3.0

Gregory Sommers

Accounting - SMU - Southern Methodist University

3.0
Quality
4.5
Difficulty
42%
Would Retake
119
Reviews
3.0
Quality
4.5
Difficulty
3.0
Helpful
3.0
Clarity

42%

Would Retake

119

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

35

4

22

3

12

2

10

1

40

What Students Say

I would never take this professor again

ACCT3311 - 1.0 rating

Don't learn anything in lectures

ACCT3311 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

39%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 72 grades
Most common grades:
A (27)
B (16)
B+ (10)
Grade Distribution
A(35)B(18)C(5)D(4)F(0)A-/B+(13)
Based on 80 reported grades
A: 27
B: 16
B+: 10
A+: 8
Common Tags
Get ready to read (52)
Test heavy (43)
Tough grader (24)
Lecture heavy (13)
Graded by few things (11)
Accessible outside class (11)
Tough Grader (10)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.25 avg change
Nov
Dec
Apr
Oct
Dec
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ACCT2311

4.0

(5)

ACCT

3.6

(5)

ACCT3312

3.5

(2)

ACCT3311

2.9

(107)
Difficulty by Course

ACCT3312

5.0

ACCT3311

4.5

ACCT2311

4.4

ACCT

4.4

Reviews (119)
5.0
3.0
ACCT2311
Grade: A
Aug 10, 2005

Prof Sommers was a great teacher and would take the time after class or in office meetings to help with class, or even in my case, with ideas for my future. He is very friendly. Tests are fair. Quizzes almost every class, but if you do the reading they are not bad. One of my favorites at SMU

3.0
5.0
ACCT2311
Nov 1, 2005

Very difficult. Spent time trying to remember our names instead of teaching us, sometimes.

4.0
5.0
ACCT
Dec 8, 2005

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Oct 2, 2010

he doesnt teach anything, his tests are really hard, dont take this guy

1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Dec 14, 2010

WARNING: Stay away from this professor if you really care about your GPA....Teaches very little and tests are EXTREMELY difficult. You're pretty much on your own when it comes to covering the test material.

4.0
2.0
ACCT3311
Jan 3, 2011

I thought class was really boring, some of the tests were really hard (you'd study forever and get a b- on it) but it was heavily curved. I showed up to class maybe 75% of the time, visited office hours a few times, got an A,B,B- on the tests ended up with an A. You definitely have to study, but it wasnt hard to do well

5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Nov 1, 2011

Professor Sommers is one of the best teachers I have had at SMU. ACCT 3311 is a very difficult course but he tries his best to make class fun and interesting. He genuinely cares about students and is available to help in office hours. Hard class, but overall a GREAT professor!

5.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Nov 9, 2011

One of the best professors I have ever had! Sommers is a great teacher and definitely cares about his students. He makes classes fun and interesting by starting every class with jokes and using a lot real world examples. Definitely take his class if you can!

5.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Nov 15, 2011

The people that reviewed him poorly probably did not try or attend class. Sommers cares more than almost any other professor (Acct professors excepting) and wants you to succeed. That being said, he does not give you a grade you didn't deserve. If you are an undergrad, take his class if you want to do well in life (and get into MSA program).

5.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Jan 31, 2012

He is a great professor. His tests were MC and free response. He genuinely cares about his students. Visit him in office hours if you are confused or have questions. He may have been one of my favorite professors even though I'm not an accounting major and didn't care for the course

5.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Dec 5, 2012

Perhaps one of the best teachers I've had thus far. He really made me want to do well. He was great at working through problems during class and worked in a clear and structured way. Would DEFINITELY suggest taking him, and I hate accounting!

5.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Dec 19, 2012

I would say he is arguably one of the best, if not the best, professor at SMU. This is not an easy class for some people, but he is a great professor. He takes a monotonous subject and makes it interesting. I wholeheartedly reccommend.

4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 27, 2013

Tests are difficult and require a lot of studying. Sommers teaches well, but the tests are tricky, so make sure to practice a lot. Also, he tends to be more brisk/frightening for the first week or two of class. Don't let it scare you off, he's a nice guy after that.

5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
May 9, 2014

Sommers is probably THE best professor that I have had to date. He expects a lot from students, and the material is inherently challenging, but he presents the material in a very clear, methodical manner. Reading before class is essential to being successful in this class . Study hard, prepare early, and ask questions and the A is obtainable.

5.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Jul 3, 2014

Great professor. Wants you to succeed and wants to help you understand. Did take a lot of preparation for class and tests, but he is very good at explaining the material in class.

5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Dec 16, 2014

Class consists of 2 HW & 4 tests. Sommers is an AMAZING professor. This guy knows his stuff and is passionate about acct. His tests are tricky but he's always there if you need help. He really cares about his students. You really have to study for this class. It's really hard but not impossible. Do take one of his wife's cookies when they come.

5.0
1.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2015

Professor Sommers recently started using anew textbook/teaching style for his accounting classes this semester. In large part, most people disliked it. From my point of view, I did not like it at first, but if you put in a decent amount of work you can do really well. I ended up getting an A in the class after doing poorly on the first two tests.

5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2015

GREAT professor! Starting Fall 2015 he completely redesigned the course. All of class is working problems together. So read the chapter before class and you will gain a lot with class time. He has a small online homework for each class to keep people actively learning. Makes studying for exams easy, just reviewing what you've already done 3 times.

5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2015

LOVED Professor Sommers class! If you want an easy A, looks elsewhere. However, if you want to learn and are prepared to work hard, this is the class for you! He gives you what you need to succeed (good lectures, clear homework and assignments and always available to meet outside of class) but doing the work is up to you!

2.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Apr 27, 2016

Sommers is a very difficult and extremely partial professor. He very clearly selects favorite students (Accounting majors), and if you are not one of them, it will make the class miserable. Grading scheme is unfair and extremely subjective. Would avoid at all costs.

3.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Nov 10, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Very tired of him. Very hard tests. I am undone.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Dec 9, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Very difficult class. Classes cover only a few topics deemed to be important but tests cover all material in the respective chapters. Grading scale is unknown until the end of the semester. Plus/Minus grades are significantly decreased so that you either earn an A or a B, very few A- or B+. Very unfair class structure and grading.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
5.0
ACCT3312
Grade: C
Jan 16, 2017
Wouldn't take again

If I had to describe this class in one word it would be DIFFICULT. He covers almost NONE of the material in class and you basically have to read 1 40+ page chapter per week. His practice exams are nothing like the real thing. His exams are HORRIBLE. Memorizing will do nothing for you. You have to really understand the material to do well.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
3.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Apr 2, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Great guy, but this is an absolutely insane subject that nobody should have to take. And this is coming from someone who made an A in the class.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Apr 3, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Absolutely horrible. Great lecturer, but he thinks this class is your only class. In reality a 6 credit class in terms of the time commitment.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
May 7, 2017
Wouldn't take again

An A is an 89.50, an A- is an 89.00, a B+ is an 88.50, and a B is a 78.50? I'm at an 88.3, and that means I'm at a B??? It's hard to get the A in this class, and for that matter, any + or - grade. Be warned.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Sommers is a great teacher and actually a very nice guy. Will intimidate you in the first few weeks by cold calling, but gets better as the semester goes on. The subject matter is not easy, probably one of the hardest classes you will take at SMU, but professor Sommers knows what he's talking about and is always willing to help you out.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
Tests are tough
4.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2017
Would take again

Professor Sommers is a very solid teacher. Reading the textbook is not optional if you wish to succeed in the class. Show up to every class focused and having read the material, put thought into every homework assignment, and study for 8-10 hours in the couple days leading up to each exam if you want to earn an "A". It's tough, but it's doable.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
5.0
ACCT2311
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2017
Would take again

Very hard tests and most learning is done on your own through the use of the textbook.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Tests are tough
4.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2017
Would take again

Truly an awesome professor, intimidating at first, but great. He is tough but is very willing to help you understand. You have to read and put in the work to study but you will leave the class having learned a lot. He does lots of examples and gives the opportunity to ask questions. Read, study, and be prepared for class and you will be fine.

Tough Grader
Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
4.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A+
Dec 14, 2017
Would take again

Sommers is a tough but fair prof and expects students to do a lot of work on their own. Acct is not a tough class. As long as you do the reading and some practice reps, you should be all good. Will get grades as long as you stay on top of it. Again, accounting is not a hard course if you pay attention/do the reading.

Get ready to read
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
2.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I like Prof. Sommers on a personal level, but I do not think he is a great accounting professor. I went to his office hours several times for help and he pretty much told me to study harder. I have several friends who also took from him and they all seemed to agree with me. Prof. Sommers is a good professor for accounting majors, but otherwise not.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A+
Jul 21, 2018
Would take again

Professor Sommers is a human from another world. His punchlines are intense. His style of teaching is different. His attitude is bright and gloom. His exams are predictable and attendance is SUPER important. I took him for two ACCT courses - made an A+ in BOTH! He's a good professor but he can be a great professor. STUDY STUDY STUDY in his class!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
ACCT3312
Grade: A
Jul 26, 2018
Would take again

Essentially it is very hard at first but he's just trying to weed out kids. You will never learn more than you will from Prof. Sommers. It is hard, It is time-consuming but if your an accounting major that wants to succeed take Sommers. not easy but he is actually a really nice accessible guy if you show you care. Finance majors take someone else

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Sep 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Don't learn anything in lectures. Homework is unnecessarily long and the dude's voice is unbearable. I've never have disliked a professor so much

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I would never take this professor again. He was the only fall prof for acct 3311 and again. i would rather be hit by a car than come to his class. He talks to his favorite students and favors them. He posts NO powerpoints, gives NO notes. He is terrible

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Oct 19, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Not worth it! I dropped this class failing and took Browning in the spring and got an easy A. Even the homework is ridiculous, canvas has nothing on it and the tests are unfair. Highly recommend taking this in the spring if you can

5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2018
Would take again

He prepares you extraordinarily well to use accounting in real life. The class is definitley hard, but tests are very fair and reasonable if you study the book and in class notes. He only does examples in class, so if you dont read youll be lost, but you can get by. Hes very accessible and helpful. I really recommend him

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
May 17, 2019
Would take again

People complain about him because he makes you work for an A, but his class is really easy since homework is basically 25% and the final that replaces your lowest grade is really easy. You'll feel like you're struggling the whole time, but your grade will be fine

Clear grading criteria
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A+
Jun 3, 2019
Would take again

Professor Sommers is a really good professor, and he makes you work for the grade. But even then, his difficulty is exaggerated by people who want to blow off class. Retry-able homework, optional review sessions before tests, and an easy final which replaces lowest test score all make the class very doable. Take if you actually want to learn ACCT

Respected
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Oct 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

his grading scale is currently: A: 87.0 A-:86.0 B+: 85.0 B:74.5 He has 3 points determining whether you get an A or a B. The finance department only allows the top 50% to get an A/ A- but thats not for accounting, he does this because he is a bad person. I have a B+ currently (the worst grade I have received in cox) because I scored 2 pts too low

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Oct 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His grading scale. Insane. I simply cannot.

1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Oct 20, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The man gives a test every other week. Grading scale is wack. Not a great teacher but would honestly be fine if he was at all nice. He is a mean and miserable man. He also is very disrespectful to finance students.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Nov 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Take Sommers if you want to spend your entire Fall break and Halloween studying. Also if you like spending weeks in the library to pass an excel exam that has no relevance to accounting. If you're a finance major get ready to be bashed and lose all self esteem.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Nov 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He hates finance students. He counted my exam free response wrong even though I had the same answer as the answer key. Told me it was relative and he took a scope. Didnt say what the scope entailed even though it was obviously not the answer key.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Nov 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I would recommend waiting for a different professor. He constantly gloats about how Accounting interviews are way easier because employers know you have been through his class. Also, about how he gets students blacklisted from their desired firms. How does he get away with treating students so poorly? I ask myself this every class.

Lots of homework
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Nov 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Rudest professor I have met. A conceited and ill-mannered man. The grading scale is insane. Worst class of my life.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A+
Nov 7, 2019
Would take again

Great professor but this class requires a lot of outside studying and learning on your own if you want to do well. Because this class is only 50 minutes, there is a lot of material on tests that isn't specifically covered in class. STUDY THE BOOK like crazy and you'll be fine. Sommers is really nice if you get to know him and wants to help students

Respected
Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Nov 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

A mean, cruel man. he has no compassion for his students and treats finance students like they're dirt. His grading scale is insane and 3 pts separate an A from a B. He gives a test every 2 weeks, homework every night, 2 insanely long useless tutorials and expects you to pass the expert excel exam on top of it even though we do no excel in class

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Nov 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor Sommers definitely makes this class a lot of work. Six tests over the course of the semester, plus optional final. Online accounting homework every night taking sometimes 2 hours to complete. Cherry on top is completing the Excel Expert exam for part of your grade. Very book heavy, have to read every chapter before attempting his exams.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A-
Nov 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His motto is "if you've seen a similar problem, it won't be on the test" and he lives by this. His exams are always a surprise for NO REASON. Crazy hard. All of these reviews saying he is genuinely mean are right. He feeds off of seeing students suffer and fail. He's giving me test anxiety because his tests are so traumatizing. Shouldn't be at SMU.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Nov 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This is is really hard. This class has 7 tests, including the final. You need to know the ins and outs of the textbook and materials covered in class. You can't just memorize for this class, and you really need to understand what you are doing to get above 90 on a test. He does gives curves, which usually are 24 points.

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
4.0
5.0
ACCT2311
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2019
Would take again

Intermediate acct is not an easy course and Prof. Sommers can be intimidating at first. But, as the semester went by I enjoyed more and more his lectures (he even brought cookies from his wife once). I am glad I took his class because I learned a lot and honestly it's not hard to get a B in the class, only above that.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

So many tests. It made me perform much worse in all of my other classes because I constantly had to study for accounting so I was always behind in everything else. The stress level was insane and I don't think I could do it again for any amount of money. All the comments saying he was mean are correct but beyond that, the class is legit unhealthy

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Dec 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I respect Dr. Sommers knowledge of the subject. However, this class was unrealistic and unreasonable . Not only memorize the book, but be able to manipulate problems in different ways than presented in class or in the book. 6 regular exams, 20 homeworks, and an excel certification that had nothing to do with accounting ate up a lot of time

5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Dec 20, 2019
Would take again

Intermediate I is going to be hard no matter what. Sommers is a great professor who is extremely knowledgeable. This class requires you study A LOT. You basically need to memorize the textbook and go to class to learn how to do problems to do well on the tests. That being said, if you put the effort in then you will get a good grade. study hard

4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Jan 3, 2020
Would take again

READ THE CHAPTERS BEFORE YOU GO TO CLASS. Do lots of practice problems. Kinda snarky but in a good way. Attendance isn't mandatory but if you go without reading before you'll be lost. 6 tests and the final replaces your lowest grade. Most of the time homework helps your grade too. Just be sure to stay on top of everything and do lots of practice.

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Mar 29, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Often times in life you come across people you will always remember. This man fits that criteria for all the wrong reasons. He is by far the worst teacher that I have ever had at SMU and is not a very considerate person in the slightest. The fact that he is still allowed to teach here is astonishing to me. Wait to take ACCT3311 until he is gone.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A+
Apr 1, 2020
Wouldn't take again

waste

1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Apr 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Worst class I've taken. He makes it so difficult and is super unkind in general. Belittles people every class for not understanding and cold calls based on the tiniest textbook details. Tests are ridiculously difficult and do not match the style of problems shown in lectures, not helpful in office hours, makes you feel bad for not getting it

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
May 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The online tests on canvas were impossible to do since there were a lot of multistep questions to answers in a limited time with 0 partial credit.

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
May 31, 2020
Wouldn't take again

this class is a useful class. Sommers on the contrary is a useless professor.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Jun 1, 2020
Would take again

He teaches a very hard subject and cares a lot, so he comes off as a hard prof. He is always there for you to answer any questions (office hours really helped if you came in with specifics). Must read textbook to do well on exams. Studied a lot for this class, but hard work payed off. He really wants you to understand the subject...

Accessible outside class
Graded by few things
Test heavy
4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Jul 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

(Had him for online class) Sommers is a very clear teacher, but it is mandatory that you read the textbook and understand all material in detail before exams. Very accessible and likes when you come to office hours; definitely a caring teacher. Optional final that can replace lowest exam grade.

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Oct 13, 2020
Would take again

Sommers is a great college professor. He gives you all the resources you need to understand the material and be able to apply it, not just memorize it. You need to work for it in this class, but he wants his students that care to succeed. A lot of people don't like him because they can't skirt by in this class. 6 tests and 4 other assignments.

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A+
Nov 17, 2020
Would take again

Sommers is a good professor. Yes, his class is really difficult, but it really prepares you for your career in finance or accounting. He's the head of the MS Accounting program too, so he is just trying to prepare you for the level of difficulty you're going to face in upper-level courses. also, for me at least, he's the only option for intermediat

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Dec 1, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He simply didn't hold class when he was supposed to. I only had class once a week! The material was challenging and it was impossible to understand everything with only a few examples in the online class. Terrible class and terrible professor. I don't know how people could give this man a good rating.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Dec 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Only had class once a week instead of 3 times, have never made below an A- in a class until him and I studied so much. Do not take, useless and gives terrible feedback. You have SIX exams, once every two weeks. Did I mention he only does class once a week?

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2020
Would take again

I actually like Sommers in terms of he really wants you to learn the material in a way that you can apply it. His tests are hard and he can be confusing at times but hes basically a rite of passage at Cox. Read read read, practice and ask questions.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2020
Would take again

Buckle up. This was the toughest class I've ever taken. This class is overwhelming because there's a lot of tough material. Read/do EVERYTHING before class. You need to study for the tests AT LEAST a week in advance. He actually has a solid teaching philosophy if you ask him why the class is the way it is. Really cool, smart dude overall.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2020
Would take again

Intermediate is a hard class, but Sommers made the most of it. He can be really hard on his students, but if you go into office hours, he will work with you and reward you for your effort. The class was mostly asynchronous with one live lecture each week. If you study a lot before each test, the class is very doable.

Gives good feedback
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 22, 2020
Wouldn't take again

His 6 tests are hard. The optional final is relatively easy tho. You can gain a lot from the curve - just be smarter than the other kids. His tests are so hard that most people get a low score, so you'll get used to receive a raw score of 50 or less. A is very possible. If you are an A student, you will be more than fine.

1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
May 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Sommers might be the worst teacher I have ever had at SMU. He knows he is untouchable because he is head of the department so he does little to help students. He rarely had lectures and when he did it was all rhetorical questions that did not help anyone. Tests were also tricks where each questions would be a curveball.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
May 21, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Sommers gets a bad rap because his class is so difficult and he expects a lot of his students, but hes a genuinely nice guy and cares about his students. Just make sure to read the textbook and do the practice problems and exams tons of times before tests. And take advantage of office hours, hes really great for one on one help.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Caring
3.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A-
Jul 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Sommers is really hard but fair. Participation definitely matters and so does each class so make sure to attend. Tests are every other week and are difficult so read and do the practice quizzes.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B-
Nov 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Sommers makes this class extremely hard. It is the hardest Cox class I've ever taken. He makes you feel bad for doing poorly and doesn't encourage good study skills. You have to go to class if you want to pass and actually pay attention. Loves to cold call. He loves that he has so much power as the department head.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Nov 23, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I have a 3.9 GPA, but got a B in this course. Sommers is nice enough, but does like to wield power, and makes this class unnecessarily challenging. Would really only recommend this for ACCT students who want a deep dive. I have forgotten everything I learned in this class a few months later - theres more quantity than quality.

4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Dec 1, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Sommers is definitely one of the hardest professors I've had, but he's a really nice guy if you talk to him and his lectures are excellent. Very caring. His philosophy is that to get an A you must truly MASTER the material-- it's a fair idea, but that requires immense effort and mastery of mannnyyy pages of textbook material. Get ready

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Dec 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Heres the thing, Professor Sommers is a great guy, knows the material extremely well and does a good job at explaining it. Its just that the material is so, so difficult and it requires you to spend countless hours outside of class studying if you want a good grade. Like others have said, its by far the hardest class Ive taken.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Nice guy who is super knowledgable about the subject. Be ready to spend lots of time outside of class preparing and studying. Don't let yourself fall behind on readings, they really do help and I regret not being on top of them. Ask any question you have during class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Caring
5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2021
Would take again

I made a Rate My Professor account to leave a Sommers review. This has probably been the hardest college class I've taken in terms of workload, time spent studying, and test difficulty. However, It has probably also been the class where I've gotten the most of it. He really does care and wants you to succeed, but get ready to study. Hard class.

5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2021
Would take again

Sommers is a great professor and explains the concepts well. However, he does expect a lot out of his students, as he expects his students to retain the majority of information within the textbook, which is reflected through the rigor of the exams. Overall, Sommers really does care for his students and wants them to succeed.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
3.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Sommers is a nice guy and tries his best to teach students the material but he makes the class really hard. His test are ridiculous hard and long around 15-16 written questions in 50 minutes. He's also a tough grader.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Oct 31, 2022
Would take again

Sommers is one of the best teachers on campus and his negative reviews are only from students who couldn't handle the difficulty. He has clear expectations and excellent lectures. I have learned more from this class than any of my other classes. If you are serious about your education, you won't regret taking him.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Nov 2, 2022

Ridiculous amount of reading. You basically have to teach yourself everything in this class.

1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Nov 7, 2022

worst teacher ive ever witnessed in my life. does not give 2 sh**s about his students and his nipples are always sticking out through his shirt. id rather suck a dude off than take this guy again. I have no idea how he is not fired from the school yet

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Dec 8, 2022
Would take again

I really liked Sommers - he's truly a great guy and really cares about his students, but I highly recommend getting to know him and seeking out help if needed. The class is definitely difficult and took a lot of studying. Reading and attendance are absolutely crucial (he works problems in class). Actually loved the class but took a lot of work!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Sommers teaches a hard class; however, it's not that he is making the material difficult, it's that the material is that difficult on its own. He might not give you an easy A, but a teacher that truly cares about your retention of knowledge and future success will make you think in ways you have not. Show up, do the readings, and ask for help.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Dec 14, 2022

Take the other professor for this course.

3.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: C
Jan 4, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Sommers is very knowledgeable and makes the material easy to understand. But you must do a lot of preparation, reading, and studying to pass his class. This is not an easy class. Be prepared for all the studying. On the exams, there are many problems that are hard to complete during the allotted time frame. use your free time to study.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Respected
5.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Mar 1, 2023
Would take again

He is a tough teacher but passionate about accounting. Read the textbook for homework and attend class, each class is solely doing practice examples. While his tests are hard they are not unfair and there's no surprises. Along with tests there's also homework assignments to boost grades. He is one of the only professors in Cox I think you must have

Caring
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Jun 8, 2023
Would take again

Toughest class I have ever taken in college. However, if you put in the time and effort, it is possible to pass the class with a good grade. Almost every business major will have to take this at some point, so my advice is to start the class trying your hardest as the tests and assignments only get harder as you get deeper into the class.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: D
Nov 5, 2023

Worst professor in SMU forever. Tests are extremely hard, even if you put in the effort, you cannot get a good grade.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 20, 2023

I have WEEKLY meetings with my therapist due to the depression he has added to my life. AVOID. RUN FORREST RUN

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Nov 26, 2023
Would take again

Intermediate 1 is extremely hard, and Prof. Sommers demands a lot of you - in order to understand the lectures (which are mostly just practice problems) you have to read 2-3 hours before every class. Prof. Sommers is a great teacher though, and answers questions very well. Just get ready to work.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2023

He was not as bad as I expected honestly, but be prepared to put in a lot of work. This class was definitely the hardest class I have taken in college so far. There is a lot of textbook reading and some of the material you have to learn yourself.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 6, 2023

Expect 2-3 hours of reading/prep before every class. Exams are extremely unfair, and he is inconsiderate and disrespectful to his students. Also, expect to learn everything independently; we were expected to learn several chapters despite not doing them in class. Take the other teacher for this course.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Dec 6, 2023

Horrible class. Exams are ridiculously difficult. Ridiculous amount of reading. He doesn't have lecture slides. Avoid this class.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A+
Dec 8, 2023
Would take again

This class lightweight, he taking some time off. But when he gets back rip it. So lighweight.

4.0
3.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2023
Would take again

Sommers knows how the subject like the back of his hand and is great at explaining the concepts to beginners. His exams are tough IF YOU DON'T PRACTICE. If you study for 10-20 hours on avg. for each test, you will easily get an A. There is also 4% of extra credit and partial credit, and he is easily accessible outside of class.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Gives good feedback
5.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Sommers is by no means an easy professor, partly because this course is inherently difficult. If you actually want to learn, you will. This class requires effort and hard work to succeed. He goes a little fast in his lectures but if you take good notes, you will understand by the time you self-study.

EXTRA CREDIT
Respected
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 13, 2023

Professor Sommers is a nice person, but be prepared to teach yourself everything. He moved quickly in class and doesn't take the time to really explain (and when you ask him to he makes you feel like it's a burden). It's a ton of reading with not enough application practice.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
3.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Dec 15, 2023
Would take again

Super hard class, every test takes days of preparation even if you understand the concepts as there are so many small details to pay attention to. He teaches quickly and sometimes with a confusing structure, but the material so much Im not sure if it could be taught differently. He gives advice to stay on track with the readings, id recommend.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Dec 26, 2023

Avoid. It is impossible to keep up with the work, he is not helpful at all and you won't get proper feedback so you don't get to correct your mistakes, just take the B and go away is her attitude. Outright ugly to students when we ask for topic clarification, refuses to help.

2.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: C+
Feb 15, 2024

He is obvious very knowledgably of accounting, however he makes his class so much more difficult then it needs to be. His exams are worth 75% of your grade and very few people finish the exam on time.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Nov 12, 2024
Would take again

If you are an Accounting major or a Finance major, he will make sure you know what you need to know. Yes the tests are hard, but if you want to be successful later in life, he will put you on the right track.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Nov 22, 2024

Greg seems to forget that not everyone is NICE and willing to let you join their study group. Greg always use to say, "who are you studying with"... the cliques stick together. Hard when you have him and the wannabe Finance bros.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Nov 24, 2024

Sommers unnecessarily complicates this class. There are 5 tests, including an optional final, but his explanations make the material harder to understand. Review sessions before tests are unhelpful and often add to the confusion, making the class more challenging than it needs to be.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B-
Dec 11, 2024
Would take again

This class is going to be hard regardless of professor so you have to go into this class knowing what your getting into. Sommers is very smart but also tough. However he is tough in the best interest of his students. Go to office hours and read the textbook!!

Get ready to read
Respected
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
ACCT3311
Grade: A+
Dec 12, 2024
Would take again

It's a ton of reading but that's how you're supposed to learn the material (not in class). Do the textbook exercises before coming to class and everything makes sense in lecture. This class will enhance your understanding of accounting as it relates to finance. The exams are a combination of the textbook exercises and the review packets on Canvas.

Get ready to read
Respected
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 12, 2024

male karen but worse

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2024

Self important and disrespectful toward students. Hasn't adjusted his rigid teaching practices in years but is insulated because he is somehow the acc. chair. Made the class absolutely unbearable and overloaded students with so much material that no one actually retains any information from the class. Shouldn't be at SMU, but they won't do anything

2.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Grade: B
Dec 15, 2024

Even if you're a hard worker, this class will still be extremely tough. All the exams take days to prep for, and there is one almost every 2 weeks. Barely anyone finishes the exams on time, and no one gets a 100 on the exam. The prep for this class is insane. Most of the time, you will be teaching yourself with little help from him.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ACCT3311
Apr 16, 2025

Worst teacher I have ever graced at SMU. Arrogant, thinking he is some ivy league all achieving accounting teacher, when he really is a just a weird guy who likes to give a test every week. Not helpful when asking questions and makes your semester revolve ALL around his course !

Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
ACCT
Grade: A
Oct 29, 2025
Would take again

Mr. Sommers is an amazing professor, I really do not understand who is giving him bad reviews. Yes, the material is challenging but that's just the way it is. Professors exist to guide learning and understanding, not inject it into your head. He is caring, intelligent, and clearly hard-working. That's all you can really ask for in a professor.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Caring
3.0
3.0
ACCT
Grade: A-
Dec 15, 2025
Would take again

Is a good professor and genuinely nice, but is extremely strict and sets VERY high expectations like u should be able to get it on the first try or ur incompetent. Bad communicator, like he expects u to be a mind reader. Does offers curves which help a lot, tests and final are worth 80% and he locks grades so u cant see them until he updates it.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ACCT
Grade: C-
Dec 16, 2025

ACCT 3415 was the worst class I've taken at SMU/Cox. It's advertised as streamlined for finance majors but, 95% Intermediate I/II material is included. The course is almost entirely self-taught. Class time is spent working problems with only answers & no explanation. Sommers is condescending even in office hours, and classmates regret taking this.

5.0
5.0
ACCT
Grade: C+
Dec 17, 2025
Would take again

Genuinely the best professor i've had. He cares about his students success and is all around a great guy. Definitely a difficult class but he's by far the best teacher for this subject and theres honestly no one else I would take. Knows exactly what he's talking about and really tries to integrate it into everyones head, also is available for help!

Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
ACCT2311
Grade: A
Jan 2, 2026
Would take again

He is a great professor overall. He just goes through lecture slides kinda fast and overprepares us. Very available outside of class even though he is the dept chair and he genuinely cares about us and wants us to do well. He is very generous about giving half credit for exams if you got the idea right but the numbers wrong. Exams are also curved.

Accessible outside class
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

39%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 72 grades
Most common grades:
A (27)
B (16)
B+ (10)
Grade Distribution
A(35)B(18)C(5)D(4)F(0)A-/B+(13)
Based on 80 reported grades
A: 27
B: 16
B+: 10
A+: 8
Common Tags
Get ready to read (52)
Test heavy (43)
Tough grader (24)
Lecture heavy (13)
Graded by few things (11)
Accessible outside class (11)
Tough Grader (10)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.25 avg change
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Ratings by Course

ACCT2311

4.0

(5)

ACCT

3.6

(5)

ACCT3312

3.5

(2)

ACCT3311

2.9

(107)
Difficulty by Course

ACCT3312

5.0

ACCT3311

4.5

ACCT2311

4.4

ACCT

4.4

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