<p>Alright, so it always frustrates me whenever someone says that SMC is the best CC because it is #1 in transfer students...</p>
<p>I'm not trying to disrespect or bash on SMC, but it really isn't true. First of, the reason why SMC is #1 in transfers is because of how many students attend SMC. Of course, the more students that attend, the probability of transfer rates will be higher. And it is also because of the demographics. SMC is the home to many international students. These international students obviously flew all the way to the US to go to a CC and eventually transfer.</p>
<p>It's just that I also thought that this was true, until I experienced going to SMC. Yes, the professors are good at SMC, but quite frankly, I felt that the counselors, and the resources were alot better at Cerritos College. I was shocked that I knew more than a few of the counselors at SMC, because of the previous counselors I had encountered at Cerritos College.</p>
<p>And last but not least, SMC seems more of a business than a community. Don't get me wrong, of course community colleges are businesses, but SMC just seems too much. I took a 4 unit class, and had to pay around $130, because of other mandatory fees, wherein it will cost only 80 in other CC's. And the fact that parking is around $80, wherein it is normally $20 at almost all CC's.</p>
<p>I guess that it depends on what your cup of tea is, but this post is for all the other students who keep wondering if the CC you go to really does matter.</p>
<p>I don’t think a lot of community college students attend a “community” college for the college experience. Most students attend JUST to transfer, to get in and out. SMC has a great campus with a nice library, I don’t mind the “business” feeling at all. The amount of classes SMC has compared to other CCC’s is also an advantage. </p>
<p>Most counselors don’t know crap, but it really isn’t hard to create your own schedule and stuff because SMC has the IGETC list and the major pre-req list at the offices. Also, assist.org > everything. If you’re wondering about specific college questions, SMC has a lot of “connection counselors”. I met up with an SMC UC Berkeley counselor last week and a Pomona College counselor the week before that and had the opportunity to ask them stuff. They also go over your UC personal statement and your courseload. Honestly, there are a lot of useful resources on campus, you just have to ask at the offices. Usually the Scholars Counselors are knowledgeable know what they’re saying. </p>
<p>The parking and everything else is a bit expensive because of its location. Santa Monica is not cheap, whereas Costa Mesa (OCC) is dirt cheap in comparison. Most parking in Los Angeles is expensive, and $80 by comparison for an entire semester isn’t that bad.</p>
<p>I think the physical sciences and mathematics departments at SMC are impressive for a community college. The rest seems pretty average. It’s better than many four year schools out there, maybe not so much in CA.</p>
<p>As far as the counselors go, they are pretty useless. Never once upon mentioning that I was planning on transferring to a UC did any of them ever mention TAP or TAG.</p>
<p>I had to mention TAP myself too. And the counselor had no idea about when I could apply and whatnot. I’m applying this semester though and if I get in I have to complete 5 honors classes by this fall. Ugh. </p>
<p>I like the facilities though (library, HSS building etc) and I heard the science program is really good from friends. There’s also a large amount of classes available which is a plus. </p>
<p>Main reason I went here though was to (hopefully) transfer to UCLA and to be closer to my friends there (takes about 35-40 minutes to get there by bus which is free if you’re a SMC student).</p>
<p>^
WHAT?! I am applying for TAP (the Scholars Program) too…so we pretty much have to finish 5 honors classes by fall 09? I thought they would let us at least finish it by Winter '10… Damn. That means we have to take 5 honors classes within Summer-Fall!</p>
<p>Yeah…they said Fall '09. I don’t know the circumstances but if there’s no way possible for you to fit it in they might let you do it during winter. Although I know a psych major who did 5 honors classes in Fall '08. So…it’s possible -___-</p>
<p>Have you turned in your application yet? I’m waiting on my rec letters from NY. Ergh…They told me the summer classes fill up QUICK.</p>
<p>No I havent… Spring is still going and the summer semester sign ups dont begin until later (I think May) so you shouldn’t worry about classes filling up too fast. I have to ask for a rec letter later on…Don’t know my current profs too well (although I’m doing well). Bleh…I guess I’ll take 2 Honors during Summer and 3 over Fall.</p>
<p>I went to SMC and I transferred to another community college at the beginning of this school year. I miss SMC. Why? Let me count the ways…
-SMC has amazing instructors. Most of the classes I took were with PhDs or very accomplished people.
-SMC attracts people that want to transfer. That means students are often striving for good grades and are looking at a lot of different colleges. At my current CC most people just want to transfer to the nearest CSU or get their AA.
-SMC has more resources and you can see the effects. They are able to hire better professors and have better facilities than other community colleges I have seen.
-The amazing diversity of classes. If you just want to take “Intro to…” classes your entire fresh and soph. years, then any community college will do. But “The Politics of Difference”? You have to go to a community college with resources to be able to take a class like that.
-SMC has conscience. All of the new buildings are LEED certified and the college community seems to be genuinely concerned with the well-being of the community and our planet.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, I think ALL of California’s community colleges are great institutions. I truly believe that. However, I would personally attend one of the “flagship” CCC" campuses for exactly the reasons I listed above.</p>
<p>erikuh, Sephorazn18- Are you sure about finishing all 5 honors classes by Fall 09’? I thought at least 3 had to be done by Fall '09 and the rest can be done as late as Spring '10? hmm</p>
<p>I think SMC is awesome!! They offer Winter courses, two summer sessions, tons of online classes… They pretty much give us everything we need to complete transfer requirements as quickly as possible.</p>