Michael Ratcliffe - James Madison University

Review your college professor, faculty and staff

Michael Ratcliffe - James Madison University

Professor: Michael Ratcliffe

Department: Business

College: James Madison University

Rating # 1

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

291 is what you make it to be. Yes I think it is by far the hardest COB pre req, but if you work hard and want to do well, you will. His tests are super detailed, but if you take the time to understand the material, they're actually not bad.

Rating # 2

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

A 3 is fair for easiness b/c honestly, If you know some things to the finest detail, you'll get an A. Go to all pass sessions and a B is very doable. Best 291 professor out there.

Rating # 3

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: C+
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Clifford is one of the best professors ever. I got a 54 on the first test, 95 on the second test (I got a pencil), and a 72 on the final. Averaged an A on the project, average a B on the homework. GO TO CLASS! Lectures are important. Tests are extremely tough. Funny guy, actually learned something at the end of it all. 79 as my final grade -_-

Rating # 4

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This class is one of the hardest classes in COB. DO ALL THE HW EVEN WHEN YOU DONT WANT TO. Its not a class you can goof off in and cram the night before- you need to study, do every hw assignment, go to office hours and PASS sessions. Otherwise the first test will hit you and you're screwed bc they are very detailed. He's the best though! take him!

Rating # 5

Overview:

Course: COB291
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:

The tests completely caught me off guard in terms of specificity. You need to know the material in great depth as well as be prepared to do a myriad of problems. Do the extra problems he posts online. Pay attention to the I SAID's and study study study!!!

Rating # 6

Overview:

Course: 291
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This man really knows 291. People on here are right, you will get the grade you deserve. I promise you, nothing feels better than studying hard and getting an A on ratcliffes tests. DO the HW, every time, as hard as that is. WRITE down every "I said" in class (youll get it)... and WORK with friends. Get help on excel!! GO TO CLASS!!

Rating # 7

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Ratcliffe is a really great professor, and the best to take for 291. His power points are the majority of his tests and he also does a lot of work with Excel as well. Has a great sense of humor to make class enjoyable and Ratcliffe for every class.

Rating # 8

Overview:

Course: 291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Ratcliffe is the man! Class is overall difficult but if you pay attention and do all the HW you can get an A. Has step by step powerpoints on canvas on how to do the HW. He loves to teach and lectures aren't a drag like other COB professors. The more work you put in, the better grade you'll receive.

Rating # 9

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: B-
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Ratcliffe is hands down the single best professor I've ever had, TAKE THIS MAN!! . Ratcliffe doesn't make tests easy, they are hard as hell and will make you think, but it prepares you for that final, but STUDY FOR THE FINAL OR FAIL THE FINAL!!! I took 291 twice, you need to be serious about this class if you want to pass, that goes for all profs!

Rating # 10

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Listen up - this class is no joke, but I got an A and so can you. You need to write down what he says, memorize it, and apply it to your homework. Do all the homework bc he uses some questions on tests. Go to extra office hours and ASK QUESTIONS DURING CLASSDURING THE TEST - HE WILL HELP!!! You can get an A if you want one, but it won't be easy.

Rating # 11

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He made it as good as 291 can be. Hard tests though.

Rating # 12

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

This class is difficult in general, but Ratcliffe does a pretty good job of making it as clear as possible. The Excel assignments can be time-consuming & the tests can seem pretty impossible, but the class is manageable. Don't miss any classes and be sure to ask if something doesn't make sense - take advantage of his extra office hours!

Rating # 13

Overview:

Course: 291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Take this man! He has his downfalls for sure, but after failing this class once and taking it again with him, believe me - this is the guy you want!!! (hint: he knows the readings are impossible, but actually do them, they can fill in the blanks from his lectures)

Rating # 14

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Ratcliffe has some of the hardest tests I have ever taken. Very unclear with directions and homework. Hardly ever collects homework but will catch you off guard when he does. He is hilarious and understands the class is hard and offers an insane amount of office hours. You can succeed in the class, just be prepared to work for it.

Rating # 15

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great Professor, best 291 Professor and a must take for this class, the course material is difficult regardless of who you take but he gives you the best chance at an A or B

Rating # 16

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is by far one of my favorite professors. He understands that this is a hard class, with that being said he is always available for office hours and really wants to see his students succeed. His tests are tough but if you come to class every day and do the homework you should be able to do well on all of them.

Rating # 17

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He is the best teacher for 291 and as long as you are present in every class (he gives "quizzes", which is a free 100) you will pass

Rating # 18

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Mr. Ratcliffe is an awesome professor. He really cares about his students and offers a lot of extra help. The PASS Sessions help so much - definitely go to them! Tests are tough, but if you do the work, study hard, and get the help you need, you will be better than you think. I recommend for sure!

Rating # 19

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Ratcliffe is the funniest teacher I've had at JMU thus far, so he always held my attention. 291 is a very difficult class, but he really wants you to succeed. He holds the most office hours I've ever seen. However, his tests are very hard. It was frustrating that it seemed like he was making them overly hard and trying to trick us.

Rating # 20

Overview:

Course: COB291
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I don't know what the big fuss over 291 is. I'm not super smart & I don't get very good grades (2.7 overall) but I thought Ratcliffes class was awesome. He's completely insane, but profoundly brilliant at the same time & he makes 291 interesting with crazy scenarios. MAKE A SHEET OF ALL THE "I SAID!" CONCEPTS. You'll know what I'm talking about!

Add Your Review Below:

Search Professors:

Welcome:

Before signing up for classes every students should gather as much information as possible to make a decision on which professors as well as which courses to take. This website will help you make this decision easier.

Here, the students can rate, research and cross-reference the overall performances of the professors to select the best ones, and always be informed and up-to-date with what’s important.

Join the fun! Visit all pages and get all the information you need to choose the best class and best professor that you’ll enjoy listening to and learning from.

Our Friendly Sponsor:

Schools:

Our Friendly Sponsor: