me to improve in math within one semester. He has helped encouraged me to tutor at John Jay and SEEK, and to be his SI. I am an adjunct because of him, and pretty good at it! Professor Polanco is truly awesome.
He's great and very funny. He's the reason I started to love math again. I enjoy his class, and we always get stuff done. He's not the type to cancel class so don't think that he wouldn't show up. He hasn't missed a day of class. Make sure to do your ALECKS hw, thats very important to him. There are also 3 exams and a final, use the review he gives
He is the most useless Professor in the ENTIRE BUILDING!!! Throughout my time in college, I have never met a Professor so LAZY! UNRELIABLE! & DIREGARDING of his students. He never replies to emails in time and he never gives help. If you take this class I hope you are a Math genius. Your gonna need it.
The course was administered via the Aleks software/website. He does grant a 24-hour window for taking quizzes/exams. Vague and misleading syllabus. Said that there was no review sheet for the final even though there was, which ended up hurting our grades. Don't take his class if you do not like being deceived, left in the dark, or do not keep up.
Professor Polanco uses a website called ALEKS which was very annoying, but his class was easy. Just review all the homework's, do the practice problems, and you'll get an A. He even helps you during office hours if you have questions. Take him!
Math obviously isnt everyones best subject but Professor Polanco will try his best to give you a decent grade as long as you show that you care. ALEKS is very important and will boost your grade if you arent the best test taker!
I took this class in the winter so I didn't interact with him much. I emailed him once and he got back right away. Lots of homework using Aleks, which is pretty hard. Two or three exams using proctoring software. The class is not difficult, it is just the Aleks software that is difficult.
If you're good or decent at math, you'll be fine with using ALEKS and just be on your own. If you need guidance and a professor that is more present, do not take him. He doesn't send any communications if not for reminders of exams. Nothing is posted on blackboard and he doesn't upgrade grades so you won't really know what's your actual grade.
I took Polanco as an asynchronous class so I did not interact with him much. He responds quickly to emails and sends info about tutoring sessions. There are about 6 quizzes and 3 exams. He allows retakes for the exams. Watch the lecture videos and complete your homework for an A!!!
Had to learn topics off of Aleks first then he just went through problems after. Nice guy but not very forgiving with homework even if you have a job and other stuff
The only issue I faced with this class was with using ALEKS. You have to teach YOURSELF the material which makes it hard imo. It is an easy class to pass though, as long as you stay on top of the homework and review the material often.
I mean he is ok professor but it's just that he been M.I.A almost alot and there alot of homework to do aleks depending if you do it on time and there are some quizzes that we thought it's for our grades but actually there are extra credits so if he say do it, do it because it may save your life on 3 exams to take on his class which adding points.
Just pay attention in class. Do ALEKS homeworks and you'll pass with an A. He posts reviews on blackboard and each review will have a youtube video explaining every question. There are total of 4 tests including the final and few quizes. Easy class if you act like you should.
Such a nice guy! He gets back to emails fast, his syllabus is clear, and ALEKS is quite simple to use. Best way to get your MAT 108 credit fast. I would take him again if I didn't declare a reading-intensive major and minor. All freshmen should take him!
My class was quiet but he was a good professor. He's very funny but everything you need to learn about is mainly on ALEKS. He pushes you to think and goes through things fairly fast.
Honestly, He's a very understanding professor and he gets back to you quick. I would definitely recommend him and it's an easy class to pass as long as you stay on top of the homework.
It's the easiest math you'll take. three exams + final, very homework heavy, but just do the aleks 100%, professor will try to help with curves if he sees the students are trying their best. makes class funny, but get ready to teach yourself a lot of the materials from aleks
To be honest, just show up & actually put effort. He does teach well, math is just not a lot of people strong suit. But, I believe he does make it easier for everyone.
hes great
He was a good professor. All you need to do is stay on top of the ALEKS and you will get an A. There is a lot of ALEKS, but there are always 3 tests and then the final exam as well.
dont take
I LOVEEEED Polanco's class. His in person lectures are so helpful. If you're struggling, just ask questions in class. If you don't then you either teach yourself on Aleks or fail. This isn't a hard course or a bad prof, just do your work and you'll pass! Review packet for every topic, lots of Aleks hw, but manageable. Don't procrastinate!
Professor Polanco was an amazing professor! He was funny, kind, and helpful. However, he is strict so make sure to do the work and attend all the classes. Even missing one class can make you fall behind. The course can be challenging so just make sure to ask questions. Homework is also assigned at the beginning of every week. 10/10 professor!
You are graded very heavily on the homework which is exactly why I failed because I barely did the work on ALEKS because it's a frustrating platform to use. I had to retake this class with a different professor and ended up passing, they didn't care if the ALEKS work was done or not, but Professor Polanco cares about it. So do your homework!
he's not a bad teacher but it's the fact that he expects you to know everything already and if ur bad at math ur screwed. Relies heavily on Aleks and rushes the topics. Personality wise he's great hes very funny and charming.
Just do aleks and pass like 1 quiz I failed 2 quizzes and failed his final with a 48 and passed his class with a C (I suck at math) . Aleks carries heavy and the professor is chill
I took him Spring 2024 he is really harsh with the homework, you need to do all the ALEKS. it's ridiculous . He's very nice though. If you suck at math avoid him. He only made things more confusing.
Professor Polanco is great - he makes math easier with a clear teaching style. Stay on top of ALEKS and you'll do well. Plus, unstuckstudy is a lifesaver for study prep!
Amazing professor !! I did't take math for over 2 years before this class and he made it fun and enjoyable. He gives us enough ressources and goes over the whole class material as long as you want. It's 3 exams and a final + the ALEKS homework. He also help me for out of class issues. I definitely recommend especially for freshmen's.
Professor Polanco was an average math professor. He moves way too quickly through the material and only does one or two examples on the board. If you keep on top of ALEKS and study the review sheets, you should be fine. I ended up teaching myself but at least I passed. Otherwise his vibe was good.
Sal vulcano is chill but i wouldnt depend on him to learn since he teaches too fast. He uses Aleks for homework assignments and talks the whole classes with participation needed. I would advise to ask him on a topic you're confused about so you can understand better, sometimes gives harsh critism if you lowk give out the wrong answer.
Coming from someone who struggled immensely with math in high school, I 100% reccommend taking this course with Prof. Polanco. If you show that you want to understand and stay engaged, even if you aren't the best at math, you will do fine. Uses ALEKS for homework and occasionally extends the deadline to complete missing homework assignments.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
91%
Textbook Required
74%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.82 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH100
5.0
(2)MATH18
5.0
(1)MAT104
4.5
(8)MATH103
4.3
(3)108MATH
4.3
(3)Difficulty by Course
105
4.5
MATH104
3.7
MATH18
3.0
108MATH
3.0
108
2.8