Averages use numerical answers, including the ratings submitted with new reviews. Written comments are shown separately. Missing responses are shown as “Not collected.”
- Available for help outside class22 evaluations
- 4.55 / 5
- Course well organized22 evaluations
- 3.60 / 5
- Stimulated interest22 evaluations
- 4.07 / 5
- Assignments helpful10 evaluations
- 3.86 / 5
- Attendance necessary22 evaluations
- 3.98 / 5
- Course intellectually challengingHigher means more challenging22 evaluations
- 4.39 / 5
- Weekly effort1 is very light; 5 is very heavy10 evaluations
- 2.60 / 5
- Instructor prepared12 evaluations
- 4.38 / 5
- Clear explanations12 evaluations
- 3.89 / 5
Written reviews 11
Student experiences, shown as submitted.
11 of 11 reviews
Semester not recorded
Very disorganized professor. Often goes on wild, irrelevant tangents while in class. A lot of what he is saying won't match up with what he is presenting on the board. He also sends too many unnecessary emails. The content though is not hard to understand, and he provides Powerpoint slides. Not a particularly hard class, but prepared to be bored.
Semester not recorded
Elliott, you know retirement is an option?
Semester not recorded
In my class he expected you to have a textbook from another class and blamed it on you if you had returned it or sold it, and he refused to budge if had a simple misunderstanding regarding a homework assignment. He was caring and funny (except he repeated his jokes and catchphrases too much haha), so that was redeeming at least.
Semester not recorded
Super disorganized and he assumes you have a greater knowledge of finance even though he is teaching an introductory course. Took him online and his class was very dry and his power points were extremely hard to follow as they were unclear and sporadic. That being said, he is very kind and is willing to take time to help you outside of class.
Semester not recorded
He's amazing. He's kind, loves his students and takes out time for them every week outside of the class. Would highly recommend his classes.
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Semester not recorded
I took Elliott Smith'a class about 5 to 6 years ago. It was the hardest, most rewarding Finance class I have ever taken. Elliott loves teaching Finance and it shows. The class is the capstone course in the Master's in Finance program at Boston College, a program which will prepare you to be able to converse with anyone saliently in Finance.
Semester not recorded
Makes class harder than it should be on purpose. Has an attitude that you should all bow to his greatness. Took many classes before him and never seen anything like this. Avoid at all cost if you can.
Semester not recorded
Two things to know here: (1) He prides himself of being a "capstone." He sees his role not so much as to teach you, but judge what you've learned so far. Refer to your Finance textbooks at all costs. (2) Every case (especially the mini-cases) he put in to prove a "point" (usually involving IRR). Half the battle is figuring that out.
Semester not recorded
I took financial policy with Profesor Smith 10 years ago. I still remember his class and how much he prepared me for the real world. It is a hard class but truly worth it!
Semester not recorded
Elliott makes you work hard and that's why people complain. It's a great class and he's an awesome guy, you just can't be afraid of him.
Semester not recorded
This guy is one of the hardest (and not in a good way) professors I've ever had. Some inspire you to work harder - he's just a grouchy old guy who tries to make your life as difficult as possible. I put off taking Financial Policy in the hopes that he'd bite the dust before I had to take it. No luck. A MISERABLE experience!