You undoubtedly have heard and seen information about websites that rank professors. While such websites can be helpful, keep in mind that there are multiple places to go to for such information.
Websites With Student Feedback and Rankings
Websites that use student input (such as RateMyProfessor, StudentsReview, and Pick-A-Prof) are often unregulated. Additionally, they only have information from students who felt strongly enough about their professor to head to the site, write something, and submit it. Information may be out of date: how a professor taught three years ago may be very different from how they teach today. Some information, such as the "hotness" factor, may also not be totally relevant to how a professor teaches a class. (Good to know, maybe, but is it really going to help you pass Organic Chemistry?) Therefore, the information may not be a great way to gauge a professor. Online faculty ranking sites should only be one of many other pieces of information you use.
Other Resources to Consider
If science isn't your thing, but you have to take a lab class in order to graduate, knowing which professors are better than others can be helpful and important information. Make sure you don't make a decision just from faculty-ranking sites, though. Asking around your campus may be your best bet. Most students know a little (or know someone who knows a little) about the majority of professors at your college or university. You can also try snooping around on social networking sites (facebook, anyone?) to see what people say. Lastly, your school may compile student surveys from previous years; again, check around to see what resources are available. You just might be surprised at what you can find out!
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