4.2

Zach Sapolsky

Psychology - Baruch College

4.2
Quality
2.3
Difficulty
84%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
4.2
Quality
2.3
Difficulty
4.2
Helpful
4.2
Clarity

84%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

56

4

12

3

7

2

3

1

6

What Students Say

Stay away from this professor classes

4012 - 2.0 rating

Really enjoyable class

PSY3064 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

89%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

95% confidence
Based on 16 grades
Most common grades:
A (11)
A- (4)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(12)B(0)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 16 reported grades
A: 11
A-: 4
A+: 1
Common Tags
Respected (5)
Clear grading criteria (5)
Amazing lectures (5)
Inspirational (4)
Get ready to read (3)
Hilarious (3)
Group projects (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.15 avg change
Jun
Jan
Aug
Dec
Jan
Jul
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

3055

5.0

(2)

3060

5.0

(2)

PSYCH3055

5.0

(1)

PSY4061

5.0

(1)

PSY3061

5.0

(2)
+17 more courses
Difficulty by Course

4012

5.0

PSYC1001

4.0

PSY1234

3.0

PSY4012

3.0

PSY4061

3.0

Reviews (84)
1.0
1.0
PSY3182
Dec 26, 2007

Beyond boring, lectures are absolutley useless as he jumps from topic to topic. The whole class fell asleep on him. Exams are straight from the book. Doesn't take attendance (unless the dept. forces him too). Nice guy overall, but he'll put you to sleep

3.0
3.0
PSY1234
Feb 18, 2008

he's alright.

5.0
2.0
PSY4012
Apr 3, 2008

So Far, he is a good Professor and he makes everything smoothly. The only thing I would ask him to improve is to come to class early because he is always late for it. In general he is very helpful and a lenient grader.

4.0
1.0
PSY3055
Nov 12, 2008

This professor is very easy. He gives 4 noncumulative tests and drops the lowes grade. No projects,no papers.He is quite boring, but if you listen closely he gives the question before the test during the review class.

5.0
2.0
PSYCH3055
Nov 20, 2008

My favorite professor at baruch, his lectures are very interesting, and he knows a lot about the subject.

5.0
1.0
PSY3055
Jan 5, 2009

This prof is awesome. I took him twice since he teaches 4012 and 3055. Theres no homework, or papers, just show up and listen. The exams are multi-choice, and he drops the lowest grade. DONT MISS THE REVIEWS. In fact, write down every word he says during the review for the exam...it really helps.

2.0
5.0
PSY1001
May 5, 2009

Worst professor ever. take him if u want to waste your time. if your average get ready to get C+.

5.0
3.0
PSY4061
May 19, 2009

I like Sapolsky, but his tests are on the ridiculous side. The wording is subjective for his multichoice and has degrees of "correctness". I am a 3.7 FIN major. Was never able to break into an A in the class. But he's quite nice.

5.0
1.0
PSY3061
Aug 19, 2009

this was a very easy summer class. There were no exams just a lot of discussions and you have participate in class a lot. I recommend him 100%.

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Sep 3, 2009

It was an easy class for summer session. Attend his lectures, sometimes he throws in questions that are not in the book and go to his review class before exams. Easy A.

5.0
2.0
PYS101
Nov 2, 2009

Funny professor but still teaches the class. Tests are easy and he tries to stimulate conversations and debates in class. Overall he is a great teacher and it doesnt hurt that he is young and good looking.

3.0
4.0
PSYC1001
Nov 9, 2009

Very boring. Talks alot and no extra credit. Gives trick questions on exams.

4.0
2.0
PSY3059
Jan 24, 2010

Not a difficult class. Easy-going guy. Took it in the winter. 3 non-cumulative exams. Need to pay attention in class and read the book to do well.

3.0
4.0
PSY1001
Jun 5, 2010

not a good professor. there is nothing to do for extra credit, tests are not easy, tricky questions (even if you study). he looks easygoing, classes are interesting, but his grading system is sux. nothing for extra credit, participation does not matter as well. stay away

1.0
5.0
PSY1001
Jun 9, 2010

I don't know how he got over all quality 3.8 in this web site. Probably, he might have recommended himself. :))Runnnnnnn......for the sake of GPA

4.0
2.0
PSY1001
Jun 18, 2010

He's a great professor. He can get off topic but teaches a lot of material. You MUST take notes, this will help you on the quizzes. There are 4 quizzes and I think he drops the lowest (all multiple choice). Make sure you pay attention to the lectures and skim the book for more information and definitions. I got an A, but I worked hard for it.

1.0
1.0
PSY1001
Jul 6, 2010

Runnnnn for the sake of your GPA...

3.0
5.0
PSY1001
Jul 9, 2010

No matter how much you study you will feel surprised by his tests. You have to answer between 50 and 65 questions and believe me, not even the book has those answers. But he is a genious, because after you mess up, he will "help you" with his curves. Your GPA will suffer. He is something!!!!

5.0
2.0
PSY4012
Jul 12, 2010

He's one of the best profs. The things we discuss in class are interesting & relevant to life. Attendance is mandatory (even if it's not, you should anyways bc it helps a lot. 3 exams with 20-25 questions and they're easy quest.(as long as you attend class and listen) I have the book but didnt really read a lot of it. And he's really funny.

1.0
3.0
PSY1001
Jul 16, 2010

this professor is insane. his teaching is interesting but not organized. he teaches the whole book but doesen't give review and notes for the exams and his questions will drive you crazy and his grade will make your GPA low down. Just for sure he is a nice guy but not a good teacher because he is not qualified to be called a good teacher.

1.0
4.0
PSY1001
Jul 27, 2010

Stay away from him. He will meSs up ur gpa

5.0
4.0
PSYCH1001
Aug 12, 2010

Professor Sapolsky is funny and entertaining...far from boring. He handles the material well and the tests are not so hard.

1.0
5.0
PSY1001
Aug 20, 2010

Text book is mandatory. Professor does review and take lots of questions from students. Mid-terms and final are multiple choice.Expect to find questions that were not discuss in class. Very hard professor don't take him if you want an A.

3.0
5.0
PSY1101
Nov 23, 2010

He makes tests extremely hard because he thinks by this way he looks like a better professor.No matter how much you study, he will ask things that you never hear in class. Stay away if you want a good grade.He is not a good professor.

5.0
4.0
PSY1001
Nov 24, 2010

Great teacher. Yes you have to work hard but it pays off. He is very funny and interesting to listen to. 4 tests and he drops the lowest one...So work hard and you can get an A/A-

5.0
2.0
PSYCH1001
Nov 25, 2010

Awesome professor, very interesting and if you take notes during class and study them its an easy A. Must take!

4.0
3.0
PSY1001
Nov 26, 2010

straight from textbook

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Jan 19, 2011

Okay. please disregard all the comments posted below. I can personally vouch that this professor is not hard. He is actually interested in what he does and makes teaching fun. I got an A in the class because i studied 2 hours for every test i took notes every class. Its really easy to get an A. All it takes is a little effort. Tests are easy.promis

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Jan 19, 2011

Okay. please disregard all the comments posted below. I can personally vouch that this professor is not hard. He is actually interested in what he does and makes teaching fun. I got an A in the class because i studied 2 hours for every test i took notes every class. Its really easy to get an A. All ittakes is a little effort. Tests are easy.promise

5.0
3.0
PSY1001
Mar 25, 2011

Prof.Sapolsky is amazing! Sapolsky just uses his own knowledge and makes it very relatable to daily life. He's also great at answering questions after class if anything in the lecture is unclear. for personal questions he set up a discussion board called Ask Zach which is also awesome and very thoughtful. P.S. He's a really cute in a nerdy way

5.0
2.0
PSY1001
Mar 30, 2011

I dont know why people are complaining about this Professor. He is absolutely dedicated to his work and is awesome at getting his point across. You have to read a little from the slides and book, but thats all classes. He is pretty clear and he also adds humor and examples to make the point clear and concise. A must-take Professor.

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Apr 8, 2011

Not sure if Zach is the same in the older comments. My GPA is doing fine, thanks. Maybe the reason the test isn't a facsimile of the textbook is because you're expected to actually LEARN not just be a robot. But I guess that's why you want to be an accountant. Very funny lecturer, makes the morning a pleasure. Recommended highly.

5.0
2.0
PSY1000
Apr 13, 2011

HE IS THE BEST PROFESSOR EVER. He really knows his stuff! And he's so engaging, he has so much to offer and so much talent. I love Prof Sapolsky, he is outdoing all the psych teachers out there. He is the cutest thing in the world and I'm beyond lucky to have him as a professor. There's never a dull day with Sapolsky.

5.0
2.0
PSY1001
Apr 13, 2011

HE IS THE BEST PROFESSOR EVER. He is sooo dedicated to the field and he really knows his stuff. He engages the class so easily, and he's really down to earth. HE is so amazing with so much to offer and so much talent. Honestly he's outdoing all the other psych professors. Simply amazing.

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
May 18, 2011

Keeps you engaged in the topic. Very nice guy with a corny but chill sense of humor. Very helpful if you ask. Explains everything well. I recommend him as a prof. He is a cool guy and makes the class a breeze.

5.0
2.0
PSY1001
May 18, 2011

GREAT, AMAZING Professor... clear, concise, helpful, knowledgeable; I absolutely love this man. If you have the chance to learn from him, take it.

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
May 19, 2011

He is absolutely Great!!!

5.0
2.0
PSY1001
May 19, 2011

I love this man, I looked forward to every W & F morning!He's awesome, his class is very enjoyable and interesting. He knows the material really well and makes it easy to understand. Quirky personality and nerdy sense of humor was greatly appreciated. The textbook is an integral part of the class so buy it as soon as possible and expect 4 MC exams

5.0
2.0
PSY4012
Jul 20, 2011

Great professor! Keeps the class entertained as he often cracks jokes and invite in class discussions. Never had a boring class! His explanations are very clear and detailed. Take him!

5.0
3.0
PSY3059
Aug 31, 2011

He is a great professor! He really is passionate about the subject and he shows that in his teachings. He is very entertaining. Definitely recommended!

5.0
3.0
PSY1001
Nov 21, 2011

GREATT!!

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Dec 8, 2011

Great professor! Take him! He explains things very well and also connects concepts to his life and job.

5.0
2.0
PSY1001
Dec 8, 2011

Great teacher. Really laid back and teaches the material well. He's very passionate about psych and an easy professor. Not only do you learn stuff from him but you do so in a relaxed environment. easy a, take his class.

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Dec 11, 2011

Great professor. The professor duo works very well with engaging students in different aspects of learning. Has a great sense of humor, but sometimes ends up getting silence from the students. Very passionate about what he's teaching. Never going to forget PSY 1001. Online homeworks and 4 exams. Any objections?

5.0
1.0
PSY1101
Dec 11, 2011

Highly recommend. I actually liked prof Sapolsky more than Sitt. He's funny and very knowledgeable. Take notes and read the textbook. Easy A!!

4.0
2.0
PYSCH1001
Dec 14, 2011

Really good professor. Teaches his material well and knows his stuff, gives four texts and no final. Drops the lowest grade. Tests are really easy and he's funny. Tells a lot of stories to go along with the Material. Take this class, he's a good professor.

5.0
1.0
PSYBWFA
Dec 15, 2011

He is awesome and funny!! Easy class, all you have to do is go to the lectures and read the textbook, do learning smarts. Guaranteed an A if you study a lot.

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Dec 27, 2011

Great professor! I recommend him to anyone. He is passionate about what he does and helped us understand the material. Watch out for the TA's lol.

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Jan 4, 2012

Funny guy! Sings and raps well :) It's hard not to listen to him - very enthusiastic teaching style. Knows his stuff. Him + Sitt make a good team. Textbook suggested but not absolutely necessary 'cause slides are super informative. Strict attendance policy. Easy extra credit. 4 noncumulative exams + weekly hw assignments. Def recommend this class!

5.0
2.0
PSY1001
Jan 4, 2012

LOoooooove this man! Looked forward to even w&f classes with him & Super Sitt. Both are very knowledgable about the material. Need the textbook to do the online hws but just print out the slides for class notes. They made psychology sooo interesting and set a really good learning atmosphere for a 500 people lecture hall

5.0
3.0
PSY1001
Jan 15, 2012

Great professor. My only itch is the same thing I mentioned for Sitt - I hate that after being required to read the book and do homework on it before class that he will cover the most obvious and easy to comprehend topics. Aside from this, this man is a great professor - I definitely recommend him!

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Jan 31, 2012

Loved him! Great professor and extremely knowledgeable! Made learning fun and interesting. Do the homework! It really helps towards doing well on the exams.

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
Mar 5, 2012

Dr Sapolsky is DIVINE! I wouldn't be able to survive Sitt's class without him teaching!

5.0
1.0
PSY1001
May 13, 2012

He is great! And he's so funny, such a goofball lol. But anyways, he is so easy to understand, makes great examples while adding humor into his lectures. Fun lecturer

5.0
1.0
PSY1000
May 25, 2012

such a cutie. he is lectures were fun and his tests were easy. He is also a very charming person ;)

5.0
2.0
PSY3059
May 27, 2012

Professor Sapolsky is a gifted lecturer and knows how to make psychology interesting. His test are 100% from the book, however if you read the chapters you'll be fine on the exams.

5.0
3.0
PSY1001
Jun 25, 2012

he is great!!!! unbelievably helpful, knowledgeable and funny. The way he explains is easy even for real dummies. moreover, he gives you a lot of examples and answers any questions!!! Take him. He is one of the best!!!!And the TAs are extremely nice!

5.0
1.0
PSY3061
Nov 24, 2012

ahhhhh-mazing! SOOOO funny, so down to earth; work is easy and pretty straight forward. the easiest A in your life if you respect others and attend class. made being stuck in the school for the summer a GREAT summer

5.0
1.0
3055
Grade: A-
Nov 4, 2014

Awesome!!! Best professor!!

5.0
2.0
PSY
Grade: A-
Nov 5, 2014

Must take. An amazing professor.

5.0
1.0
3060
Grade: A
Jan 24, 2015

You will totally enjoy his class. Very exciting lectures. If you read the book and power point slides the tests will be a breeze.

5.0
2.0
3060
Grade: A+
Jan 27, 2015

Took him for a winter class and it was great. He is very knowledgeable, down to earth and super funny. It was a winter class so the class was very very long but I didn't feel like I was being tortured. He is very entertaining but still stays on topic. The grading was very clear two exams and a group project. Take him for a wntr class!!!

2.0
5.0
4012
May 22, 2015

Stay away from this professor classes. Tests are hard and based on the entire book.

2.0
3.0
PSY4012
Dec 28, 2015

I was disappointed in this class. Sapolsky was often boring and unclear. His slides are horrible, they're too wordy and not appealing. He's a good guy but not a good professor for this class.

5.0
2.0
PSY4012
May 24, 2016

Such a smart professor. His lecturers were amazing! I would leave his class wanting to read my book. Only 3 exams and one paper, drops lowest grade. ALSO he is so funny. Had me cracking up in class. I only wish I knew about him earlier; would have taken more of his classes.

4.0
3.0
PSY4057
May 28, 2016
Would take again

Pay attention in-class and study the slides for the exams. If you don't understand the slides or miss a class, read the textbook to clarify it. Grading is: 80% exams (3 exams, drops lowest grade) and 20% essay. Only complaint I have is he gives out the same exam to everyone in a packed room of 100+ students so people cheat.

4.0
3.0
PSY3064
Grade: A-
Aug 3, 2016
Would take again

The best professor in the psychology department at Baruch!! Very knowledgeable and intelligent.

5.0
4.0
PSY4012
Dec 24, 2016
Would take again

Professor Sapolsky is one of the best professors I've had! His lectures are interesting, he respects his students and always ready to help. There is lots of reading but I found the textbook to be pretty interesting, though. I would definitely recommend taking his class!

Respected
Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
4.0
2.0
PSY3055
Jan 14, 2017
Would take again

Professor Sapolsky is a great and intelligent professor. Hands down, Abnormal Psychology is by far the best class I had ever taken in Baruch. I wish I could take more of his classes. Very hilarious and talented lecturer! He made every class interesting.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
PSY4012
May 30, 2017
Would take again

Prof Sapolsky is such a great professor. I took a capstone course with him, and the course itself was a bit challenging but the professor made it clear. However, I had to read the majority of textbook because his lectures weren't enough to cover everything. Time was limited. Also, he's very laid back in terms of giving grades for paper and exams.

Respected
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
PSY4012
Dec 17, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He's extremely knowledgeable, and makes the course very interesting, but structures it poorly. He covers EVERYTHING from the textbook (rather than what's important ) and clutters his slides. He's nice, passionate, and smart, but in regards to this course, if you don't have time to self-teach, don't take him. It's a bit overwhelming.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
1.0
PSY3055
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2017
Would take again

There are three tests and a presentation. The class is super easy if you pay attention to the lecture and take notes. His lectures follow the textbook exactly so if you miss anything, its easy to catch up. An easy A!

Would take again
5.0
3.0
PSY3055
Grade: A-
Dec 23, 2017
Would take again

Professor Sapolsky was amazing! He does follow the textbook to the T but he makes it engaging. I never laughed so much during a lecture, he's funny. And he has so much experience in this field and has done many different things, it's invigorating. Taking him again next semester for a capstone.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Would take again
5.0
2.0
PSY1001
Grade: A
Feb 5, 2018
Would take again

Took PSY 1001 for college now. Grades are based on 3 tests and a paper. Didn't have to read anything except for my notes from his class for the tests. Just pay attention and study if you feel you forgot something. He explains the material really well and has a lot of interesting stories to keep the class interesting. No homework.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
PSY3055
Grade: A
Feb 23, 2018
Would take again

Had a great experience in abnormal psych. I took his class over the winter semester. The prof is so knowledgable in his field and loves to share stories from his experiences. He is genuine, hilarious, and pretty laid back. Honestly, I was excited to come to class. His tests were very straight forward. He does everything he can to help your grade!

Respected
Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
PSY4012
Oct 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

great guy, but his class is extremely unstructured. his powerpoint are extremely cluttered and hard to follow. you'll need the textbook to teach you the course and prepare for tests. and If you aren't a fan of philosophy, stay away from PSY 4012, extremely heavy emphasis on philosophy in this class rather than psych.

5.0
3.0
PSY3064
Dec 21, 2018
Would take again

Really enjoyable class. He really teaches from experience and an intellectual level. Chill and very interesting class. Nice guy.

Inspirational
4.0
3.0
PSY3064
Grade: A
May 29, 2020
Would take again

The grade is based on two tests, a paper and a group project. The tests are easy, its mostly multiple choice and one or two short answers. I would recommend reading the textbook to prepare for the tests. The paper and group project are doable if you have been keeping up with the lectures.

Get ready to read
Group projects
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
PSY3064
Grade: A
Jun 2, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Sapolsky is great therapist and psych professor. He speaks from his personal experience and connect with class topics. He goes over everything in the textbook and exams are based off of the textbook and his ppts. He is a very lenient grader when it comes to your research paper/group presentation since it's counted and gradedindividually.

Inspirational
Group projects
Clear grading criteria
5.0
2.0
PSY3055
Grade: A
Jan 26, 2021
Would take again

The best professor I have ever come across. He is so sweet and really understanding. He knows a lot about the field being the fact he is currently practicing psychology. I truly enjoyed every minute of his class.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Caring
5.0
2.0
PSY3055
Grade: A
Aug 16, 2021
Would take again

Doctor Sapolsky is one of the best professors at Baruch. I loved listening to his lectures, he's a great person. You only have few things to do and they're all manageable. He's a good grader too, just so you know..

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
PSY3064
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2021
Would take again

easy grader. not much work to do. goes by the textbook so if you just read it youll do fine. interactive and interesting lectures

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
3.0
3.0
PSY
Grade: A
Jan 26, 2025

Psych: There was a lot of work but it was not hard. Final, group presentation, and journal. Professor applied real world experience to his teachings.

Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
2.0
3055
Grade: A
Jul 12, 2025
Would take again

AMAZING PROFESSOR. Took him for summer class. His class is interesting. Pretty straightforward. Is willing to help you anytime. If you submit any assignment late just let him know. Two five pages essay pretty simple and easy. One group project but you are only graded for your part. Definitely take his class. EASY TO PASS!!!

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

89%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

95% confidence
Based on 16 grades
Most common grades:
A (11)
A- (4)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(12)B(0)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 16 reported grades
A: 11
A-: 4
A+: 1
Common Tags
Respected (5)
Clear grading criteria (5)
Amazing lectures (5)
Inspirational (4)
Get ready to read (3)
Hilarious (3)
Group projects (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.15 avg change
Jun
Jan
Aug
Dec
Jan
Jul
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

3055

5.0

(2)

3060

5.0

(2)

PSYCH3055

5.0

(1)

PSY4061

5.0

(1)

PSY3061

5.0

(2)
+17 more courses
Difficulty by Course

4012

5.0

PSYC1001

4.0

PSY1234

3.0

PSY4012

3.0

PSY4061

3.0

Similar Professors