Willetta Simms - Azusa Pacific University-Azusa

Professor: Willetta Simms

Department: TBD

College: Azusa Pacific University-Azusa

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Simms is the BEST professor I've had at APU. I'm Lib Studies so I don't know jack crap about bio. She made it so easy, and she's so easygoing and funny. She also is extremely caring and understanding. I had surgery and she told me not to worry ab anything until I was off painkillers. Two assignments, and an EXAM she excused me from. I love Simms!!!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: BIO101LAB
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

do not be scared of the reviews, she is a kind and reasonable professor! She literally tells you what to do and you just have to do it, if you need help her or the TA will be more than happy to help! she is a few minutes late to class which is helpful for when the trolly rides to the other campus take forever!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: BIO101LAB
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Don't get spooked by her ratings-- Professor Simms comes across as intimidating, but she is actually very caring and understanding. She is very blunt (especially to students who are disrespectful), but as long as you're respectful, ask questions, and participate, you shouldn't have a problem. You'll definitely need to study for the practicum.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: BIO101LAB
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

If you have the chance to NOT take this class with Simms, DO IT!!! She is always late to class, and unreasonable. She expects way too much from her students who do not even have this subject as their major. TAKE SOMEONE ELSE.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: BIO103
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Simms may seem hard at first, but once you get to know her, she will do everything and anything to help you get your grade up. At the beginning of the semester, I found it hard to understand her, but I got used to it. I had a poor grade in the class and she was able to get me to a B. Al you have to do is ask and she will help you!!!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: BIOL101LAB
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

If biology isn't your best subject, don't take Simms. Rearrange your schedule if that's what it takes. She's irritable, routinely late to class, a harsh grader, and has unclear expectations. She didn't provide a study guide for the practical, and unsurprisingly, the majority of us scored around 60% or lower. She told us she'd curve it; never did.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Simms is a professor that goes above and beyond to communicate and help you understand the material. She is clear about what is expected of you and available during her office hours and usually after class as well. With hard work and diligence you will do well in this class. Her notes are clear, use them as your study guide!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Simms comes off as intimidating, but shes actually one of the most caring professors out there. Lectures are based off of how well you take notes in class, as there is no required biology textbook. Go to office hours and really get to know her.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: BIO101LAB
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Prior to the start of class (bio 101L), some of my peers mentioned having concern about the class content and professor's overall strictness. Let me just say, any preconceptions you may have about Professor Simms will be quickly deconstructed upon meeting with her. You'll find a caring, intelligent, and humorous woman. You will not be disappointed!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

As a nonmajor, I was terrified of taking a general biology course/lab this summer. However, after hard work, I was able to pass the class and take away a lot of knowledge that can be applied to my prospective career. I also learned a lot applicable to my personal life. Dr. Simms has obviously been in this field for a while. Dont be afraid of her.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: BIO101LAB
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I am thoroughly disappointed after taking BIO 101 Lab with Professor Simms. She was discouraging and rude towards us students, not seeming to care if we learned the material. She was never on time to a class and never explained directions in a helpful or clear way. I do not recommend this class at all and would advise anyone to take this course.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: BIOL101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Simms is very passionate about her job. Although she does not speak with much expression, her teaching style is amazing. I guarantee that you will learn a lot in her class. The tests are all test based which is a plus! The course does require that you study quite a bit. Professor Simms is also very accessible outside of class. Great prof!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Her notes are very clear and it's not difficult to do well on her tests if you take good notes, pay attention, and make sure to study the notes closely. She assigns two pretty hefty essays the last two weeks of class, but you get to choose the style (APA, MLA, etc) and the topics for both. An A in the class means you don't have to take the final.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: BIOL101L
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Very sweet and helpful when you ask. There's only one paper with a clear rubric at the beginning. Quizzes and the final are difficult. You really gotta know your material cause you'll only have a vague idea of what you'll be tested on. Also large amount of info on the study guides (which weren't very helpful) but she does grade on a curve.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: BIOL101L
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Sticks with the syllabus. Very approachable. Willing to adjust your grade if you talk with her. Almost always a couple minutes late to class. In the class itself, she'll give you instructions, then you work with your table group. Faster you work earlier you leave. I sat in the front, but it was difficult to understand her because of her accent.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I enjoyed her class so much! I was dreading this class going into it but she is hilarious. If you don't want to work hard and you want an easy A then maybe don't consider taking her course. She expects hard work, attendance and won't dumb down the material. Provides opportunities to help improve grades. Show up, work hard and you'll do fine.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Loved this teacher. Her teaching style is very straight forward. Although it's hard to understand her at times you get used to it. As long as you take notes and study from them you'll do fine on the tests. She is super sweet outside of class too. She let me make up tests that I missed and excuses the final if you get an A in the class.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

If you actually try to learn and show that to her, she will make sure to get you to the grade you want. Her work will be hard but like I said, she will work with you and will not fail anyone who puts effort into this course.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Willetta Simms is a great professor and an awesome person. She is kind and funny and her class is not too challenging. Also, she gives plenty of options for extra credit. If you show up, take notes, and do the homework, you will pass.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: BIO101
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Other people who rate Dr. Simms on this website are brutal. She's actually really nice and she is very knowledgeable on the material. She will take her time to one-on-one with you and she is very reasonable. Do take her! Not much homework but do study the notes as they are the basis for the exams.