Reviews

The professors I've had at CSM have taught me quite a lot. They all are very much qualified to be teaching their subjects and have the proper credentials to do so. CSM provides a great learning environment for students of all types. The classes are small which provides plenty of one on one time with the professors, and I feel like I'm receiving the same education as someone at a four-year college.

I very much enjoy myself at CSM. Sadly, I'm not getting the same life experiences at CSM as I would going away to college, but it makes a great stepping stone for someone who isn't quite prepared to leave home.

CSM is definitely a money saver. It is somewhat pricey compared to other community colleges, but with its ongoing progress in size and quality, CSM is most definitely worth it.

Keep in mind that although CSM is a community college, that doesn't mean classes are going to be easy. I still had a lot of studying to do for midterms and finals.

CSM is great for teenagers who are paying for college themselves, because it can save you a lot of money. Also, for students who aren't ready to live on their own, CSM has many campuses close to home. CSM is also great for students who would like to transfer to colleges in the state of Maryland. They offer a lot of transfer programs and advice.

I am learning several new things at this college. A great thing about CSM is that they teach you new and efficient ways to understand hard concepts than what they did in high school. It's terrific.

I enjoy being at CSM because not only are there a great range of academic classes and programs to be a part of, there are also great friends to be made here. The staff is also very helpful and I can approach my professors whenever I need help, unlike in highschool.

The College of CSM gives you more experience and value for your money and always have ways to save you money. Such as scholarships, book sales or wholesale buy backs.

I would definitely advise coming to CSM because you save a lot of money by going to a community college first and then possibly transferring to a 4-year university. Get as many scholarships as you can. Apply for financial aid, it really helps to. Buy your books when they have book sales and sign up for classes asap, or all the classes you need will be filled up. See an academic advisor and talk with your high school guidance counselor.

This school is great for students who wish to save a little extra money on tuition and/or want to transfer to a four year university because it allows them to get their general education courses out of the way at a cheaper cost and then spend the big money on what they want to study for their career.

The teachers I have had so far are very professional, and definitely know their stuff. I am getting my associates degree here. I know I will be very well-prepared for my future career.

I can go home between classes. The campus is very clean for a community college. In fact, it's pretty impressive. The faculty and staff are always very helpful. I can access the gym and the library for as long as the campus is open on the given day.

I am taking all my core classes here. Because I'm getting all of my General Education credits out of the way at a community college, I am saving thousands of dollars, while learning the same stuff I would be learning had I attended a state university or private college from the start. Going to CSM is a smart choice.

Just remember if you live outside Charles County or St. Mary's County, you may have to spend quite a bit more, because you may not be zoned for any of the campuses. Always check online for details.

(1) Make sure you read the instructor/ professor reviews. You get to add and/or drop classes a couple of months after the semester starts, but that would be a waste of time and effort, so it's best to pick the right instructor from the start, or at least get a feel for what to expect within the first week, when your class is just going over the syllabus and/or when the first lesson is introduced. Don't get me wrong; the professors are all great in their own way, but you want to make sure YOUR professor's teaching style suits YOU. Same goes for any learning institution.

(2) Always check Blackboard Online, and your CSM WebCT. You'll know what those are once you are registered, but they are very helpful tools to keep you on track. If your Internet stops working one day, make sure you check them at school or somewhere else where you have access.

(3) Do not hesitate to email your professors or go to their office when you have questions. It's not embarrassing, and it's not bothersome. They are required to be in their office at some point in the day almost everyday for your convenience. Their hours are always on the syllabus they give you at the beginning of the course.

(4) Always have a copy of the syllabus. If you loose it, copy someone else's or ask for a new one. This goes hand-in-hand with #'s 2 and 3.

(5) Check your email, the weather closing hot line, or the school website for any indication that your class has been canceled. You don't want to drive all the way to school for nothing.

(1) Students looking to transfer--and save money in the process. First and foremost, you highest degree you will likely get at the College of Southern Maryland is your associates. Your best bet is that you will knock all of your general education credits out of the way, and THEN transfer to a different college/university to finish it off and get your bachelor's degree. My goal is to transfer, but since by the time I do, I will have enough credits to get my associates degree, I feel like I might as well obtain it in the process. I hear from the faculty that the curriculum at the school is specially designed so that all of your obtained credits are transferable to any Maryland state college or university. The amount of transferable credits colleges and universities accept vary, so you really have to check with both CSM and your intended school to be sure. The Transfer Services Office at the school will be more than happy to help.

(2) Students who don't like lectures at all. They have online courses for those who are up for it. You save time and gas money--just make sure you can keep yourself focused.

(3) Students who want to be in the classroom only some of the time. There are these things called web-hybrid classes, in which you meet with your class and your instructor only every-so-often. For example, if on the course description it says you will meet once a week or twice a month, that is when you will have to go to a campus and meet up with your instructor and fellow students. All meetings are scheduled in advance, and you are notified when a meeting is coming up. You can sometimes make up for the ones you miss, but it all depends on your instructor's policies. When you're not meeting, then all assignments are online and due when specified.

(4) Working students. There is a career center that will help you fix up your resume. If you currently have a job, then it's very easy to schedule your classes around your work schedule. There are co-op programs...

I love my classes and I am learning a lot. The professors are very willing to help you if you need it. With the small classes, it is very easy to ask questions.

Do not let the fact that it is a Community College make you think that it is not challenging. You still need to do a lot of studying and work outside of class if you expect to recieve an A.

I like all of my professors and my classes are interesting. The college always has events going on for students and there are many clubs and oranizations that you can join. The gym and pool are free, and the proximity to my home is great.

The College of Southern Maryland is very affordable. You get great professors, small classes, and a quality education for a very low price. Many of the credits transfer to in state schools.

The only drawback is that there is not a very large selection of classes for some of the programs such as Foreign Language and Political Science. They also do not have very many upper level courses. I have to transfer after just a year so that I do not fall behind.

CSM really is a great school. Don't be disapointed if you end up going here and it wasn't your first choice. CSM helped me realize what I want to do with my life. It also allowed me one more year to realize what I want in a four-year college that I wouldn't have had if I had gone to a four-year school right out of high school.

Just remember that college is what you make it.

It is great for students that are still unsure of what they want to do and for students that may struggle paying for college because they don't qualify for scholarships or because they have to pay for college on their own.

The College of Southern Maryland is an awesome place of education. The professors are helpful and understanding of their students needs, what more could a college student ask for. On a scale of one to ten, I definitely give CSM a ten.

Do not be afraid to ask for help from peers and professors, because the chances are they will be willing to help you.

They have high expectations for students, but also are there for students who are in need of academic support.

There are no dorms on campus.

The cafe' is a awesome place of food, fellowship, and fun on our college campus.

Year round student and faculty activities.

The class and tuition prices are very reasonable, but we all need a little help sometimes.

Walking a different way and distance to class everyday for exercise, is something unusual I do on campus.

The college of Southern Maryland is for students who families are middle class, maybe not know what exact path of career they want, or who have family or work obligation that keep them in this area.

There are so many clubs, from math to history.

There are no sororities that I know of.

There are alert buttons all of campus to sound if you are in danger, and campus security is always around patrolling.