Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Public
2 Year

Tyler's Review

Review of Grand Rapids Community College

from Grand Rapids, MI

Do you feel you’re learning a lot?

I am learning a fair amount in my classes. My professors are engaging and passionate about what they do which makes learning much more enjoyable. The class sizes are perfect and you can recieve a lot of individual attention from teachers which helps the learning process. I enrolled in the fall semester right after I graduated from my high school which was one of the best in the area. This meant that I had a lot of my basics down and my classes were pretty easy for me. The classes offered are more tailored to those who did not recieve a good high school education or who have not been students for any number of years. The classes are mostly basic and will prepare anyone well to transfer to another college.

Do you enjoy the experience at your school?

The campus is small and fairly contained in Downtown Grand Rapids which means there are great places to eat and many things to see in between classes. Because there are no dorms and no one lives on campus it does make it a bit more difficult to connect with fellow students. And many students are non-traditional who are older and are coming back to school to earn a degree or who have taken a few years off to work and figure things out in between high school and college. There are campus activities and fun things that many clubs and campus groups organize, however there are usually few who attend because they have to commute to the campus and they aren't during regular class times. The education and learning environment is great but you have to go out of your way to get to know new people and forge friendships which can make the college feel a bit lonely when actually you are surrounded by many people.

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

GRCC is a very inexpensive school which opens a lot of opportunities. It allows you to take inexpensive classes to help you discover your interests and potential career choices if you're undecided. It is also an excellent school for transfer students because you can take a lot of basic undergraduate classes that will transfer easily to larger schools at a much cheaper price. The small, intimate class sizes are great for those who have difficulty learning or who need extra help because you actually get face time with your professor and they get to know you one on one. And they also offer classes in many locations in the Kent County area such as at local highschools so that students who commute do not have to go as far to attend classes. And they have a very flexible scedule with many night and weekend classes offered for those students who have a full time job during the day. Great price for all the class options offered and the education you recieve.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

Branch out and try to meet and get to know people. Or get involved in a campus club or organization to meet some knew people. And make connections with those who sit near you in class and your professors. Learning is much more enjoyable when you have someone to do it with and when you actually feel a connection to those around you on campus. You feel a sense of pride in your school when you make such connections and you could make a lifelong friend.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

Those who intend to transfer, Those with a full-time day or night job, Those coming back to earn a degree after being out of school for many years, Those seeking an Associates or 2-year degree, Those who can't pay for a larger school.