Reviews

After I graduated from High School I knew that going to a community college was my only option. A lot of people told me that it would be High School all over again, and I believed them that were until I finished my first year of college and started my second year. My First year was really a transition year and I realized that the material cover is at a much more quicker pace as well as more difficult, but my second year was when I really started learning more about myself. I am realizing more and more each day what I want to do in my life, and a lot of it is thanks towards Pasadena City College having terrific and caring professors. A lot of the professors on campus want to see you be successful and transfer out of there, and they often not only teach about the subject but the importances of getting a higher education.

I am definitely missing out on the rooming experience of attending a four year college, but in many ways I like it as well. I believe I keep myself more accountable towards my work as well as I have a sense of independence, because rooming you have the people at the dorm with you, but at a community college everyone else seems to be busy looking after themselves. The experience of going to a community college isn’t exciting; however it really makes you grow up a lot faster than you would anticipate it would.

Pasadena City College is extremely cheap for the amount of information you receive. The cost per unit is very reasonable and people of any income can really pay it off without having to miss out on payment for rent. The food on the campus is fairly cheap as well so you won’t have to worry about losing all your money in your wallet. The books themselves however all together sometimes cost more what you actually paid for your tuition and classes. The books are the main problem and you would spend most of your money buying books.

The Tips that I would suggest is to attend class and do your work as soon as you receive it. The work is easy, however if you get lazy and lag on it you will definitely find your back against the wall. Another tip is to ask your professor if you require the latest version of the text book. I've asked my professors this question and many have told me that I could use the previous version, and older versions cost are much lower. I would use Amazon, or half.com to buy your textbooks rather than the school itself since the schools prices are normally about 20 dollars more. I would also car pool as well since the first couple of weeks are very hectic, and it is difficult to find parking.

PCC is great for students who are not exactly ready to leave home yet. It is also great for students who have to pay for college themselves, and they need to find an inexpensive way for higher education. Another part that is great about going to PCC is that you have the opportunity to transfer to a college better than the one that previously accepted you or perhaps denied you. What I see that is most great about going to PCC is students like you and me having a second chance, and taking advantage of it to better our lives.

I've learned so much about myself from PCC's classes, professors, and environment. I've learned how to be independent, accountable to myself, and I've been able to piece together a career plan I would have never known existed had I not come to PCC. This school has opened my eyes to so many more opportunities than I realized were possible in high school. Women In Literature is one of the BEST classes I have ever taken. Whether you are male or female, TAKE IT; its eye-opening, empowering, intellectually-stimulating, and relevant. Every class that I have taken at PCC thus far, which has been about seven, has been fantastic. I'm in love with learning now, and have amazing professors. Note: a lot of these professors have a PHD in something. Ask them questions to enhance the experience!

I love being able to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the main quad, there's always something going on, whether it be the PCC Flea Market, a jazz band performance, a blood drive, a pep rally, or a Naked Juice sample cart making the rounds. There are a lot of people who smoke, which was difficult to adjust to (I have asthma), but other than that, I cannot complain. Enjoy those breaks between classes!

I wasn't able to attend a four-year university due to finances. But at PCC, a semester of twelve units cost me around $300, excluding any additional cost that was associated with the classes I took. To put it into perspective, a semester at a state school could cost anywhere between $4,000 - $10,000, and a semester at a private school could cost anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000. When I checked out PCC, I was sold - no pun intended.

1.) If you're planning on taking an art class, take heed: art supplies could quite possibly cost more than textbooks alone. For a single semester of an art class, I spent over $200 on supplies. Be prepared, and do not be surprised when you are asked to buy a $10 pencil.
2.) Take note of where well-lit walkways and paths are. If you have classes that start or end after the sun goes down, you will want to be in a well-lit area; always carry your phone or keys with you while walking, just to be safe.
3.) Take advantage of the second-level handicap walkways; it connects the C, V, R, and W buildings, making it an extremely useful way to get from one class to another.
4.) Carpool, if you can. That way, traffic will be tolerable going to or coming from PCC, and you'll save money, time, gas, and it's better for the environment. Also consider getting to PCC an hour early in order to find a parking spot; they really ARE as hard to find as people say they are.
5.) Take advantage of to the library! PCC's library is award-winning for a reason. The faculty is extremely helpful, there are three floors and dozens of places to study, and they carry every book imaginable; you can borry up to twenty-five books at a time! The online library is especially useful, too. Note: the view of the mountains from the third floor is gorgeous.
6.) If you're trying to access the internet basically anywhere populated, you're in a hot spot. Try sitting in one of the building's hallways; there's usually a speedy, reliable connection.
7.) What you put in to your classes is what you will get out of them. My experience with various professors has been fantastic, and I've come to realize just how vital and important healthy student-professor relationships are. The more you immerse yourself in your work, the relationship you have with your professor, and your contribution to the classroom's setting, discussions, and people, the happier you will be and the more you will learn.

- Those who do not know or are not sure of what they'd like to pursue, academically or professionally
- Students would like to spend less money for quality education
- Students who would like to receive their general ed requirements or attain their A.A.
- Students who are planning on transferring to a four-year university
- Students who are looking to take informative, intellectually-stimulating classes

I'm a design student at PCC, so this is helpful for those majoring in art. The professors at this school are amazing, they attended prestigious schools and have a lot to teach their students so take advantage of it. I've learned and understood a lot about art from basic drawing to 3 dimensional design and I will continue to take many more art courses here.

I enjoy being here for the available classes I've been able to get the necessary classes to transfer, most students beginning their first year here haven't been lucky enough to get general education classes.

The classes are affordable, if you go to Art Center or any other art school, you'll be paying triple times more than here for about the same courses. But of course if you want to go to a prestigious art school be my guest, but you can save some money here before transferring to an art school.

Speak to your teachers, they really have some great stories and advice.

Art students