Professors are wonderful if you choose wisely. Use available professor review sites! I had bad experiences until I learned to do this, now I've had nothing but awesome professor and interesting experiences. I don't feel like I've received any kind of lesser education than if I'd taken the same classes at a larger 4 year University. On the contrary, I think SAC students are better off due to the small class sizes. No huge lecture hall classes here at all!
One negative is that the professors have pretty tight schedules with regard to what material they MUST cover and as a result, class discussions are often cut short. I have had several professors who would have enjoyed longer discussion times but there just wasn't enough time. For the most part I feel I've been intellectually challenged, but some classes ARE of the read and regurgitate variety which is disappointing.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I am an older student (late 30s) so I haven't found much of a peer group but I've still met some very interesting people, though I tend to connect more with my professors as we have more in common due to age! The campus is attractive, but there are some issues with housekeeping and maintenance (rooms too hot or cold, toilets not working, gym facilities dirty).. and the food options in the student center are very high priced. Not student friendly in that regard.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Definitely get a lot for your money when compared to a traditional four year school. It's a big savings if you get your basics here and then transfer. Beware the student financial aid departments though; recent years have shown a ton of problems and headaches. They are understaffed and chronically plagued with problems that cause issues for students who depend on financial aid, yet they advertise all the time to recruit new students. It makes no sense. Financial aid office is ALWAYS crowded with huge lines. They need to fix this. What good is a bang for the buck if you can't actually get the money in hand to pay for school?
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Have a plan B for paying for classes due to the likelihood of financial aid issues. Research potential professors before registering, then, when you find a good one, sign up for his or her class EARLY! Make use of the free help in the labs. Get to know at least one person in class for when you are absent. Get in the habit of studying or reviewing EVERY DAY if you are not used to doing so. Oh, and forget trying to find a parking space close; give up and walk a few blocks, it's good exercise anyway!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students looking to save a lot of money, students looking to brush up on basic reading / writing / math skills that they may have struggled with in high school, students who don't care about dorm life but want a quality education and a good start before transferring to a four year university.
Professors are wonderful if you choose wisely. Use available professor review sites! I had bad experiences until I learned to do this, now I've had nothing but awesome professor and interesting experiences. I don't feel like I've received any kind of lesser education than if I'd taken the same classes at a larger 4 year University. On the contrary, I think SAC students are better off due to the small class sizes. No huge lecture hall classes here at all! One negative is that the professors have pretty tight schedules with regard to what material they MUST cover and as a result, class discussions are often cut short. I have had several professors who would have enjoyed longer discussion times but there just wasn't enough time. For the most part I feel I've been intellectually challenged, but some classes ARE of the read and regurgitate variety which is disappointing.
I am an older student (late 30s) so I haven't found much of a peer group but I've still met some very interesting people, though I tend to connect more with my professors as we have more in common due to age! The campus is attractive, but there are some issues with housekeeping and maintenance (rooms too hot or cold, toilets not working, gym facilities dirty).. and the food options in the student center are very high priced. Not student friendly in that regard.
Definitely get a lot for your money when compared to a traditional four year school. It's a big savings if you get your basics here and then transfer. Beware the student financial aid departments though; recent years have shown a ton of problems and headaches. They are understaffed and chronically plagued with problems that cause issues for students who depend on financial aid, yet they advertise all the time to recruit new students. It makes no sense. Financial aid office is ALWAYS crowded with huge lines. They need to fix this. What good is a bang for the buck if you can't actually get the money in hand to pay for school?
Have a plan B for paying for classes due to the likelihood of financial aid issues. Research potential professors before registering, then, when you find a good one, sign up for his or her class EARLY! Make use of the free help in the labs. Get to know at least one person in class for when you are absent. Get in the habit of studying or reviewing EVERY DAY if you are not used to doing so. Oh, and forget trying to find a parking space close; give up and walk a few blocks, it's good exercise anyway!
Students looking to save a lot of money, students looking to brush up on basic reading / writing / math skills that they may have struggled with in high school, students who don't care about dorm life but want a quality education and a good start before transferring to a four year university.