Michael Pollastri is a Chemistry professor at Northeastern University rated 4.5/5 by 21 students, with 3.3/5 difficulty and 90.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Michael Pollastri professor reviews and ratings: 4.5/5 from 21 student reviews at Northeastern (90.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Pollastri was a great organic 1 teacher but he goes incredibly fast during lecture. If you don't put in the work outside of lecture to understand things you will fall behind and struggle. He records his lectures which was super helpful and was easily approachable.CHEM2313 2019-01-22 21:42:35 +0000 UTC
Pollastri is a great professor. The first two exams were very fair, while the third was very hard. If you work hard you will do well. However, I find it extremely unfair how he set up our final. All other orgo 1 exams are not cumulative and mostly multiple choice. His exam is cumulative, half multiple choice and half short answer.ORGO2311 2018-12-10 12:46:00 +0000 UTC
A good boiORGO1 2018-11-29 10:42:20 +0000 UTC
Lecture style is not with traditional powerpoints and draws out all examples and mechanisms for concepts. He cares that his students do well and understand the material and is accessible outside of class.CHEM2311 2018-11-27 23:52:44 +0000 UTC
This was Pollastri's first time teaching Orgo 2 for majors, and he did an excellent job. Had a pretty bad Orgo 1 professor, so I was used to teaching myself everything from the textbook. Pollastri, however, actually taught the material, so the only time I used my textbook was when I needed to review something, clear something up, or practice probs.CHEM2317 2016-04-20 14:33:55 +0000 UTC
Pollastri is full of enthusiasm and loves students. The first two tests are fairly straightforward but READ READ READ the book, do all the practice problems, and do not skip class! He does move fast, but not mind-bogglingly so and he records all the lessons. Overall, fantastic professor.CHEM2315 2011-12-18 21:25:18 +0000 UTC
Pollastri is my hero. I love him. He is a very clear, eager, and hilarious teacher. Class is never dull with him up there, even though its orgo.ORGO2315 2011-11-17 22:05:44 +0000 UTC
The best organic chem teacher here. Really cares about teaching, really cares about students. Class is hard no matter who the prof, but he's really fair. Tips- Do the homework and study from that! Exam questions are often based directly off homework questions. Also, go to reviews and office hours whenever possible.ORG01 2011-05-13 13:27:24 +0000 UTC
Pollastri really knows his stuff. He comes prepared to class and is really good at lecturing. All of his lectures go on Tegrity which is super helpful in studying for the exams. The exams are pretty tough, but thats how all orgo exams are. He is very approachable and really wants everyone to succeed.CHEM2313 2018-12-10 20:01:13 +0000 UTC
Lectures are fast, and you have to pay attention. He uses tegrity which is very helpful. Our averages were higher than the other sections, so he made a really hard test that knocked us all down. Memorize the products when you get to the end. Dont focus on mechanisms. He really wants us to be successful and holds exam review sections. Best prof.ORGO2311 2018-11-29 10:44:38 +0000 UTC
I was not looking forward to taking Orgo but Pollastri made it a good time. His classes are very enjoyable, and he posts every lecture on tegrity, which is really helpful. Exams are both multi choice and open response, and they are pretty fair if you are studying. Take him if you want to rock Orgo!ORGO1 2018-10-23 14:35:01 +0000 UTC
Pollastri is an incredibly clear lecturer, really funny, genuinely cares about his students and is one of my favorite professors I've ever had. The sapling homework is great for prepping for his tests and as long as you follow along with the notes and lectures you should be okay.CHEM2311 2018-10-31 17:09:58 +0000 UTC
I'm taking orgo with him right now. His lectures are better than the book. It's really easy to understand the material through his explanations and class is interesting to go toCHEM2315 2011-11-02 17:15:15 +0000 UTC
This class was amazing. There are two other orgo professors that usually teach the course but with Pollastri I was guaranteed to do well. He is so straightforward and made orgo a good time. Best experience ever for OrgoCHEM2313 2018-04-10 09:29:03 +0000 UTC
Im taking orgo1 with him right now. Hes very clear and easy to follow during lecture-young, down to earth guy. I don't go to reviews-not sure if he's helpful there. He posts videos of all lectures on blackboard. Tests are easy. Ive taken the first 2 so far. Ive heard other orgo profs have class averages around 50. My average with him is much higherORGO1 2011-04-06 19:10:05 +0000 UTC
Michael Pollastri has an average rating of 4.5/5 from 21 student reviews. 90.0% of students said they would take them again.
Michael Pollastri's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.3/5 based on student reviews.
Michael Pollastri has taught CHEM1000, CHEM2311, CHEM5676, CHEM2313, CHEM2317 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.