2.7

Kimberly Linenberger Cortes

Chemistry - Kennesaw State University

2.7
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
34%
Would Retake
95
Reviews
2.7
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
2.7
Helpful
2.6
Clarity

34%

Would Retake

95

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

18

4

12

3

19

2

18

1

28

What Students Say

She needs to be fired

CHEM1152 - 1.0 rating

If you want to teach yourself OChem, then take this professor

CHEM1152 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

14%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 56 grades
Most common grades:
B (22)
A (9)
C (7)
Grade Distribution
A(14)B(22)C(9)D(8)F(2)A-/B+(6)
Based on 70 reported grades
B: 22
A: 9
C: 7
Not_Sure_Yet: 5
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (25)
Lots of homework (19)
Get ready to read (13)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (11)
Participation matters (11)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (8)
Tough grader (8)
Clear grading criteria (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.13 avg change
Dec
Jan
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Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEM1101

5.0

(1)

CHEM1152L

3.5

(4)

1152

3.0

(4)

CHEM1211

3.0

(26)

CHEM12111

3.0

(1)
+5 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM1152

4.1

CHEM3501

4.0

CHEM1101

4.0

BIO3500

4.0

CHEM1211L

4.0

Reviews (95)
1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Oct 1, 2013

She jumps around the entire book making it impossible to study nor does it go along with the lab. There are only two tests so you have to memorize pages upon pages of information. Good luck teaching yourself biochemistry because she doesn't do jack. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!

4.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Oct 5, 2013

Dr.Linenberger prepares you for how the NURSING program will be teaching you. That means NO ONE will spoon feed you the imformation but only provide you with the tools needed. Come on everyone, this is not high school. Learn how to APPLY and use critical thinking skills instead of relying on memorization.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 13, 2013

Do NOT take her. Her first test was literally 10 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer. That is NOTHING compared to all the things we learned before the test. For what we learned before the test, its impossible to narrow it down to 15 questions. Don't take her. You teach yourself a lot because she does group work which we have to learn alone

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 15, 2013

Young new professor, who initially seemed to have an attitude that our class should "self teach" one another through peer groups. Our class was WAY to large for this, after several students dropped & numerous complaints to the chem. dept. head she finally got a TA. Avoid if you can, but prepare to teach a tough course to yourself.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 16, 2013

The only good post must have been written by her because there is no way anyone could learn from her. Of course you're not going to be spoon fed the information, but you do have to be taught it though. She does not teach you and forces you to teach yourself organic chemistry. She needs to be fired. Do NOT take this teacher.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Nov 4, 2013

If you want to teach yourself OChem, then take this professor. She does not lecture and hands out worksheets for the class to complete on their own. I was very dissapointed and had to withdraw in order to save my GPA.

2.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 5, 2013

She is a nice person and kind of helpful during office hours. But DO NOT take class. The information is so much and she will only read some things to you and expect you to now them. She's smart but not a good teacher at all. With chem, you can't be expected to teach yourself...Or you will fail, like most of the class.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 7, 2013

DO NOT TAKE HER!!!!! If you’re willing to spend AT LEAST 3 hours studying after each class, then take this professor. 3 tests, final is cumulative. She doesn't lecture, gives us worksheets to complete as group. She is also VERY RUDE in class when people ask her questions. You will have to self-teach yourself OChem if you don’t want to fail.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Nov 12, 2013

THIS TEACHER IS AWFUL. she is very young and new and she thinks her "new way of teaching" is going to change the world when in reality its just going to ruin your GPA. you're better off learning chem through youtube videos. RIP your college education with this lady.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Nov 13, 2013

do not take this professor. that is all. worst experience in college so far. nearly everyone is failing.

5.0
2.0
CHEM1152
Nov 16, 2013

Good teacher for organic chem. Lots of extra points.

1.0
4.0
CHEM1152
Nov 17, 2013

Do not take this professor! Speaking as a student who did great in chem 1151, this professor is not fit to teach one of the hardest nursing prerequisites. Self-taught class, and now the professor barely lectures due to many complaints. The only positive thing about her is that she puts the subject into a nursing perspective.

3.0
3.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 18, 2013

She is a very tough teacher and it is pretty much you teaching yourself. Go to her office hours and ask questions. I put lots of hours in and got a good grade. If you are lazy and not ready to study everyday don't take her.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
Nov 19, 2013

if you take this professor, you will need to study much more than necessary. DO.NOT.TAKE. she does provide you outside examples when learning the chemistry concepts which helps. final is cumulative, online quizzes

2.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 19, 2013

If you take this class, make sure that you take a bunch of easy classes with it. I have to neglect other classes just for this class. If you want an A/B+, dedicate your life to this class. I don't really like the way she treats students when they ask questions; she's very rude. She responds to them like they are stupid. I DO NOT recommend her.

5.0
2.0
CHEM1152
Dec 7, 2013

Hard work pays off. Study the SLO's NOT the review sheet and you'll do well!

5.0
1.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Dec 9, 2013

Be prepare to study because there are only two tests. Weekly homework and quizzes.

2.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Dec 11, 2013

Linenberger's problem is lack of experience. She hasn't learned how to effectively share her knowledge.She is rather condescending but I don't think she is aware of it. She confused us by umping around in the textbook taking small pieces from different chapters. The material is interesting but be prepared to invest A LOT of time.

4.0
4.0
CHEM1152
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2013

NOT an easy A, but what chem class is?! Linenberger, makes it as easy, applicable and understandable as she can, but it's up to YOU to study. This is a class that you actually get involved in and she's not your traditional "lecture" type. Overall, the class in interesting and isn't that difficult, just invest the time & effort if you want an A

5.0
2.0
CHEM1152
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2013

Teaches material from a practical perspective. ( Ex. Learn about ketones thru diabetes.) Really helpful if your willing to put in some effort. Gives tons of ex credit and straight forward tests just study her outlines. She gives you every opportunity to do well, every SERIOUS nursing major should take her. You will learn so much!

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 5, 2014

Horrible professor. She doesn't actually teach, she just expects you to do group work and basically teach yourself. There's only two tests (10 multiple choice and 5 short answer) and a cumulative final.

4.0
3.0
CHEM1152
Mar 26, 2014

She has 3 tests and 1 final that can replace other exams if you do better on the corresponding section. Ridiculous amount of bonus points. I thought I was at a mid B but at midterm I had 107 average-with more bonus points to come. Moves REALLY quickly but bonus points make it an ok class. Her research is how students learn best so you're a project.

4.0
4.0
CHEM1152L
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2014

Honestly, she's not that bad. I had her for lab and got A's and B's on ALL the lab reports and a 70 on the final and still ended up with an A. She's willing to help but she wont hold your hand or give you answers.

2.0
3.0
CHEM1152L
May 7, 2014

She is extremely picky with lab reports and is not very helpful during the lab itself. Her mindset is the lab is your "observation" and if you ask her a question about the procedures she will comment "it's your lab findings, what do you think?". Her quizzes are extremely hard as is the final.

1.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: F
May 8, 2014

Got an F. I did not deserve an F. I even had a meeting with her. I never missed a class and did all of my homework, quizzes and extra credit. WARNING!!! Do NOT take her!!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!

5.0
3.0
CHEM1152
May 8, 2014

I got an A. I was also taking 2 other lab sciences. I also have a job,3 kids,2 dogs,and a variable number of goldfish. Was it hard? Yep.Homework and quizzes every week which means more points, so even if you choke an exam, you're still ok. If you don't want to work, switch your major. Dr Linenberger is great, I highly recommend this class.

5.0
1.0
1152
Grade: A+
Nov 5, 2014

love her material for chem 2 was hard regardless, but she made it bearable! she'll help you if you ask and gives great illustrations to help you remember.

5.0
4.0
1152
Dec 12, 2014

Took this class Fall 2013- loved the way she took the material and applied it in ways we will actually use it in the future and wish other teachers would do this! Lots of group work. Not everything will be easy but she will help you so take time to meet with her 1 on 1. You must put time in to be successful in this class.

3.0
3.0
CHEM1152L
Grade: A+
May 12, 2015

At first wasn't too sure how to take Dr. Linenberger. Her demeanor can be unapproachable because she's sarcastic, but she's very fair. Her quizzes can be tough not because the material is hard, it's because she only gives you ten minutes to do them. You must participate in this class and do the work otherwise you won't do great.

5.0
3.0
CHEM1152L
Aug 3, 2015

Dr. Linenberger was definitely one of my favorite professors at KSU. She is extremely smart and she cares about her students. She will go out of her way to help you if you need it. Her class is difficult, but what chemistry class isn't? Just ask questions and pay attention. She's wonderful.

5.0
4.0
CHEM1152
Grade: B
Sep 30, 2015

Had her two years ago and I still wish teachers were like her. Tough class, but she was trained to teach prospective nursing students about the biochemistry in the human body. It's a lot to take in, but with a lot of studying it will come. Just don't go to her with an attitude if you don't get it and she won't come back with one. common respect...

3.0
4.0
CHEM1152
Grade: D+
Dec 17, 2015

I took this class with intentions on passing the first time around like most people, however that surely wasn't the case. After failing her first test, i tried different study techniques and even met with her and for what? I still failed the second test and the third one. For the final i went over and beyond, and guess what? I still failed..

5.0
4.0
CHEM1152
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2016

This was a very tough class with a lot of material to absorb, but Prof. Linenberger works hard to help you get it. She is funny and relatable. You have to be in class and participate. Tests are multiple choice and long answer. If you write out the answers to all learning objectives and use that as your study guide you can do well.

3.0
5.0
CHEM1152
Grade: D+
May 10, 2016

I absolutely did not learn a thing from Dr. Linenberger. The way she explains concepts can be very confusing and it's very hard to pay attention with her teaching. This class requires hours on hours of teaching yourself. Lot of HW weekly, quizzes weekly, and texts are excruciating. Do NOT take her for this class.

3.0
4.0
CHEM1152
Grade: B
Aug 27, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Over strict instructor

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
3.0
CHEM1211
Sep 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Cortes is sassy and nerdy. I loved her fun, nerdy videos in class, but she can call you out in class. She's pretty specific about how she likes her algebra. In class, you have to be prepared to pay attention because you have to answer questions in class simultaneously online. Those questions are also an accuracy grade.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
CHEM1211
Grade: D
Nov 2, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She is THE WORST teacher I have ever taken. She gives examples on the board but they are very simple. She gives a lot of homework that is almost impossible to do because the notes do not help AT ALL. The tests are very difficult, and you hardly have any time to do it, and they are mainly trick questions. DO NOT TAKE HER.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Nov 9, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Cortes moves at a very fast pace and barely gives time for other students to ask questions. Homework isn't due until a few days before the exam. She has a few opportunities for extra credit. I wouldn't take her again b/c she isn't very good at explaining concepts and the material and expects you to learn everything on your own. Read before class.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
4.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Grade: B+
Dec 5, 2016
Would take again

I found that people who took Chemistry in high school like her better and perform better on her exams. She's a really cool and relatable professor, but she does teach at a fast pace. If you did not take chemistry in high school, I highly recommend that you take an easier professor or else you are likely to fail.

Participation matters
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
2.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Dec 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She is a very caring professor and a good person, but I did not like her as a professor. I felt like I did not learn enough in her class. The material given was very hard and she does not curve exams. I would recommend another professor for this course.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
4.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2016
Would take again

Exams are worth 80% of your grade, so you really have to make sure you stay on top of the material. Make sure you read the textbook, and go to her office hours. Dr. Cortes is really good about making herself available outside of class, and she's very nice! She can be a little sassy sometimes, but she's funny. She makes her lectures interesting too!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
2.0
3.0
CHEM1211
Dec 15, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She is very fast paced in lecture. The class is an easy C, but you have to work hard to get an A or B. 4 tests and a final. Your final can replace midterm tests. Not much extra credit.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Grade: C
Dec 29, 2016
Would take again

Her tests were really hard but you have the opportunity to replace any grade with the final exam. She is fun and is willing to work with you outside of class if needed.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Grade: B
Jan 10, 2017
Would take again

She's really sarcastic and scary at first but dont be afraid to ask questions because she answers them really thoroughly. Has a lot of office hours and will work with you. I never opened the book once. Its a hard class and shes a hard professor, but you get out of the class what you put into it.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
CHEM12111
Grade: B
Jan 10, 2017
Would take again

She's really sarcastic and scary at first but dont be afraid to ask questions because she answers them really thoroughly. Has a lot of office hours and will work with you. I never opened the book once. Its a hard class and shes a hard professor, but you get out of the class what you put into it. Go to lectures and BREAKOUT SESSIONS

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
5.0
CHEM1211
Grade: F
Mar 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

As a person, she's really cool, but shes a lecturer. You have to be prepared to read that textbook religiously, work on mastering chemistry (the online homework) every single day cause there's a lot of it for every chapter, and spend every waking moment of your life studying. Extremely difficult subject to learn, there is no time for slacking.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
CHEM1211
Grade: B
Mar 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She is not the best chemistry professor. She doesn't explain things well. The first test is very easy and the others are really hard. You have a lot of online homework to do that is graded on accuracy.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
4.0
3.0
CHEM3500
May 10, 2017
Would take again

Very caring proffesor who thoroughly looks through her exams to see how her students did. Let's u think beyond the regular memorization. A great teacher and I would recommend her!!

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Caring
4.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
May 15, 2017
Would take again

Avoid her for gen chem, but take her for Biochem!!! She doesn't really like freshmen, & she prefers teaching upper levels. All of the bad reviews here are from her gen chem students. Biochem is hard with anyone, but she makes the concepts easy to understand, and even gave a project where we had to make a meme! Much more nice and caring than Meades.

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
Caring
5.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Grade: A
Oct 11, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Cortes is an amazing professor. Her class was a little difficult but if You read the learning objectives in your textbooks and do the worksheets you'll get a decent grade depending on how much effort you put in. Her tests never came out of the objectives so be sure to know them very well.

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Dec 11, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Cortes is a wonderful, caring professor. You do have to come to class and study, but I feel like this is something you should do with any class. She is always willing to help if you reach out, and is overall just a great person. 10/10

3.0
4.0
CHEM3501
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Honestly, she is REALLY hard. Her texts are almost never based on what she says and there is very challenging short answer. She has pop quizzes. But she gives a lot of extra credit & the projects in this class will save you.

EXTRA CREDIT
GROUP PROJECTS
Tests are tough
4.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Grade: A
Jan 3, 2018
Would take again

Generally, chemistry is a course that requires DAILY work-- in order for you to really understand it (unless you just that gifted). Professor Cortes is VERY willing to make sure you understand confusing topics, but YOU must reach out to her.(Office hours!!!) PRACTICE do not just complete assignments. READ suggested material! An A can be earned !!

Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
Jan 6, 2018
Would take again

Had her for biochem. VERY hard to make an A with, but pretty much a B or C otherwise. She's really nice and wants you to do well, but her tests are very tough and sometimes don't follow what she does in class. But yeah, put in the work and you WILL pass, but you probably won't make an A.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
5.0
3.0
CHEM1211
Grade: B
Jan 10, 2018
Would take again

There are a few extra credit opportunities. Great professor IF youre willing to work hard. Attending office hours and SI sessions are extremely important if youre striving for an A. Lectures are slightly helpful. She can be passive aggressive, but its just tough love.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
3.0
CHEM1211
Grade: A
May 3, 2018
Would take again

Lecture base class but she like to add in-class labs to help you better understand the concept. She puts study guides online that you could follow throughout the semester to help you study. The only thing that was a struggle was the LearningCatalytic quizzes. Other than that I would recommend her.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
3.0
5.0
CHEM1211
Jul 31, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She is good teacher that offers help and multiple office hours, but her tests are extremely difficult and will decide your fate in her class.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Caring
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
CHEM1211
Grade: A+
Oct 13, 2018
Would take again

I had Dr. Cortes for Chem 1211 over summer semester. The classes were long but she gave us breaks halfway through. We had a daily quiz over the information from the previous day. She really keeps the class involved in lecture and was thorough in her explanations of all topics. Tests are standardized ACS tests, but she provided tons of study sheets.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Grade: C+
Nov 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She is very sarcastic with her students and she has a tone of voice that always makes you feel like you are getting yelled at. I decided to join the AMP program because I am a Biology degree and wanted the smaller class size, but choosing Cortes class was a mistake. Choose Dr Head, her test averages were higher every single time.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2018
Would take again

All the super low reviews are for her gen chem classes. For biochem she ain't too bad. She prefers teaching juniors and seniors. Sometimes what she says in lecture doesn't match up with what's on the exams, but she gives extra credit which helps. She can come off as salty at times, but she's nice in her office. Definitely recommend over Meades.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Grade: A
Mar 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

In class she comes off as very rude and sarcastic because of her tone. But if you go to office hours shes much nicer and more willing to help. If you take her for AMP chem 1211 the clue curriculum that is used it pretty flawed, which makes the class harder. She also gives group quizzes once a week which can hurt your grade a lot if your groups bad

1.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
May 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE DR. CORTES. Her class is unbelievably hard; your grade will not be an accurate representation of knowledge. She did a "flipped classroom" style where you will watch awful youtube lectures from another prof. She graded the very first project AFTER our final exam. She is whiney, sarcastic, and rude, and goes back on her word. Don't take

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
May 10, 2019
Would take again

Not just a bad professor, but also a snarky and bad person. I was on the border of an A/B, and she ASKED me if I needed an A. I said it would be nice, but then she said "sorry, no can do. But if you need a letter of rec, I can". She did this to many students. She did a flipped classroom with youtube videos she didn't even make. Do not take.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
CHEM3500
Grade: C
May 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Cool at first, but then her true colors shine later in the semester. Snarky, unprofessional, and truly one of the worst people I've ever met. In her office hours, she makes it seem as if she was dragged there against her will. Truly an awful professor and just so unnecessarily rude and condescending. I'm surprised she has a job here.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM3500
Grade: C
May 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Flipped classroom with youtube videos, but she didn't even make the videos! The videos were trash. Lots of graded assignments that are out of like 25 points (ie miss more than 2 points and automatically a B). Tests were similar (out of 50 points, miss more than 5 points is a B). Take Meades. He has hard exams, but he's a good guy & not like this.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
CHEM1211
Grade: C
May 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Her research is in chemistry education, which means that she is always trying new experimental techniques in the classroom for the purpose of research, without regard for student grades. She will manipulate the curriculum for her research to look good and will leave you unprepared for future classes. Seems chill at first but don't be fooled!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
May 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Late to class on test days, unprofessional in office (not inappropriate, but very rude/condescending), flipped classroom with terrible videos that she didn't even make, and graded stuff from the beginning of the semester AFTER our final exam. What more do I have to say to get you to not take her. Epitome of "I have a PhD and am better than you".

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B+
May 11, 2019
Would take again

The people bashing her below did not go to her office hours enough b/c her door is wide open, she's not going to baby you but she answers any ?'s you have. Her tests are hard & grading harsh at times but it prepares you for grad school. Her teaching style is not the best but the whole dept started doing this, not her fault. Advice: get to know her.

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
May 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Course material was hard, as biochem should be. However, it was made even worse by Cortes doing a flipped classroom with crappy YouTube videos made by different people and her exams being very different from the material. She can be cool at times, but overall she has an attitude of "I wish I was somewhere else" when she was in class & in her office

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
May 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The material itself is tough but very do-able if you actually study everyday rather than cram. However, Cortes just had such a bad attitude sometimes that she took the fun out of the course. If your grade is near the border, she will NOT bump, but if you study you'll pass (hard to get an A though). Do-able class material, but terrible instructor.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: C
May 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Biochem with her was very possible to pass because exams were only like 40% of the grade. The other 60% was the final, homework, and attendance. You could bomb the exams and still get a B or C because of the other grades. Cortes herself was very sassy and rude, but even if you fail all the exams, the other grades save you. Slow grader though.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
May 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

At the beginning she was super chill and was like "you literally have to try if you want to fail my class*. However, as the semester went on, the exams became very difficult and had no resemblance to the lectures. She procrastinated grading our hw and projects until the end. She graded our first project AFTER THE FINAL.

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
Jun 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The way she taught the class & her grading was a huge downfall. It was a flipped classroom 3 days a week, meaning you had to watch lengthy videos almost everyday. Grading was slower than a snail and we didn't know how we were doing until the end. Exams are hard but only 40% of your grade. If you study you'll be fine, but lots of frustration.

Skip class? You won't pass.
So many papers
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Grade: C
Jun 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

For biochem, you can bomb all the exams and STILL pass because tests are a small portion of the grade (other stuff is like online hw and group projects). HOWEVER, she just had such a bad attitude that got worse the whole semester that it took all the fun out. Tests don't match lecture & are hard, but like I said, are a small part of the grade.

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
Jun 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Basically what everyone is saying. Hard exams that don't match lecture at all, but they are a small part of your grade, so you can fail them and still pass. There are a LOT of graded HW assignments & "busy work" projects. Takes away from learning biochem because of that. She's sassy even if you're nice to her. Class was bearable, but she wasn't.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Group projects
1.0
2.0
CHEM3500
Grade: A+
Aug 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Did very well in her class but didn't actually "learn" biochem. I just learned how to do well on her exams. Kids who took Meades though did not do as well letter grade wise, but they knew biochem so much better. If you want to know biochem take Meades. If you don't care and just want a good grade, take Cortes. I knew nothing for MCATs.

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
Group projects
2.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
Sep 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Sooooo annoying. Think about it. If every review mentions how bad her attitude is, that says something. The class could've been so fun but she was just so rude to us. You'll pass if you take her, but you won't like her. She's cool at first but changes as the semester. Truly disappointed because this class had the potential to be great.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Group projects
So many papers
2.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
Oct 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

When she's nice (30-40% of the time) it's a blast and you'll love it. When she's not nice though (60-70% of the time), you'll be a ball of frustration & nerves. She's literally bipolar. Her exams are hard, but as every review as said, they are a small part of your grade. Taught as a flipped classroom with too many extraneous assignments. Weird

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
So many papers
1.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: C-
Oct 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I can't stand this professor!! She is so rude, cocky and has severe attitude problem. She's highly sarcastic (in a bad way) and makes you watch tons of videos for hw and gives dumb worksheets in class. The tests were hard since she didn't cover any material but expected us to learn from videos. She ruined my GPA and was not helpful in office hours!

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
CHEM1101
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 10, 2019
Would take again

She has a strong personality, but I don't mind it & think she's a hoot. Maybe not for someone who gets offended easily. However, also not for people who are lazy studiers, don't pay attention, etc. She won't give you a grade, but I do all my work and I almost have an A. Attend office hours, participate in class, complete learning objectives!!!

Accessible outside class
Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Grade: A+
Mar 13, 2020
Would take again

The hype is true. She's got an attitude. If you want to succeed in biochemistry TAKE HER. She really knows her stuff, I would go in for office hours with a huge list of questions and she could give me every single answer correctly with out having to look it up. Her tests are more difficult and she can be vague/indirect in wording. You will learn it

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
CHEM3500
Apr 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Unfortunately, Meades didn't teach biochem the semester I took it so I had to take it with Cortes. If you're premed, take Meades because all my friends genuinely learned in his class and it helped them with the MCAT. I had to take Cortes and it ended up being a flipped class where I was graded on how well i can teach myself biochem.

Test heavy
Group projects
2.0
4.0
BIO3500
Grade: B+
May 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Avoid if you want to learn biochem for the MCAT. Meades didn't teach this semester and it was co-taught with Chrestensen. Cortes left in the middle of the semester and the teaching was all over the place. The were videos, lectures, and activities that didn't reflect any of the five tests. If your pre-med and need to take the MCAT, AVOID!!!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Group projects
2.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Grade: C
Jun 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The way Cortes teaches biochem is very poor & bizarre. She makes you watch low-quality youtube videos at home, tons of pesky online hw/quizzes, & the tests have nothing to do with what you learn. In class you do worksheets that are frustrating/dont help at all. You won't fail, but will NOT "learn" biochem & you will NOT be prepared for the MCAT!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
So many papers
3.0
5.0
CHEM1211
Dec 19, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Nice person and teacher, but quite the work load. Extra credit is slim. No second chances or late work.

Lecture heavy
Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
CHEM3500
Jan 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

If she was a nice person, it would be easy to overlook some of the flaws like the flipped classroom. However, she is very bipolar and at times straight up insulted students. That's what made the class so much worse. Like walking on egg shells. So many assignments. Avoid her!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
So many papers
2.0
3.0
CHEM3500
Grade: B
Feb 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Ah yes, Dr. Cortes. Where do I even begin? She made it clear in her attitude that she didn't want to be there (even though it was only 50 minutes). I get it, professors have other things to do, but she was very moody and almost like a "Karen" at times with eye rolling and all that. Most people passed her class but hated it & didn't "learn" biochem.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM1211
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She doesn't explain well and she expects you to know almost everything. Both the tests and quizzes are extremely hard. The textbook helps some but not all lot. if you study 15 hrs a week, read the textbook, do all the classwork/homework, maybe you'll have a chance.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Oct 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

We spent an entire class period fixing a mistake in her notes from a previous lecture if that says anything. Gotta teach yourself how to do problems from material covered in class - most in-class examples are nothing like the textbook homework. Good luck :/

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
3.0
CHEM1211
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2021
Would take again

Yes, she does have an attitude but honestly, it's not unbearable and adds spice to the lecture. Dr. Cortes was pregnant and made it through every lecture until the final, which is the ACS. Her class prepares you so much for the ACS where the final does not feel like a burden. It's chem, you need to show up and do the work for your grade.

Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Jan 28, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Cortes was honestly very mean at times. She got angry when we didn't know the answer to something in her lectures. The homework wasn't very helpful for the tests, which were so difficult. The class was hard to keep up with.

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
CHEM1211
Grade: A-
May 4, 2022
Would take again

If you show her you're trying and go during office hours she will work with you. She definitely returns the energy you give her so if you come at her with an attitude expect to get that same attitude back. She owns her mistakes and will admit if she doesn't know something and look it up vs guessing or telling you to do it on your own.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Accessible outside class
3.0
4.0
CHEM1211L
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2022

Our lab professor disappeared, so Dr. Cortes took over. Only had her a couple of weeks, but she explained our lab background and procedures really well. She is very knowledgeable about Chemistry. She was a bit moody; not sure if it was the pregnancy hormones. She takes forever to grade items. Solid choice for a professor, but I wouldn't choose her.

Clear grading criteria
Respected
1.0
5.0
1152
Grade: B+
Nov 4, 2025

If I could give Kimberly Cortes a zero I 100% would. She is a lovely woman, teacher however, I could not say the same. I currently take her SCM class and not only has she not graded a single assignment, but the guidelines for the ongoing assignments are incoherent. I'm honestly concerned that she will never grade my assignments.

Group projects
Lots of homework
So many papers
1.0
4.0
1152
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 12, 2025

I took Kimberlys SCM2000 class this semester. This class felt so pointless the first half of the semester, nobody in the class really knew what the point was but then halfway through the semester she assigns a huge group assignment and the littlest amount of instructions. It is DECEMBER and she's only graded 4/30 assignments. I'm concerned.

Participation matters
Group projects
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

14%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 56 grades
Most common grades:
B (22)
A (9)
C (7)
Grade Distribution
A(14)B(22)C(9)D(8)F(2)A-/B+(6)
Based on 70 reported grades
B: 22
A: 9
C: 7
Not_Sure_Yet: 5
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (25)
Lots of homework (19)
Get ready to read (13)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (11)
Participation matters (11)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (8)
Tough grader (8)
Clear grading criteria (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

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Ratings by Course

CHEM1101

5.0

(1)

CHEM1152L

3.5

(4)

1152

3.0

(4)

CHEM1211

3.0

(26)

CHEM12111

3.0

(1)
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Difficulty by Course

CHEM1152

4.1

CHEM3501

4.0

CHEM1101

4.0

BIO3500

4.0

CHEM1211L

4.0

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