Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, CA, USA
Public
2 Year

Natalie's Review

Review of Pasadena City College

from Glendora, CA

Do you feel you’re learning a lot?

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!

Do you enjoy the experience at your school?

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!

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

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.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

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.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

- 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