Dave Schmidt - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Professor: Dave Schmidt

Department: Mathematics

College: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MATH1020
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Schmidt has very clear notes and lectures. Homework is not mandatory. Quizzes and Tests are very straight forward.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MATH2010
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Learn how to do all the back test questions and you will get an A easily

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: CALC1020
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: No
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Straight out amazing. One of the best professor you get in RPI.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MATH2010
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Extremely clear lectures. Gives lots of examples and will always ask if people have questions to make sure nobody is confused. For tests, go over one or two back exams and you're set since he keeps the same problems and equations but just changes the numbers

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MATH1020
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Probably the best/easiest RPI prof. for any MATH course. Tests are easy and simple but he doesn't give back exams, so study. HW is optional, but if you do that and show up for recitation you should be good. Do go to class and take notes, his notes are on the overhead projector so not posted online. Gives a review before exams too.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MATH2010
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He is such a nice guy that I thought he might be the best among the math department. A really good lecturer and really kind to his students. The tests are not very tough and I don't think you will get a bad grade after reviewing all the questions he gives to you!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MATH2020
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Overall, great professor. The initial lectures before a test are more conceptual and intangible in nature but as the test gets closer becomes more concrete with problems appearing straight on the exam. DEFINITELY check out the backwork before taking the tests. Blue matrix algebra book helpful for the final.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MATH2010
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Prof. Schmidt was the best professor I ever had at RPI. His lectures were easy to follow, his course was well designed, and he genuinely seemed to care about his students. I highly recommend him.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MATH1010
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He focuses on the "why" a little bit more than the "how." He wants to make sure you have a full understanding of the class, and why everything operates in the way that it does. Excellent teacher who makes sure everyone understands the content before continuing to more complex concepts.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MATH2010
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Stupidly good, plain and simple. Lectures are insanely clear, extremely well organized, and well-suited for any lvl of student. Very willing to answer questions, and always gives a thorough answer. Focuses more on intuition than formulas, great for those looking for a deep understanding, even for applications beyond the course material.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MATH2400
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This class is difficult and Professor Schmidt is very harsh when interacting one on one. His tests are fair as they represent problems on back tests and examples done in class very clearly. It was tough to transition into the last unit of matrix math as I did not have prior experience.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MATH2010
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Schmidt's lectures are insanely clear, he asks questions to ensure no one is confused, and holds a class prior to exams to just work through problems. If you do more than 2 backtests before an exam, you're guranteed to pass. Wish I had him for every math course.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MATH1010
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Schmidt is a real gem. I would have taken his Multivar class this semester but his class was filled before I could register for it. Also he's very friendly and super chill. One of the best professors I've ever had. Explains all content very clearly, and always sticks around after class to answer questions

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MATH2010
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Bless this amazing gentleman. The real mvp.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: CALC1020
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He is a caring professor and explains the topics lucidly. Taking notes in that class is essential if you want the A

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MATH1010
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Schmidt is by far the most articulate professor I've had so far. He's the only math teacher/professor I've ever had that explains topics clearly, but more importantly he wants to make sure everyone understands WHY a particular theorem is the way it is. I would DEFINITELY take another class with him and I highly recommend him.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: CALC1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Schmidt is a good guy, but beware because he doesn't use LMS, so it might be difficult to balance focusing and note taking. I've heard this class is easier with another prof if you haven't taken Calc AB. Quizzes are no partial credit which sucks, but the exams are pretty straightforward. His handwriting might be one of his most redeeming qualities

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MATH2100
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Dave Schmidt is one of my favorite professors I've had so far. I've taken classes with him twice now (Calculus 2 MATH1020 and Multivariable Calculus) and I find his lecturing style very easy to follow. Plus, he's very accessible outside of class, and it's obvious that he cares deeply about his students.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: CALC1020
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

It's probably okay if you don't want to show up to lectures--the only things you're graded on are your tests and quizzes. But going to the lectures makes things simple. Course material is clearly presented and explained, homework questions are provided for practice and questions are always answered.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MATH2010
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

In my 3 years at RPI, no other professor came close to Schmidt's clarity. He answers any potential questions you may have before you can even ask them! His exams are fair. He doesn't try to trick you. He cracks jokes in lecture from time to time and does not acknowledge them. His swag knows no bounds. I wish I could take this class again.