2.8

George Zestos

Economics - Christopher Newport University

2.8
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
23%
Would Retake
89
Reviews
2.8
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
3.0
Helpful
2.5
Clarity

23%

Would Retake

89

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

19

4

15

3

18

2

13

1

24

What Students Say

This guy communicates like the Buddha, as difficult to comprehend, but without any of the wisdom

ECON385 - 1.0 rating

He doesn't know how to teach

ECON202 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

85%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (8)
B+ (4)
B- (2)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(2)C(2)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 19 reported grades
Not sure yet: 8
B+: 4
B-: 2
A: 2
Common Tags
Tough grader (9)
Lecture heavy (8)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Tough Grader (5)
Graded by few things (4)
Get ready to read (3)
Accessible outside class (3)
Participation matters (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.84 avg change
Jan
Mar
Apr
Jan
Apr
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

INTERNECON

5.0

(1)

ECON2012

4.5

(2)

ECON485

4.5

(4)

ECON211

4.0

(1)

EUROPEANINTEG

4.0

(1)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HONR314

5.0

ECON385

5.0

INTERNECON

4.0

201G

4.0

ULLC100

4.0

Reviews (89)
5.0
3.0
ECON202
Apr 18, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON202
Apr 30, 2002

No Comments

3.0
3.0
ECON202
May 1, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON202
May 3, 2002

No Comments

5.0
3.0
ECON
May 6, 2002

Thanks to Dr. Zestos I finally understood ECON and it was actually interesting

5.0
1.0
ECON2012
May 9, 2002

Great prof, no deadlines, easy to learn from

2.0
2.0
ECON202
Feb 19, 2003

No Comments

5.0
5.0
ECON470
Mar 7, 2003

Zestos is a great teacher, although his lectures often resemble 3rd grade spelling bees. He has trouble spelling....but overall does a great job explaining stuff

5.0
2.0
ECON201
Apr 2, 2003

Dude, this guy is mad cool. Jokes alot, very light hearted, but don't skip. He'll get you on that. Tests are friggin multiple choice... great person too.

4.0
3.0
ECON211
Sep 5, 2003

he's a great teacher, but for the life of me I cant understand how he has a clarity rating of 4!

4.0
4.0
ECON
Sep 27, 2003

Great teacher. Had him for 2nd semester econ, finally understood what I was supposed to learn in 1st semester.

1.0
3.0
ECON
Oct 8, 2003

who understands this guy

3.0
3.0
ECON
Dec 11, 2003

Haha, this guy can be funny, just because he does not mean to be. And I hope you have a normal name like John...because he has a hard time with names. Will explain more if you still don't understand.

1.0
3.0
ECON
Mar 31, 2004

No Comments

2.0
5.0
ECON202G
Oct 8, 2004

wow, essay tests aren't fun! nice guy but i just have a hard time with this class

4.0
3.0
ECON202G
Oct 19, 2004

Go to class and youll be fine! Hard to understand sometimes.. but explains himself pretty clearly! Willing to help! Ask questions!

3.0
3.0
201
Oct 20, 2004

Really cool guy. PAy attention he will call you out in class. Kinda hard to understand. Loves his coffe and pina coladas

2.0
3.0
ECON202G
Oct 25, 2004

Hard to understand--read the book if you want to pass this class. Lectures are pointless, and I have only learned about coffee and soccer and greek letters. Yelled at class often-of course he talks loudly even when hes not mad. Glad this is my last econ-I had no other options but Zestos & it sux.

4.0
2.0
ECON2012
Oct 26, 2004

Had him for 2 semesters, good prof. Can be hard to understand and he's big with telling jokes. He isnt that bad and I enjoyed his classes. Just study notes and read the book and your good. I recommend.

3.0
3.0
ECON202
Oct 26, 2004

funny guy. kinda hard to understand. but he's real funny

2.0
5.0
ECON202G
Oct 27, 2004

tries too hard to be funny, horrible accent, essay tests aren't fun, hard class and bad teacher

3.0
3.0
ECON202
Oct 27, 2004

zestos is alright. talks a lot about pina coladas and soccer but does try to help you learn material.Just read book and you will be fine.O,bad with names.My name is Zeph and whenever he called on me he would go on these 10 minute tangents on how he knew some guy in Greece named Zephros.

3.0
4.0
ECON202
Oct 28, 2004

have him at 8am, i am the only person in the class whos name he remembers. we have had 1 test so far, 2 short essays and 50? MC questions that were hard if u didnt prepare a ahead of time. 1 more test, a final, a paper, some comp assignments, and E.C. econ is just tough, but if u go u should be ok.

1.0
5.0
ECON201
Nov 10, 2004

its hard to understand cause he talks so fast. he doesn't use the book so we have to study the notes. It seems like the notes all repeat themselves. plus we've only had 1 grade(the midterm) and i failed so now wat?

3.0
3.0
ECON202G
Nov 11, 2004

He's Greek - so get ready for the accent (Mamas and Papas haha) Real nice guy - real personable. He tries to explain everything so everyone gets it. he goes down the rows for ?s, so pay attention and don't fall asleep!! but i could of easily gotten a B if not higher - i just didn't turn in the paper

3.0
4.0
ECON202
Nov 17, 2004

Not a good idea to take this class at 8:00 in the morning.

4.0
3.0
ECON202
Dec 8, 2004

this class is enertaining his gestures and antics are sooo funny but on a serious note his tests are really hard but have no fear he has some extra credit stuff participation points (which he forces by calling on everyone) and a paper that is almost a garanteed 100

1.0
5.0
ECON201
Mar 31, 2005

Bad times. Bad times.

5.0
4.0
INTERNECON
Aug 30, 2005

He is an awesome teacher that really cares about his students. Economics can be hard, but if you go and talk to him, he will help you. He wants to do his best to make you understand.

3.0
2.0
ECON
Aug 31, 2005

I don't remember anything from the class, don't know why I took it. He was interesting though. Always telling a weird random story; must be a greek thing. He's one of those that will call on you even if you're hand isn't raised.

1.0
5.0
ECON202
Sep 1, 2005

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON
Sep 22, 2005

I absolutely adore george zestos. how da you how da you. greeks rule.

3.0
2.0
ECONOMICS
Oct 12, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
ECON201
Oct 18, 2005

I LOVE this guy! He is awesome! His accent is hard to get used to, but once you do, he's not too hard to understand. He is absolutely hilarious and makes class really fun! All you have are tests/quizzes and a paper. STUDY hard for the tests, cuz they can be hard. He goes over everything more than once for clarity. Go to class!

2.0
4.0
201G
Nov 1, 2005

i cant understand his quick accent...he calls on you unexpectedly and then doesnt even give you a chance to answer without interrupting you...tests are kinda hard...but where the material comes from is unknown to me..cuz its not in the book and the notes look like chicken stratch and are confusing...try and find a new professor

4.0
3.0
ECON470
Dec 14, 2005

if you are good at econ, he is easy, if you don't understand it he is hard. he is very passionate about econ and teaching. he does not like to give tests, so when he does they are not overly difficult, and he curves ALOT. hes a good guy. show up for class participate and ull be fine

4.0
1.0
ECON202
Feb 28, 2006

This guy is absolutely hilarious! If you participate in class you are fine. He says the funniest things, I would hang out with him outside of class any day.

4.0
3.0
ECON202
Mar 2, 2006

Zestos is the man, funny dude, good teacher

1.0
4.0
ECON201
Apr 7, 2006

Avoid this professor at all costs. Lectures are unorganized and very unclear about the material. He does not provide any information about the exams (like what to study) and will spring due dates on students at the last minute (2 papers due at the end of the semester, in which he notified 1 week out). Search elsewhere for an Econ professor.

5.0
1.0
ECON202
Apr 24, 2006

he calls rectangles rectums.. but other than that hes superb and funny

5.0
3.0
ECON202
May 8, 2006

zestos is the man. hard to understand and teaches a little too fast but very understanding and will help you alot. make sure you make him tell you a joke... they are not funny but his reaction at the end is hilarious.

2.0
3.0
ECON201
Oct 18, 2006

A lot of dry humor, and he talks a lot about alcohol (pina coladas) and soccer...can be confusing and makes you want to fall asleep...DO NOT RECCOMMEND...pretty easy to get a decent grade, but still, if another professor is available, go that direction!

1.0
2.0
ECON201
Dec 14, 2006

Avoid him. Not easy to undestand. Not flexible... I'm not sure he knows what he's talking about at times. Yet he keeps on talking and talking and talking... I bet most of the class doesn't follow him and I don't think he cares. Oh and he thinks he's funny, he should definetely stop trying to be funny.

4.0
2.0
ECON485
Mar 18, 2007

Often scattered and certainly demanding, but has a phenomenal grasp of the subject material; if you have a genuine interest in economics and-or want to go to a decent grad. school, take his econometrics class and throw yourself into it.

5.0
2.0
ECON202
Mar 21, 2007

Zestos is Great! Some of his jokes might not be funny but he's the cutest little greek guy ever! He's always willing to help and gives a lot of Extra Credit so there's no way you can fail! He's always so happy and interested in the students..I look forward to coming to class just to hear the funny things he has to say and see the smile on his face!

5.0
4.0
ECON320
May 4, 2007

My favorite professor. His Greek accent can be difficult to understand at times. his humor isnt LOL, but he does make class interesting. if you dont understand something, GO TALK TO HIM and he will go out of his way to make it crystal clear. the tests are difficult, so go to class. he is really passionate, and loves his students.

5.0
4.0
ECON202
Aug 31, 2007

If you are really at school to learn, his class is very interesting. I enjoyed his class and thought he was entertaining too.

2.0
3.0
ULLC123
Oct 17, 2007

He has passion in his subjects and he tries hard, but he is unorganized and scattered. I wouldnt recommend him.

4.0
3.0
ECON201
Jan 1, 2008

His tests aren't bad, I ususally got a C+, B- on them. His exam was the easiest one. He has review sessions b/f tests that are only helpful if you know what you don't understand and ask questions. Do all the extra credit and you should do alright. I got a B+ in the class so I'm not complaining.

3.0
2.0
ECON202
Aug 26, 2008

He is a great professor. He has great interest in the subject matter. His accent is hard to understand at times, and he goes on tangents that make no sense at time but in the end it doesnt really matter because his tests are easy and he offers lots of extra credit.

4.0
2.0
ECON201
Nov 13, 2008

Mr. Zestos is the freakin man. His Greek accent is tough to understand sometimes but he is funny as hell. Be sure to take notes. He gives extra credit which is real legit. Tests are a little hard but its expected. I would pay to drink with this man.

1.0
4.0
ULLC100
Nov 25, 2008

He's a nice enough guy, but he's hard to understand and often scatterbrained. I you love economics with a passion you will like him, otherwise avoid.

3.0
3.0
ECON201
Mar 25, 2009

He is alright, very funny, a little hard to understand with his heavy accent. He is a little bit of a pushover, ask him to have take home tests, or curve tests and he will -- take advantage of that fact! Don't be afraid to say "give us a take home test" he is all about boosting your grade.

2.0
5.0
ECON201
Mar 31, 2009

Zestos is a very nice guy and tells funny jokes, but he plays favorites and his tests and exams are so hard. Some questions come out of no where and I took every note he wrote and read every chapter

4.0
3.0
ECON201
Nov 4, 2009

zestos is a funny guy, tells small jokes all the time, class is medium difficulty, his notes are helpful but not sufficient for the tests, i suggest reading chapters and doing myeconlab, gives extra credit about 3x

2.0
5.0
ECON201
Dec 6, 2009

He is a really nice person and funny, but you have to do a lot of work outside of class. He doesn't assign homework or reading, but if you do not read the text on your own, you will not pass the tests and quizzes

2.0
5.0
ECON202
Nov 1, 2010

Zestos is a nice guy, but he is almost impossible to understand sometimes. He seems scatter brained, and looses himself while lecturing sometimes. You have to do a lot of work outside of class to have a chance in his class. He gives Minimal grades

2.0
5.0
HONR314
Oct 13, 2012

I would STRONGLY advise against selecting this course with Zestos as an Honors seminar course. Minimal grades, very hard to understand due to thick accent, and a near impossible final with questions NEVER discussed in class. This class was a huge waste of time and GPA killer.

1.0
4.0
ECON202
Mar 11, 2015

He sucks. He thinks he's funny. He doesn't know how to teach. I can barely read his notes that he writes and I can't understand him more than half of the time. He also treats us like we are still in high school

3.0
3.0
ECON202
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 7, 2015

Dr. Zestos is a great person, but definitely not the best teacher. He consistently makes spelling and graphing mistakes when writing notes which makes them messy and confusing. He tends to shout a lot and speak very fast (probably because he's Greek), which can be intimidating as well. I don't suggest him to anybody who asks.

4.0
3.0
EUROPEANINTEG
May 28, 2015

ZESTOS is a great guy and his passion bleeds through his work. In European Integration Zestos' European background lent a helpful perspective on the material. He instilled in me an interest in European Integration. This was both caused by his request for us to do his readings as well as the necessit to do so due to his sometimes confusing lectures

3.0
4.0
ECON320
Oct 8, 2015

Zestos is a great professor, and really passionate about the course. But he gets confusing sometimes which makes it hard to follow along. I wouldn't take a class with him again, but take ECON 320 with him.

1.0
5.0
ECON385
Nov 24, 2015

You're better off trying to learn economics by watching a blind man throw darts at variables on a whiteboard. This guy communicates like the Buddha, as difficult to comprehend, but without any of the wisdom.

1.0
5.0
ECON202
Feb 19, 2016

Zestos is easily the worst teacher I've ever had. He is very difficult to understand and expects too much from his students. He is not responsive to students and how they are responding to the material. Your performance on tests depends on your ability to teach yourself the material because he is no help. I recommend any other professor over him.

3.0
3.0
ECON202
Apr 18, 2016

Professor Zestos is a good professor who truly cares about the material. His accent makes him a little difficult to understand sometimes but he is a funny professor. Just pay attention in his class, respect his rules, and you'll do well in his class. He claims that he takes attendance but he only took it twice.

4.0
4.0
ECON202
Grade: B-
May 14, 2016

Dr. Zestos is a really great guy. Had him for 202 and he encouraged a lot of participation. He can be very hard to understand and the class is pretty hard. I had to teach myself a lot but would go to him for help. If you get to know him and show you care about the class/your grade he will really help you in the end and won't fail you

1.0
4.0
ECON202
Grade: B-
May 24, 2016

He is always willing to help out of class which somewhat makes up for his poor lectures. Expect a LOT of graphs and very little comprehension. He will move on with most of the class being confused and not care. He will expect those confused to come see him. His Greek accent is hard to understand. Not good at teaching but very knowledgeable.

5.0
3.0
ECON485
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2017
Would take again

Great professor with a real interest in the students success. If you try, he will help you understand the material.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Inspirational
1.0
5.0
ECON201
May 14, 2018
Wouldn't take again

this dude sucks. His tests and quizzes make this class awful. Be prepared to not understand half of the words that come out of his mouth. Swear by the textbook or you won't pass.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
ECON201
May 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He tried to be helpful guy outside of class, but it's not enough to make up for his bad lectures. He focuses too hard on making jokes than teaching the material. He jumps around from concept to concept- and doesn't make sure the class is with him. Finally, his tests are impossibly difficult, and I wrote down everything he said/wrote on the board.

Tough Grader
1.0
5.0
ECON201
Grade: Not sure yet
May 21, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Zestos is without a doubt the worst teacher I've ever had. He is difficult to understand and expects too much from his students. Lots of graphs, little explanations. Your performance on tests depends on your ability to teach yourself the material because he is NO help. My class average on our last test was a 61% because no one knew what to study.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ECON201
Grade: Not sure yet
May 22, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Zestos was a struggle to learn from. His lectures are difficult to follow (Extremely scatterbrained) and his handwriting is chicken scratch. His accent is thick, and he talks over students asking questions in class. Taking him in Maymester was awful, he goes so fast if you blink you'll miss what he's talking about. Pick another prof if you can.

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
ECON320
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2018
Would take again

Very passionate professor. If you show any interest in the course, he will go out of his way to help you get the material. One of my favorite professors ever. With that being said, if you don't focus in class he will catch on and call you out. You get out what you put into his class. Many people hate him because of his want of people to care.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
3.0
4.0
ECON202
Grade: B+
Mar 21, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor Zestos is really funny and caring but he has an accent which can sometimes be hard to understand. He also contradicts the textbook sometimes. Participation and attending class is very important. Econ is hard in general but he does try to help his students

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
ECON201
Grade: B+
May 3, 2019
Would take again

Taking a class with Professor Zestos is the epitome of "you get out what you put in." Although he can be hard to follow and grades toughly, he is extremely helpful and wants his students to succeed. I highly recommend going to his office hours frequently and making a connection with him, for if he sees you putting in effort, he'll help you out.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
4.0
5.0
ECON485
Grade: B+
Dec 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Zestos is an amazing person. How he teaches though is another thing... definitely the toughest class I had to take for my major. I didnt even know my grade in the class til final grades were due so hes a little all over the place. Go to his office hours & try to build a connection with him because he will definitely help you out in the long run.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
ECON470
Grade: A
Apr 24, 2020
Would take again

He's a gem of the economics department at CNU.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
3.0
ECON320
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Poor teaching style, mumbles a lot, uninspiring.

Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
ECON201
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 9, 2022

Dr. Zestos is probably one of the most unorganized professors Ive ever had. He doesn't send out emails to his students, he does not update anything in scholar, how he grades is very confusing, and its overall been a headache of a class. If you skip class, good luck figuring out what you missed and what's due.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
ECON320
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 24, 2022

Zesto is quite literally the worst professor/teacher I have ever had. He's rude, disorganized and is a harsh grader. This class should be a given A or B kind of class but zesto has the ability to make it very hard to pass and you wont know your grade at all until they are published. I could write endless pages on why not to take a class w/ zesto.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
ECON485
Grade: B+
Jan 14, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Zestos is an interesting professor. He has his faults like many other professors but has improved in the 2 year period I have had him as a professor. His grading system is very sluggish but offers office hours which if you attend will help out ALOT. His advanced classes are a bit easier all things considered.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
ECON202
Jan 24, 2024

the professor is the worst. he cant stay on track, never post the ppts on time. and calls out people for his mistakes because he does not know what is going on. the class is disorganized, and he cant even turn on a computer properly. DO NOT TAKE

Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
ECON470
Mar 4, 2024

Waste of a class, don't learn anything and he makes up grades.

1.0
3.0
ECON202
Apr 18, 2024

Zestos does not know how to stay on topic and it is extremely hard to understand anything that he is saying. It is hard to obtain literally any information form the classes he teaches. You should talk to him and go get coffee from Einsteins, he loves coffee.

Test heavy
1.0
3.0
ECON201
Grade: C
Apr 22, 2024

Professor Zestos is like a cool grandpa, but I cannot recommend anybody take his class. Students are REQUIRED to keep their grades (not posted on Scholar), Scholar is not utilized at all, and his lectures aren't helpful. I like Professor Zestos as a man, but his teaching is not very good.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
ECON202
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 22, 2024

don't bother showing up, he says to get the textbook then goes against it. can't understand him and it seems like he has no idea what he's talking about. makes up grades. doesn't put grades in until after the final. test and quizzes have nothing related to class. don't take unless you want to be pushed to the edge.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
ECON202
Grade: D
Jan 13, 2025

If you can help it, DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS. It was a deep regret of mine, I thought there was no way he was that bad. HE IS THAT BAD, you can barely make out what he's saying, he's constantly confused, and is literally a grandpa.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
ECON202
Grade: C+
Apr 11, 2025

Zestos was an old man with a thick accent who basically talked about the same thing every class. If you talk to him and make nice with him you will succeed and hes not too terrible. His quzzies and tests were challenging but manageable.

2.0
5.0
ECON202
May 1, 2025

Sweet guy, but should not be teaching an entry-level course. The material is easy to understand if you show up to class and attempt to understand what he is saying, although when you get to exams, the content is at least triple the difficulty. I showed up to class, studied, turned everything in, got classmates' help, and still failed my exams.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

85%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (8)
B+ (4)
B- (2)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(2)C(2)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 19 reported grades
Not sure yet: 8
B+: 4
B-: 2
A: 2
Common Tags
Tough grader (9)
Lecture heavy (8)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Tough Grader (5)
Graded by few things (4)
Get ready to read (3)
Accessible outside class (3)
Participation matters (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.84 avg change
Jan
Mar
Apr
Jan
Apr
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

INTERNECON

5.0

(1)

ECON2012

4.5

(2)

ECON485

4.5

(4)

ECON211

4.0

(1)

EUROPEANINTEG

4.0

(1)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HONR314

5.0

ECON385

5.0

INTERNECON

4.0

201G

4.0

ULLC100

4.0

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