John Bai is a Finance professor at Northeastern University rated 3.8/5 by 64 students, with 3.8/5 difficulty and 66.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
John Bai professor reviews and ratings: 3.8/5 from 64 student reviews at Northeastern (66.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Jon Bai was my favorite teacher so far. He knows his stuff and explains things very well. That said, he expects you to attend every class, take notes on the lectures, and do work outside of class. If you want a easy A, don't take his class, but if you genuinely want to learn and are serious for a career in Finance, Jon will set you up for success.FINA2201 2026-01-07 03:21:12 +0000 UTC
Took this class asynchronously. 1 day before our first midterm, he notifies us about Lockdown Browser/cam. Not that it matters but the tech is just outdated and glitchy. Anyway, your grade is mostly from exams (80%) and Connect (20%). Also he makes it very clear that if everyone does well, he will curve DOWN cuz the department wants a B average.FINA2202 2021-12-12 00:01:10 +0000 UTC
Coming from knowing nothing about finance, he always took the time to explain and repeat concepts that I did not quickly grasp. He always encouraged questions. You learn everything you need from his lectures (don't need textbook). Tough exams, but if you put in the work and ask questions you will do fine. Learned a lot and really enjoyed the class!22O1 2021-05-08 19:03:55 +0000 UTC
Prof Bai is great at teaching and is passionate about the topic. He graded by few things which allowed his students to focus on learning rather than merely high GPA. He is a lenient grader, and he would award you an A as long as you show a decent amount of effort. Fin Modeling is not an easy course, but it was an enjoyable one thanks to Prof. Bai!FINA4370 2021-05-04 21:22:16 +0000 UTC
Classes are all lectures, which you should attend. You will need to do a lot of studying outside the class and review problems. Tests are harder than expected and practice tests are not similar.FINA2201 2025-12-23 23:54:45 +0000 UTC
The worst class I've ever taken at NEU because on top of being a lazy grader--like who gives grades for assignments after classes are over--I didn't learn anything in this class that I didn't learn on co-op. A colossal waste of time.FINA4370 2019-12-18 19:07:08 +0000 UTC
The class was just like accounting so if you were good at that you'll be set for finance. super chill and nice, lectures were informative and attendance was not mandatory. Grades : Two midterms (40%), the final (35%), hw(20%), and participation (5%) OR Final (75%), hw (20%), participation (5%). He takes whichever one gives you the higher grade.FINA2201 2025-12-15 18:29:33 +0000 UTC
The best teacher I have had. Fr. He is really funny, super qualified, super helpful, super nice, and super jacked. Either uses midterm or final grade, easy homework's for 20%. I failed the midterms, did good on the final. There are easier classes, but there's only one John Bai. John, if you're reading this, I love you. Take this class.FINA2201 2025-12-09 22:59:26 +0000 UTC
Did not go most of the semester but the exams were pretty easy to study for. I'd say maybe 20-25 hours of studying all semester and you're fine. Conceptual questions are pretty easy since it's usually just one super obvious answer. Had amazing lectures but it being an 8 AM made it difficult to go.FINA2201 2025-04-29 16:08:44 +0000 UTC
Tests make up most of ur grade and they are very difficult (plus his provided formula sheets were mostly useless). His lecture slides are bare bones and it's very hard to review for the tests that are way harder than any of the in class practice. There were like 80 people in this class and probably less than half went to his lectures so (O_O)FINA2201 2025-04-19 03:47:13 +0000 UTC
Exams are diabolical the conceptual questions are so out of pocket and are usually on something you talked about in class for 5 minutes and aren't expecting. There's no way to prep for them (nor will he help give u studying tips). The calculation problems are easy if your good at math, but the conceptual questions screwed me over despite this.FINA2201 2025-04-17 23:54:04 +0000 UTC
Given that the class was async (would not rec) Bai's influence was limited. The concepts on tests were significantly harder than practice problems, and as an async class, practice materials were poorly organized. Office hours were beneficial, but scarce. I would definitely take this course in person if possible.FINA2201 2025-01-10 08:55:37 +0000 UTC
Based on exam, since is online class he made the test extremely hard. Have to take the exam on lock down browser, so don't risk it. The 3 exam average is about 75, so consider before you take this class.FINA2201 2024-12-17 20:32:00 +0000 UTC
Do not take his online class unless absolutely necessary. As someone said before, "he claims this class takes "hard work", but gives no direction. Avoid at all costs." Material just does not relate to exams. If you end up in his class, go to office hours and try to get some help.FINA2201 2024-12-17 17:52:12 +0000 UTC
Sweetest professor ever. I didn't do that well in the class due to outside reasons but he was very understanding. This class will take work but he does a good job of supporting students.FINA2201 2024-11-21 19:22:03 +0000 UTC
John Bai has an average rating of 3.8/5 from 64 student reviews. 66.0% of students said they would take them again.
John Bai's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.8/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.