2.9

Mary Schuster

Mathematics - University of Cincinnati

2.9
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
47%
Would Retake
85
Reviews
2.9
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
3.0
Helpful
2.7
Clarity

47%

Would Retake

85

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

25

4

8

3

15

2

16

1

21

What Students Say

This class SHOULD NOT be offered online

STAT1031 - 1.0 rating

Hands down the worst professor I've ever had

PRECALC - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

44%

Textbook Required

61%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

92% confidence
Based on 14 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (3)
C- (3)
A+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(2)C(4)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 19 reported grades
Not sure yet: 3
C-: 3
A+: 2
A-: 2
Common Tags
Tough grader (7)
Respected (4)
Participation matters (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
Gives good feedback (3)
Caring (3)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (2)
Tough Grader (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.18 avg change
Aug
Jan
Dec
Mar
Jul
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CALC250

5.0

(2)

CALC250251

5.0

(1)

CALCI

5.0

(1)

PROBSTAT

5.0

(1)

CALC0

5.0

(1)
+43 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1031

5.0

LICKNUTS

5.0

CALCI

5.0

MATH156

5.0

ALG001

5.0

Reviews (85)
4.0
3.0
CALCULUS
Mar 25, 2003

She's not as hard as some of the other calculus professors, so expect almost a one letter grade higher for her than some other profs. However, she may not prepare you enough for the final exam which is given to all calc students regardless of professor.

3.0
2.0
15MATH25
Apr 30, 2003

No Comments

3.0
3.0
MATH250
May 6, 2003

Did not like the teaching style. She didn't explain things very well at all and did not prepare enough for the next course. Very boring.

1.0
5.0
LICKNUTS
Jun 6, 2004

No Comments

3.0
3.0
MATH25052
Jun 16, 2004

She is pretty fair in her grading but sometimes takes off points for senseless things, but her tests and quizzes are fair. I would recommend her even though I only got a C+ in both classes without studying.

5.0
3.0
CALC250
Oct 28, 2004

Takes time to explain.

5.0
4.0
CALC250251
Dec 3, 2004

Cares about the subject and student's progress. Class is very well designed. The most accessible intructor I've encountered, and one who works the hardest to answer any questions.

5.0
5.0
CALCI
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Jan 4, 2005

She is a pretty good teacher, but I think she hsa trouble with the really large classes because she gets frustrated if she thinks some people aren't paying attention. But overall, a good professor.

2.0
4.0
MATHEMATICS
Jan 27, 2005

No Comments

3.0
2.0
MATH146
Apr 27, 2005

Probably the most ditzy professor I've ever had. She couldn't figure out the overhead camera so we usually started class ten minutes late. She seemed to never have herself together, but she caved in easily whenever the class complained about something. Generally pretty flexible and seemed helpful.

3.0
2.0
CALC2
Jun 3, 2005

Schuster gets agitated and/or confused easily and sometimes seems pissed off for no apparent reason, but she's a decent teacher and her exams aren't bad. Very average overall.

5.0
2.0
PROBSTAT
Jul 28, 2005

Came back to campus at 8pm to help me! gets frustrated at people not paying attention but doesn't say anything. easily flustard if gets off task nice person shows she cares if you ask and try

5.0
3.0
CALC0
Nov 16, 2005

What a hottie and a nice smooth class

5.0
3.0
MATH250
Dec 1, 2005

Dr. Schuster is a great teacher; she's always willing to help if you need it, and her explanations are decent. Tends to get flustered if people are talking when she's teaching, and has trouble getting back on track when she loses her place. Quizzes aren't difficult, but block testing requires studying.

3.0
2.0
PROBANDSTAT140
Dec 5, 2005

Exams are easy but she screws people for trivial things. She doesn't drive a hardline about anything, so people tend to talk a lot during claas which can get annoying if you are trying to learn.

5.0
3.0
15MATH147
Dec 19, 2005

The class was straightforward. You have to study hard and do the homework if you want to get a good grade. Schuster was always available during office hours.

3.0
3.0
CALC251
Mar 31, 2006

She wasn't a very good teacher. I didn't feel like she understood the material very well herself.

5.0
3.0
MATH250252
May 7, 2006

I'm pretty sure that saying she doens't know the material or that she's not a good teacher is wrong. All you have to do is work some and study good for the tests and you'll do fine. If you approach her for help, she'll gladly help. GREAT TEACHER

3.0
3.0
HEALTHSTATS
Aug 9, 2006

This was a hard class. It was hard to make sense of what she was saying and she had a hard time explaining stuff. However, she always tried to make sure we weren't getting lost. Her tests were fair, but sometime her grading was a little wierd. She's kind of dorky though. People were mean to her and even though she didn't deserve it.

3.0
3.0
MATH147
Nov 10, 2006

She may have been the worst teacher I have encountered while attending school. I honestly enjoyed math until this point. She is very unclear and she appeared to not know what she was teaching. I consider myself and average student but this class was a joke.. Look for another teacher.

1.0
2.0
MATH147
Nov 14, 2006

Professor Schuster does not appear to know the subject material or how to teach it. As a student, I daily find mistakes in her lectures and examples . The material is not difficult, but the class averages on the tests have been in the low 60s, which definitely shouldn't be the case.

1.0
5.0
STATS147
Nov 28, 2006

Shuster is BY FAR... THE WORST PROFESSOR that I have ever experienced. She does not know anything that she is teaching. She talks so fast that she even confuses herself and doesnt know what she is talking about. She has messed up on the past two exams that she has given us. Teaches one thing and expects another. AVOID HER AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!

1.0
5.0
MATH156
Mar 6, 2007

I could not understand a word she said.

5.0
3.0
STATS148
Mar 7, 2007

She is a wonderful professor. Tries to learn your names, always willing to help if you have questions. Makes sure you understand how to do the problems. Attendance not mandatory but does give inclass quizzes once a week which make up for that.

4.0
3.0
MATH224
Jul 12, 2007

Mary is not a wonderful teacher but a great person. She is compassionate and helps those who help themselves. I took her class this summer and she REALLY helped me. Math is by far my worst subject and I began to understand it. You need to do the homework and attend class to sort through her mistakes but overall I had a good experience.

5.0
1.0
MATH251
Aug 6, 2007

MY FAVORITE TEACHER OF ALL TIME, from K-College. She is so helpful and is a great teacher for math. If you don't understand the material she will go out of her way to explain. I had her for two Calc. classes and got A's in both of them. She even helped me in Diff. Eq. SWEETEST TEACHER EVER!!

2.0
4.0
MATH173
Nov 3, 2007

She is very scatterbrained and not helpful at all. Unless you want to be confused avoid her at all costs.

3.0
2.0
STATS148
Jan 8, 2008

Mary is very scatterbrained and would teach you a section then realize she made a mistake. but besides that, she was nice and her quizzes and tests are very very easy. you get a huge notecard for the final exam

4.0
5.0
MATH147
Jan 17, 2008

While Mary is a very kind and caring individual, she is a faulty professor. She presents material very haphazardly and unclear. Her tests are very hard and tricky, very tricky.

2.0
5.0
MATH173
Feb 18, 2008

Very scatterbrained. Very difficult test. Not a good professor at all!

2.0
3.0
STATS147
Feb 20, 2008

I don't know what the people with the good rates are talking about. She may be nice, but she isn't a good teacher. very scatterbrained and i would avoid her at all costs

3.0
3.0
MATH148
Mar 15, 2008

She is nice and trys to get to know her students. But I found a lot of her lectures hard to understand. She tries to answer questions but she does not usually do so very well. But she is willing to work with you if you dont think your grade is fair. NOT the worst teacher.

1.0
4.0
MATH172
Mar 21, 2008

She was the worst teacher (if that's what you'd like to call her) i've ever had. She could not teach to save her life. I did not learn a single thing in the class. I actually feel as if i got dumber by listening to her attempt to teach. She ruined my GPA by not teaching me anything which will most likely cause me to have a bad grade in the class.

1.0
4.0
STAT148
Mar 31, 2008

She is one of the worst teachers i have ever had. she is not clear with what she is trying to teach. She is easily confused and very scatter brained. i will never take another class from her. Her homework hurts you instead of helping you. She gets very frustrated and very rude with you if you ask questions.

4.0
1.0
STATS149
May 14, 2008

I've had Mary for two quarters now she's great professor once you get the hang to her teaching style. Her tests can sometimes be tricky but they're really not that hard. She even drops your 3 lowest quizzes and 4 lowest test scores! If you don't understand something she'll slow down and won't continue until you understand the concept!

2.0
4.0
MATH173
Oct 27, 2008

she is very hard to understand, messes up problems as she does them with the class, very confusing you will have to learn outside of class.

2.0
4.0
MATH179
Nov 10, 2008

She is so confusing, and you have to do a lot of teaching your self and outside tutoring. She is a nice person, but she speaks really fast and gives poor examples. If Math is not your subject, then DO NOT TAKE HER!!!!!!!!

2.0
5.0
MATH173
Nov 17, 2008

This class completely kills me. Its sooo hard and she goes way too fast and in a class of so many students, you don't really get a chance to talk to her one on one or ask questions. I had to withdrawal its so hard, and i even took calculus in high school. dont take her!

1.0
5.0
MATH147
Nov 21, 2008

Now come on, I am a math student that always get good grades, so tell me why is she so confusing to the point I had to leave her class and take it up with another teacher next quarter avoid her at all cause she is so confusing, she don't really care about your progress.

1.0
5.0
ALG001
Mar 30, 2009

Avoid at all costs! She's very interested in the subject, but if you aren't a wiz at math, I suggest a different class. I was an honors math student all through high school, and barely pulled a C in her class!!! Very fast pace and not helpful. Be prepared to teach yourself from the book, which also is awful

3.0
4.0
MATH149
Apr 8, 2009

Ok. So I have had her from 147,148, and I am currently in her 149 class. She is a good teacher, you just have to take the extra step to learn it (i.e. tutoring). She is woring on being SLOW this quarter because she actually reads these stuff! I like her, she is nice to me, you just have to get to know her, and show interest! Take her with patience!

1.0
5.0
STAT147
Nov 14, 2009

Worst Professor I've ever had, you need to teach yourself this material and her questions on blackboard are vague and tricky. As someone whose skilled at math I am lucky, if your not good at math you will fail this class.

3.0
4.0
MATH173
Dec 22, 2009

Wat can I say about Prof. Schuster? I have taken at least three time for this same course and I dropped her first three times. However, I took her again this quarter and she has gotten so much better. She has changed her whole grading system which rly helpd. Now you build points! 70 pts= C, and much easier to pass the class.

5.0
4.0
MATH275
Mar 4, 2010

She is great! I had her for the entire intro to stats and she was great! Her exams are based on the material from class. They are completely fair and she gives partial credit. People are really mean to her because the homework is hard, but do-able they just don't want to put the effort in to understanding it. Overall she is great! Highly recommend

2.0
4.0
ALG002
Mar 30, 2010

Okay, she is horrible. I have never ever had so much trouble in any class especially math. She gets nervous in front of her students and makes many mistakes. Her homeworks are worth fractions of a point so if you fail one test its basically impossible to bring your grade up unless you get amazing grades on the next two. She is absolutely horrible.

2.0
4.0
MATH181
Jun 7, 2010

This Professor is TERRIBLE. She comes to class everyday unprepared. She has trouble answering her own questions and needs help from the students. Also, She is very vague with the material needed to know for tests. Be lucky to get a B in this class.

2.0
4.0
STATS147
Dec 2, 2010

she is one of my confusing and biased professors i have ever had. i have always gotten A's in math class and i will be lucky to get a C in this class. she is always right. if you call her out on question she explains it in some crazy way that doesnt make sense and doesnt help you at all

5.0
4.0
STAT148
Apr 2, 2011

I will first say that I am completely challenged with math. I was thoroughly pleased with the support and availability of Professor Schuster. The course was not easy - I spent roughly 10 hrs. per week. The homework and quizzes were tough, and the exams were reflective of the homework. Hard work will get you through this course.

3.0
4.0
MATH149
Jun 20, 2011

I took the online course, so it requires you to teach the material to yourself, but she offers helpful tools and spaces out the material well. I probably spent 10-12 hours per week studying, but I am not strong at math and managed an A. Weekly quizzes were over the previous week's material, to keep it fresh in your mind for the exams.

1.0
3.0
MATH101
Oct 11, 2011

worst math teacher ever, the only reason i did as well as i did is because my high school taught me so much

2.0
3.0
TOPIC157
Dec 5, 2011

Terrible teacher! The class is super easy as long as you look at the powerpoints and go to most of the classes. She sometimes has in class quizzes so you do have to show up to class. Do NOT buy the book, I never used it.

2.0
3.0
TOPIC157
Dec 8, 2011

I would avoid at all costs! She is easily confused and becomes nervous in front of her class. When explaining material she makes students even more confused. Her tests often have many mistakes and even to the point where there is no right answer(happened twice)You think this class will be easy, think again, she doesn't teach you. You teach yourself

5.0
1.0
CALC250
Feb 17, 2012

She may make simple mistakes and second guess her self sometimes but overall she is a good teacher. Compared to the rest of the calc 250 teachers she is the best. Take Prof Schuster's class you will not be disappointed. If you have questions she will help you, she explains everything, and she is clear when teaching.

4.0
2.0
CALC251
Feb 24, 2012

She sometimes rushes through the material and gives a lot of definitions with little of actually practicing the problem but overall a good teacher. She can be very helpful if needed but the best thing about her is that she speaks English :)

4.0
3.0
CALC251
Mar 20, 2012

Willing to go out of her way to help you at all times.

1.0
2.0
STAT146
Apr 3, 2012

She is socially awkward and flies through the material. But, she is willing to help. She has a bizarre way of grading things. Do not buy the book, I did not use it.She does not explain things well at all, but going to class is the only way you'll pass the tests.

5.0
3.0
PCALC007
Dec 12, 2012

GREAT teacher! I had her for pre-calc. I do not like math, and had never taken calculus before, but she made it easy to learn. She is VERY nice and offers extra credit. Rude and immature people in the class try to walk over her because she can be a little reserved, but I would definitely take a class from her again.

5.0
3.0
PRECALC
Mar 28, 2013

As far as teaching the material in class, I personally got lost and was unable to keep up, but when you ask her to explain something again, she does not hesitate and will go completely out of her way to help you pass the class. Very nice lady, extra credit, and if you ask, she will come to your study groups and tutor you on the topic.

5.0
4.0
PRECAL
Apr 27, 2013

She is an amazing and helpful teacher. Class isn't easy by no means however she is there to help you all the way through it. If you have a question she wants you to ask in class. and will keep explaining till you understand. She even will try to learn your names. I would take another class with her. Very personable professor.

5.0
3.0
CALC2
Oct 8, 2013

One of the best professors that I have had at UC! She made a hard course understandable and was willing to sacrifice her free time to help her students. I highly recommend her.

4.0
2.0
MATH1026
Grade: A+
Nov 21, 2013

Had her for Pre-Calc. She knows exactly what you need to know for Calculus and is very helpful and approachable. Sometimes hard to understand, but if you ask, she will be more than willing to explain it differently or again. Would definitely recommend.

1.0
5.0
STAT1031
Apr 5, 2014

HORRIBLE! This class SHOULD NOT be offered online.She needed to post power points, notes, etc. I have never struggled this hard throughout my 4 years in college, and received my first F in this class. I regret enrolling in this class, wasting $90 to complete weekly homework assignments (which could have been posted on blackboard).

1.0
5.0
1031
Dec 7, 2014

When she would go over power points she would never give examples. When she would try to explain something she would get super flustered and would not know how to explain it well. She does not make homework mandatory, so there were no homework points for this class. I would not recommend her.

2.0
4.0
PRECALC
Feb 25, 2015

Hands down the worst professor I've ever had. She is not clear at all in her teaching, and makes a ton of errors. I'm a math major, so I usually catch on pretty easily, but she is very very confusing. I have to teach myself all of the material outside of class. She is very unorganized, and she is "not a math person" (her words).

2.0
3.0
MATH1026
Grade: Not sure yet
Aug 27, 2015

she is not very good at explaining things. It's her way or she doesn't understand

5.0
2.0
MATH1026
Grade: A-
Mar 14, 2016

I want to first say that I am not a strong math student. I took Precalc and failed my first semester of college. I was really nervous about taking it again. Prof. Schuster was wonderful. Her class is straightforward and she explains the material well. If you come to class every day, take notes and study you will do fine.

2.0
4.0
MATH1061
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 26, 2016

Being in her class is like reading from the textbook and trying to understand all the information yourself. I can't say I really learned anything in her class. Everything that I did well on in her class I had learned previously.

5.0
3.0
MATH1061
Grade: B+
May 16, 2016

She is very prepared for lectures and the quizzes in class correlate with the homework. If you ever need help with a concept in class she will not move on until you understand it. If that means helping you outside of class she will do that. The exams were not that bad because she prepares you for them very well.

5.0
4.0
MATH1026
Apr 10, 2017
Would take again

Precalc is a challenging class don't be scared away by these ratings. It's not her fault so many people do poorly in this class. I have an A. STUDY FOR THE TESTS they are worth so much compared to quizzes and homework.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
MATH1026
Grade: C
Apr 18, 2017
Would take again

Mrs. Schuster is a great teacher! She always explains everything and gives extra practice and feedback in class!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
MATH1026
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2017
Would take again

Fantastic Professor. Did an excellent job in managing and teaching the class. Was extremely prepared for each lecture and did a fantastic Job. Just do the homeworks and participate in the class and you will do well.

Tough Grader
Respected
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
MATH1061
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 22, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Prof Schuster has a tenancy to second guess herself even when she is right, which causes an easy 2 min problem to take well over 10 min. She doesn't explain problems very well and gets flustered when you ask questions. Overall this made my first calc class an absolute nightmare. I ended up having to withdraw after failing the first two exams.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
3.0
STAT1031
Nov 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I took this class online and it was my worst online class experience. All of the exams had to be taken in person (not specified when signing up for the course) and the time and day of the week of the exam changed each time. When I could not make an exam I had to pay for an online proctor in order to take it; she was not flexible with the exam date.

4.0
3.0
MATH1026
Dec 10, 2018
Would take again

When it comes to class, her lectures are very clear and she is always ready to answer questions. Professor Schuster does make it clear that she isn't perfect and welcomes students corrections and she even compares her key to students answers to make sure she is correct. There is weekly homework but it isn't overbearing. Only thing is ALEKS is used.

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
MATH1061
Grade: B+
Aug 19, 2019
Would take again

Re-took Calculus with her... She was AMAZING. Even if you didn't understand at first, she would make you understand. Participate in class and you will understand everything. Do not be afraid to ask questions, she is incredibly helpful and friendly to the students that respect her and participate in class.

Respected
Participation matters
Caring
2.0
4.0
MATH1026
Grade: D
Jan 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Didn't like this class. While Schuster wasn't my main professor, she taught a little bit. Very confusing, she goes too fast, the grading is outrageously tough, and you basically have to teach yourself college-level Pre-calc. Dissapointing, was hoping to have a better teacher!

Test heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
MATH1026
Grade: B-
Jan 30, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Terrible at explaining things, talks way too fast, you have to teach yourself, the TA had a better understanding of the material than she did.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
MATH1026
Grade: C-
Dec 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Prof. Schuster is by far the worst math instructor I've ever had. Her lectures are simply reading the problem and answer which you get nothing out of, she also tends to contradict herself A LOT, making it super hard to learn the stuff. I had to study my butt off to do well on the final just to pass this class. AVOID HER NO MATTER WHAT!!

Lots of homework
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
MATH1026
Grade: C-
Dec 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Prof. Schuster is by far the worst math instructor I have ever had. Her lectures are simply reading the problem and answer without telling you how to do it which you learn nothing from. She ALWAYS tends to contradict herself and is an extremely tough grader on tests. I studied for weeks for the final since it was my last chance to pass. AVOID!!!

So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PRECALC
Mar 10, 2022
Wouldn't take again

The group quizzes are terrible, my group members are fine but if you ask questions she gets mad and takes 30 min to explain it when it couldve taken 5. makes rude comments to my group members as well. second guesses herself a lot and isnt very helpful so you either know it or you dont.

1.0
5.0
STAT1031
Grade: C-
Jul 4, 2022

Online "lectures" consisted of reading directly off bad slides. No help in regards to learning actual material. Seemed more interested in deriving stat formulas than teaching how to use them. Incredibly difficult closed note exams using the spying proctoring service. One of the worst professors I've had at UC so far, hands down.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
STAT2037
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 25, 2022

By far, the most horrible experience as a class. Lectures consist of the professor simply reading the slides from the book without adding anything to them that would be meaningful for students. The class grade is 70% exams, which use honorlock. If you want to actually learn the material, you are on your own.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
Math1062
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2024
Would take again

I really want to like her class. Professor Schuster is very kind and understanding, but her lectures are fast paced, and lack clear explanations for topics. She makes a lot of simple math mistakes, and if the class is not vigilant, they will not get noticed. However, she doesn't have an ego and has a good sense of humor, so she welcomes corrections

Tough grader
Caring
5.0
5.0
Math1062
Grade: B-
Dec 6, 2024
Would take again

Schuster is honestly the best calculus instructor I could have asked for, her RMP score is lower than many and I honestly don't understand why. Got a 95% on the first exam and was very happy. She does make many small mistakes but personally those help me keep my focus and also helps to see her work through her own mistakes as I make them too.

Gives good feedback
Caring
Respected
5.0
2.0
Math1062
Grade: A+
Dec 15, 2024
Would take again

CALC 2. I really do not know why Schuster received a poor rating on here. Yes she has her flaws, particularly with doubting herself sometimes as other has mentioned. But she regardless is a great professor that engages with the class and attempts to make it engaging. She made some wiggle room for grades with changing the weighting, so that helped.

EXTRA CREDIT
Inspirational
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

44%

Textbook Required

61%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

92% confidence
Based on 14 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (3)
C- (3)
A+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(2)C(4)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 19 reported grades
Not sure yet: 3
C-: 3
A+: 2
A-: 2
Common Tags
Tough grader (7)
Respected (4)
Participation matters (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
Gives good feedback (3)
Caring (3)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (2)
Tough Grader (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.18 avg change
Aug
Jan
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Mar
Jul
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CALC250

5.0

(2)

CALC250251

5.0

(1)

CALCI

5.0

(1)

PROBSTAT

5.0

(1)

CALC0

5.0

(1)
+43 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1031

5.0

LICKNUTS

5.0

CALCI

5.0

MATH156

5.0

ALG001

5.0

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