Catawba Valley Community College Reviews
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Danielle from Hickory, NC
01/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 1 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety I feel completely safe at my college, Cops are always on staff and offer services to help out with car trouble, escorting through parking lots, etc. Some crimes still happen on campus, but having security keeps it low.
Clubs and Activities All clubs are independently organized by either staff or students. Events are organized usually by the college's event staff
Bang for the buck The tuition is a lot cheaper than a university's, but when it comes to choosing this college, I'd pick another if you have the option
What to do for fun We have a pretty nice student center and the college organizes campus wide events a couple of times throughout the year. We also have various clubs to join. Events could be amped up a little but It's not too bad.
Food and Dining The food is pretty good, but pricey.
Dorm Life There are no dorms at my college
Academic Rigor Most courses are at a high school level.
Tips for prospective students Choose your instructors wisely, ask current students or check out ratemyprofessor.com, it's pretty acurate. My advice would be to stay on top of your work and keep your future goals clear in your mind.
In three sentences The college has potential, but I feel I am not receiving the best education as possible. Mostly, the staff is great and strive to push academic excellence, but I feel the college itself just pushes for more money. The student body is overpopulated and classrooms are very crowded. I feel more like a mule than an individual student at my college.
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Brittany from Catawba, NC
05/07/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
2 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety G R E A T campus safety. There are always sheriff's deputies on campus as well as CVCC security forces.
Great for these types of students Traditional, non-tradtional, looking to complete GE at a lower cost, laid back students
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Check out the gardens, as well as the new Mac labs on the bottom floor of the Paap building. Also, Challenger Early College High School is on campus (Go Firebirds!)
Bang for the buck CVCC is great for in state students, and you can find most textbooks used if needed.
What to do for fun CVCC offers many clubs, outdoor activities, and field trips, as well as student entertainment events. Check campus for flyers about visiting authors or government officials or bands!
Food and Dining The Galley is a new, state of the art canteen and kitchen, with Starbucks and organic foods, as well as pizza and hot dogs. There are many options available in the Galley, and $1 hotdog Fridays are always a hit! Sometimes food is pricey and you can find things, such as chips or drinks, cheaper in the vending machines.
Dorm Life CVCC has no dorms.
Academic Rigor It depends on the instructors, as some are incredibly easy, while many math and science instructors are hard core.
Tips for prospective students Choose your instructors wisely, as they determine what grades you will receive. Also, keep up with your own student aid and curriculum check sheets, as your advisers may not know you all that well.
In three sentences Catawba Valley Community College is a great place to attain your general education requirements for a four year institution, or to gain technical degrees or certification titles. Not only are the faculty and state some of the best in the state, CVCC offers tons of departmental and cultural trips and experiences. The low cost and highly rewarding education from CVCC has made it easy to succeed.
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Emily from Newton, NC
05/20/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
3 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety We have had bomb threats and gun threats. The evacuations were poorly planned, but there has never been a serious problem. It has never been any more serious than the problems at local high schools.
Great for these types of students This is a good school for students who like small campuses in the middle of the city. There is not very much to do, but one can manage if they like bowling, putt-putt, eating out, or being at a small mall.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is soccer field open to the public.
What to do for fun You can use their work-out room for free, play tennis or basketball, or even join a club!
Food and Dining There is a student center with food made on campus. The food reminds me of public middle school food. It's not very good. I found myself eating out of vending machines. I would suggest eating off campus nearby or going home to eat!
Dorm Life This is a community College. There are no dorms.
Academic Rigor Some classes can be very tough, but some come very easy!
Tips for prospective students Keep a list of what classes you need and what the prerequisites are. Pack your own lunch. Ask others about past teachers.
In three sentences Catawba Valley Community College pushed me to excel in my studies. I finished my two-year degree, and I enjoyed most classes. I was also able to have a job and go to school at the same time.
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Jonathan from Cornelius, NC
06/07/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
4 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety EXCELLENT! Top notch security. County Sherrif's office are stationed on campus!
Greek Life Beta Eta Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (Honor Society).
Clubs and Activities Check out the website at www.cvcc.edu
Great for these types of students Students who want a challenge and REALLY want to learn. Returning adult students are about 1/4 of the school population. Students persueing allied healthcare---CVCC has the largest simulated hospital in the Southeast (among technical & community colleges). IT students: a very active technology program. Entrepreneurs: CVCC has an Applied Science degree in entrepreneurship as well as a full set of continuing education classes for small business. They even have a free program for local business owners and would-be business owners.
Bang for the buck VERY affordable as CVCC is part of North Carolina's higher education school and university system. Books are still outrageous though; plan ahead and buy used and online!
What to do for fun If you're into sports, CVCC has a very competitive athletic program. The ladies volleyball team is rated among some of the top teams, nationally. There is also basketball, baseball, soccer, and I even think they are looking toward a possible football team. There is always something going on in the arts, either on campus, or sponsored by the school in the Hickory area. We have festivals of many sorts. The school is very diverse culturally, and ethnically. Hickory has a large Mongue population, so there are lots of beautiful students which are part of this group. There are 20 or so clubs and organizations, most are very, very active. The Hickory area is teaming with things to do. There are good restaurants, shopping, parks, art exhibits, museums (the Salt Block, for example), a Barnes and Noble across the street with a cafe that serves Starbucks coffee. Hickory Crawdad's minor league baseball team is also a fav. Students get discounted (all the time) or free tickets (on Thursday) for their games, as well as other discounts throughout Hickory, and also Carowinds in Charlotte. There are several YMCA locations, one close to the school, and membership is included in your tuition if you take 7 or more credit hours.
Food and Dining The Galley. A bit expensive. But, so is Starbuck's, huh? The Galley is in the new student center, which is a very cool place to kick it.
Dorm Life No dorms... yet! There was a survey of students this month regarding living arrangements. So, they are obvoiusly looking at whether there is a need or not.
Academic Rigor As I've already mentioned twice (can I emphasize this enough?), CVCC is very rigorous for a community college. They are not playing around! Sure, there are some instructors that are more rigorous than others, but overall you will have a difficult time finding a more rigorous commmunity college in our area. Don't go to this school if you're lazy!
Tips for prospective students If you are looking for a rigorous, yet rewarding and affordable community college, CVCC should be at the top of your list. Make sure you take advantage of every resource available to new and prospective students. CVCC offers a Peer Mentoring program for first and second semester students. The Peer Mentoring program is exceptional, and is for the sole purpose of orienting a new or returning student to the vast resources available to them, as well as provide a friend and mentor to help guide you. The program consists of weekly sessions with your mentor, modules that cover time management skills as it relates to student success, critical thinking, study methodologies and test prep, as well as stress management and staying healthy. CVCC also offers career development resources that any student or former student should utilize fully. A few other tips: get ahead, and stay ahead... with your studies, housekeeping, planning, etc. Take personal responsibility to see things through---from registration, to assignments and study, to following up on your schedule, financial aid, etc. There is plenty of help available, but you need to take control of your education and your future! Get involved in a club or organization, and volunteer, run for office, chair a planning committee, etc. I highly recommend joining the honor society if you are invited (3.5 GPA or above for 2 semesters). There are scholarships that are automatic for Phi Theta Kappa members, as well as personal development programs, internet resources (collegefish.org) for researching and applying to senior colleges and universities, financial aid, personal development courses, etc.
In three sentences CVCC is a very rigorous public (state) community college with a multitude of program offerings, from AA and AS degrees for general education and transferring, to a variety of Applied Science degrees. Unlike many of the community colleges in the Southeast U.S. region, CVCC grades on a 7 point scale rather than a 10 point scale. Also, unlike many of the areas community colleges, including one of North Carolina's largest (Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte), CVCC offers financial aid options that include Federal Loans.
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Sandra from Hickory, NC
07/18/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
5 of 14
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus none yet
What to do for fun Still learning this
Dorm Life Does not have Dorms on site
Tips for prospective students Be open, ask questions and have fun
In three sentences So far my experience here has been great. Everyone has been very helpful and very understanding. I am very excited to start this fall.
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Jessica from Conover, NC
07/18/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety Super safe school. Nothing is getting by them.
Great for these types of students Who need that extra boost. Who need extra focus in school to be successful.
Bang for the buck Worth the money.
What to do for fun Spring fling and Fall fling!
Food and Dining Having a cafe on campus is convenient, but the food could have more varierty.
Dorm Life No dorm life.
Academic Rigor Most of the teachers I have had so far are very good. Not all are easy going and clear on their teaching ways.
In three sentences Very clean and easy focused school. Everyone is super friendly and easy going. Very good teachers.
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Ibtxhis from Newton, NC
07/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is a 24 hour surveillance on board and cops around the campus during the day at all times.
Great for these types of students Students who are looking to save some money before heading off to a university.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Fall fling and spring fling
What to do for fun There is a mall just 2-4 minutes away. But the school will usually have some sort of event each semester such as fall fling and spring fling. They also have occasional poetry readings and music.
Food and Dining Dining is expensive, but you are surrounded by nearby restaurants that do a whole lot better. And the food isn't all that good.
Dorm Life No dorms.
Academic Rigor It really depends on the teacher. Some really care and some can careless. But overall, most teachers are willing to help you out.
Tips for prospective students You should really talk to past students of CVCC, go to ratemyprofessor.com to see what other reviews students have. and lastly you should definitely talk to your advisors and teachers.
In three sentences Catawba Valley Community College is a great start and experience for college life. It has its up and downs, but overall it has a really safe campus.
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Ka from Claremont, NC
07/30/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
8 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Greek Life I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Clubs and Activities I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Great for these types of students I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Bang for the buck I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
What to do for fun I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Food and Dining I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Dorm Life I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Academic Rigor I an not so sure yet because this is my first time attending there.
Tips for prospective students Always meet with a counselor before doing anything. Read everything that they give you because it is very helpful and can help you prepare for college. Do not wait until the last minute to complete everything, do everything in the beginning.
In three sentences Catawba Valley has great people who can help a person find what they need to complete school. Their staff is very helpful and friendly. The college may not be as big as other community college that i have seen but it is filled with lots of people so that's a plus for making new friends.
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Taylorsville, NC
08/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 14
Categories Comments What to do for fun I'm kind of a homebody so I'm not sure what all is available.
Food and Dining There are many great restaurants and fast food places around the campus and most are within a mile or so. There is a Taco Bell, Subway and McDonald's directly across the street from campus and two lights down you have places like Applebee's, Chili's and Olive Garden just to name a few.
Dorm Life Currently, CVCC does not have any dorms, but there is plenty to do around town.
Academic Rigor CVCC offers seated, online and hybrid classes. Don't be fooled by the online classes because they are not as easy as you would think. Some think that the online classes are actually harder than the seated classes because of the amount of work involved.
Tips for prospective students Use the learning assistance center (LAC) if you need any help. Dont let your grades drop because you don't understand something. The writing center in the library is also a great source of knowledge.
In three sentences CVCC has a lot to offer to students right out of high school or adult learners who are returning to complete their degrees or just starting over in a new career field. There are a variety of majors along with extensive continuing education opportunities. It has a great gym, library and learning assistance center.
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Bradley from Newton, NC
09/26/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 14
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Great for older student that have full time jobs and families.
Bang for the buck CVCC is a great school and I recommend it to anyone that is in this area. They really focus on helping people complete school that has families.
What to do for fun There is all kinds of fun things to do around the school. They are right near a YMCA so you can workout during breaks, also they are right across the street from many shopping complexes, which makes it very convenient!
Food and Dining CVCC has a little cafe for lunches.
Dorm Life They do not supply Dorms.
Academic Rigor Academic Rigor is great!
Tips for prospective students Don't be afraid to ask for whatever you need. The staff is always willing to help you, you just have to ask for the help.
In three sentences Catawba Valley Community College has really helped me prepare for the future. I love that they are a local school, convenient to my home and they are always willing to help me with whatever I need. They are helping me prepare for my next step which is a bachelor's degree. Thank you CVCC!!!
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jessica from hickory, NC
10/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety Excellent campus safety. Emergency phones in each parking lot. Local police cars scan the parking lots.
Greek Life None that I know of
Clubs and Activities There are lots of clubs to get involved in.
Great for these types of students Great for parents or anyone who is just starting out in college and is a little scared to jump into a state college.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I haven't attended this school long enough yet to know of any traditions, but I do know that I have never seen a parking lot as big as theirs before. Get here early to get a spot!
Bang for the buck I really do like the school. It has a great nursing course there, which is something I am interested in. For everything that I have seen so far, I would recommend anyone come to this school. They have anything any other college would have, and you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to take a course there. Also you get discounts at YMCA and other clubs and discounts at local stores.
What to do for fun There are a lot of clubs to sign up for. That's about it if your talking about the school itself. Around the school is dining, shopping.
Food and Dining on campus food is good. There is lots of choices for students. Fast and also lots of choices to eat around campus.
Dorm Life there are no dorms here
Academic Rigor So far I am benefiting from my classes. Especially since I haven't been in school for 12 years.
Tips for prospective students Make sure when you sign up for courses at this school, if you are receiving financial aid, that you make sure your credits are not split up. That makes for a confusing time with your disbursements.
In three sentences I would say that say far as education goes, cvcc has met my expectations so far. Classes aren't over crowded and my teachers are great. However, I would've like them not to split up the math classes this semester, it has made it harder for me to pass the classes.
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Rebecca from Hickory, NC
01/17/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 14
Categories Comments Bang for the buck Amazing for a community college.
What to do for fun Lots of stuff to do in Hickory, but not exactly city fun.
Food and Dining Pretty good.
Dorm Life No clue.
Academic Rigor It's harder then HS, but a lot easier then I would think Uni would be.
Tips for prospective students Just make it threw high school and then you'll be fine.
In three sentences I take online classes as a senior at Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School. CVCC also sends a processor to my school to teach me two classes a day.
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Golia from Hickory, NC
05/05/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus' security consist of police on duty during school hours, and telephones at every light pole in the parking lot of the school.
Clubs and Activities for more clubs and activities please go to www.cvcc.edu
What to do for fun There are activities and events posted on the school home page website as well as around the school.
Food and Dining The school has a student store in the student center that serves starbuck coffee; hot food: breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot soups, pizzas, and etc; snacks and drinks. There are vending machines for students convenience.
Dorm Life The school is a community college and there is no dorm life.
Academic Rigor It would have to be that the school still holds a seven or eight point grading scale.
Tips for prospective students The school provides many resources to help students to become better and understand such as; a tutoring center and a writing center with staffs and instructors to help. The school also have a student center for students to hang out, get a bite, study, play or listen to music.
In three sentences Catawba Valley Community College is a school for students of all ages such as; early high school to continuing education after so many years. The school has amazing instructors and staffs interesting and understanding. Overall the school is a great place to attend.
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Madison from Claremont, NC
05/11/2013Reviewer is A past student here.
14 of 14
Categories Comments Campus Safety The Catawba County Police patrol campus 24/7 and there are emergency lights all over campus. Along with campus emergency text message systems.
Greek Life None.
Clubs and Activities Very active student government and student clubs and organizations over 50 on campus.
Great for these types of students Homeschooled students trying to get used to college life, those wishing to live at home the first few years, nursing students trying to save money.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus None really.
Bang for the buck Excellent bang for your buck! The cost per semester hour is very reasonable. I spent 2 years at CVCC and spent about $4,500. Around $2,250 per year which is not bad at all considering you can transfer will all your basics or with an associates in science or art.
What to do for fun There is a mall nearby and multiple shops. Bowling and put put, a large Carmike Movie Theatre and the Hickory Motor Speedway.
Food and Dining There is an abundance of fast food and nice sit down restaurants that are very close to campus.
Dorm Life There are no on campus dorms. There are many apartment complexes nearby.
Academic Rigor Biology and Chemistry classes are difficult. Other classes are not quite as hard.
Tips for prospective students Get to know your teachers and strive to do all your assigned work. Most teachers are easy to get along with and will help students especially those who work hard.
In three sentences CVCC is a nice stepping stone from high school into the college atmosphere. Most professors are easy to work with and strive to help students succeed. A large variety programs are offered at this college.
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