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College of San Mateo San Mateo, CA

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College of San Mateo Reviews

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  • 09/13/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Bang for the buck

    Duh....$26 a unit....what could be better?
    Am enjoying being here

    Its not bad... Very secular campus...with overpushy liberal ideals at times...and there isnt a lot of shade anywhere!
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning as much as a communituy college would have to offer
  • 01/18/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    2 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Bang for the buck

    Getting help with financial aid is a cinch with the staff at CSM. They guide you through the process and help you get the most out of your educational experience!
    Food and Dining

    The new college center at CSM is fantastic! The views are incredible and they have a wide variety of great foods and drinks!
    Academic Rigor

    I thoroughly love going back to school! It is a great adventure and I am going at it with gusto!
    Tips for prospective students

    Never give up!
    In three sentences

    College of San Mateo is one of the greatest campuses on the Peninsula. As a returning student after being laid off three years ago, going back to school has given me new purpose and direction in my life. I would recommend going to this college for anyone searching in their life as it is a great place to start!
  • 03/05/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    3 of 16

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    most people drive off campus, or maybe take the bus to hillsdale shopping center for fun. on campus, there are several clubs whose meetings you can attend, or simply hang out with friends in the college center which has a floor for seating.
    Food and Dining

    the college center has all of the basics, from a coffee shop with the pastries, and a grill which has its specials, to a deli with home-made sandwiches.
    Dorm Life

    there aren't dorms at csm, so no comment.
    Academic Rigor

    the teachers are well-versed and direct with what they expect out of you. homework isn't too challenging. midterms and finals are usually an essay, or a (sometimes take-home) project.
    Tips for prospective students

    as long as you show up for your classes and pay attention, life won't be too hard for you.
    In three sentences

    csm is the best of a community college and a commuter school. people go here to take classes, which are $36 a unit, and often have part-time jobs they drive to after class. campus has a couple things to offer, like the college center, which has food and wifi access.
  • 03/22/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    4 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Students at other campuses who can't get classes at the other college & need to transfer classes and People of the community who want to learn more, at their own pace.
    Bang for the buck

    It's great education for community college pricing!
    Food and Dining

    I haven't eaten on campus due to the fact that most of my classes are in the evening here, and the food choices nearby aren't that great.... You'd have your run-of-the-mill McDonalds and similar you-can-find-everywhere food joints.
    Academic Rigor

    People I've been surrounded by mostly know their stuff, or work to be up to par with the professor's standards. Personally, I love it! I can strive to achieve while making friends and (if I need it) getting help without feeling bad.
    Tips for prospective students

    Have fun with your classes! Don't be afraid to ask your professors or peers for help/advice. We don't bite!
    In three sentences

    CSM is a clean and refreshing campus to be on. The professors there are amazing (at least the ones I've had) and work with you for whatever needs you might need. It's a community college in the San Mateo County College District (SMCCD) so if you take classes at Cañada College or Skyline College too, all of your classes will be bundled into one transcript... How convenient!
  • 05/04/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    5 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of the resources.
    In three sentences

    CSM is a good school to prepare for a 4 year university. The class sizes are great for student-teacher interaction. They've built new facilities as well!
  • 06/28/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    6 of 16

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    If I ever had time between classes I would meet up with some friends for coffee or bask in the sun on one of the many beautiful landscaped lawns. Mostly, I was working away in the library though.
    Food and Dining

    Great little cafe with amazing chai tea lattes :)
    Academic Rigor

    Honestly, I am yet to take any general ed classes or attend full time at this campus so, I feel I couldn't possibly rate this section accurately.
    Tips for prospective students

    My tips would be to use all the wonderful resources this college provides, get to know the campus before classes start and enjoy the view.
    In three sentences

    The College of San Mateo is a great college to attend. I am yet to have a bad experience at this campus; my classes, professors, counselors and peers have all been positive for me. I highly recommend this school to students who are either looking to get a degree, certificate or transfer to a four year.
  • 07/25/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    7 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Food and Dining

    love the new addition, haven't had lunch there yet, but Ive seen the food they serve.
    Dorm Life

    Im close to home...
    Tips for prospective students

    keep your eyes open and follow your intuition, talk to counselor when u feel things are not been fair..
    In three sentences

    I been having mix feelings about this school, i been going here for a few years. I have experience racism coming from some teachers.
  • 08/28/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    8 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Police are all around. There is a sense of security and caution to obey the rules!
    Great for these types of students

    Disability is supported and one can feel welcome and not an outcast.
    Bang for the buck

    Great Certificate program to help boost your resume and job search for that high paying job of your future!!
    What to do for fun

    There is a gym, discounted for college students and residence in the area. Fun classes, art, exercise etc. if you take a certain amount of credits. I just love the free atmosphere, beautiful.
    Food and Dining

    I haven't eaten here yet but if it is like the care in the campus, I will be looking forward to try.
    Academic Rigor

    Listen to the Orientation, balance when starting is important. Don't get too much all at once. Consider, Work and credit load, leave time for the normal health and hygiene, exercise and rest.
    Tips for prospective students

    Register Early! Try the FASFA, You may get the financial assistance you need!
    In three sentences

    College of San Mateo is friendly, organized, Online communication, phone and in person is so convenient. The Campus is so beautiful on hills, with trees, and the perfect environment for study. Going from one class to the next is pleasant and organized, easy to find.
  • 10/04/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    9 of 16

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    There is the mall that is near by and there are a couple of cool restaurants right by the college!
    Tips for prospective students

    You should meet with a councelor because they are a really big help. Take advantage of the office hours, as well as all of the labs and student centers!
    In three sentences

    I think that CSM is really helpful in having so many labs and students centers. It helps when there are a lot of teachers and tutors who are willing to help you through whatever you need. I really like the way the teachers teach at this school, as well as the class sizes.
  • 10/04/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    10 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Clubs and Activities

    I didn't join any
    Food and Dining

    There's a cute little cafe kiosk near one of the buildings where I used to have a keyboarding class. I bought some cookies there for my early morning classes, and I would totally give them 4 stars. Not 5 only because they charge you for water. Or they did, I haven't been there in a while.
    Dorm Life

    No dorms.
    Academic Rigor

    It's pretty good. Some of the teachers are a little hard to understand, but other than that everything is good. Most of the teachers are very understanding if you're running a little late, especially at the beginning of the year.
    Tips for prospective students

    Mae sure you bring a map. It's pretty easy to get confused about which building is which. It's kind of hard to see the numbers on the buildings as well. And also make sure you wear water-resistant shoes of some kind... It's not fun slipping on the tile floors after it rains... Trust me.
    In three sentences

    It's a great school for students that are just starting out. It's kind of like a beginner school to get you past all your general education and stuff.
  • 12/04/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    11 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    There is always a security guard on hand roaming throughout the campus at all times on a scooter. He can help you to your car or just give you directions. The security guard is there to keep the peace though the campus is always quiet, calm and serene.
    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria has recently been remodeled to accommodate a larger population of students and has been built to overlook the beautiful bay area/the city of San Mateo. The food service, flavor, price and variety is excellent. One could order a sandwich, pasta, burger, fries or pizza with every sauce, topping, flavor needed. The food is cooked right in front of you with clean cooking tops and utensils. The cafeteria also contains a small store with every type of small item snack you could find at a gas station for the same low prices and there is a coffee shop right next to it where you can order a Starbucks coffee throughout the day.
    Academic Rigor

    The difficulty of the classes are surely to enhance your learning, writing and reading schools but most importantly prepare you for transfering to a university or state college. Not all classes are of equal difficulty, however you will find your knowledge and time management abilities to be challenged from the beginning, adding a healthy amount of stress to your day.
    Tips for prospective students

    Learn as much as you can about your plans while it is still early in your college career at CSM. They will do their best to help you find your way and plan ahead, but they need your help to know your ideas, thoughts, questions and concerns.
    In three sentences

    The College of San Mateo is a wonderful place of education with a hugely supportive faculty. The College of San Mateo thrives on its ability to provide for it's students in every way they can such as a student's future plans, current education and financial aid. The student life is active as well, with a diverse choice of clubs, groups and activities to attend, join and enjoy.
  • 01/13/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    12 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Bang for the buck

    It is a very wise decision to attend a junior college and transfer to a university. The class sizes are smaller, it is a lot cheaper, and it is a smaller transition than leaving home on your own.
    What to do for fun

    I highly suggest joining a sports team if you are athletic. If not, there are lots of clubs and the football team is pretty good. Maybe go to a game?
    Food and Dining

    Most of the food is sold in the college center, building 10. The hot food is good, when available.
    Academic Rigor

    Some courses are more difficult than others, but all of the teachers I have had are very clear that they are willing to help you if you feel lost.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of the learning center, library, and various labs for each subject.
    In three sentences

    The college campus is newly renovated, but there are still some buildings under construction. The teachers and staff are very helpful. It is a wise choice to attend if you are panning on transferring to a four year university.
  • 01/22/2013

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    13 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Very safe. There are always security guards and police officers seeing the campus. There's even a section of the San Mateo Police Department on campus.
    Greek Life

    There is a limited amount of Greek life.
    Bang for the buck

    Show your teachers you're interested in the class and always ask for help when you need it.
    What to do for fun

    Since the campus is up on a hill, running is an option and there's always a friendly crowd in the dining room.
    Food and Dining

    The dining area is very comfortable and the food is great! There's even a Starbucks right on campus.
    Dorm Life

    No dorms.
    Academic Rigor

    Depending on the classes you take and the teachers you have, academically it's not as rigorous as other schools.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to set up your classes based on your schedule and if you are a full time student try to spread out your classes; don't take four classes back to back in one day.
    In three sentences

    The College of San Mateo had a great environment to learn in. The teachers were willing to help students who needed the extra help. The campus is clean and provides a safe environment.
  • 02/27/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    14 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Bang for the buck

    $60 units is very affordable compared to many other public colleges in the area.
    What to do for fun

    Spend time outside enjoying the view or participating in multiple student government sponsored activities.
    Food and Dining

    A newly renovated cafe with a salad bar, brick oven for pizza, and hot meals. There is also a convenience store as well as a Bulldog Coffee Shop.
    Dorm Life

    No dorms on campus.
    Academic Rigor

    The academic rigor is what you make of it; the harder you study, the more you will get out of the classes.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to take advantage of the counselors who are willing to help align your classes for transferring or earning a degree. Professors are very welcoming and accommodating for office hours as well.
    In three sentences

    The College of San Mateo is a beautiful campus, filled with knowledgeable professors and abundant resources. The curriculum at CSM helps prepare students for a much easier transition to a four year university. The certificate programs are terrific as well.
  • 05/08/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    15 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Food and Dining

    Great options for food and there is an amazing dining room. The campus has a coffee shop that sells Starbuck's coffee, many types of food to choose from and little convenient store for all your needs.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms on campus.
    Academic Rigor

    The academic curriculum is challenging but it prepares you for the future. The professors are extremely helpful and they are always available if you need any assistance. Stay on top of your studies, don't procrastinate and you'll do great.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of the learning center, math center, english center and any other source that will help become successful not only in the classroom but outside. Submit your FAFSA early and take advantage of applying for scholarships!
    In three sentences

    The college provides all the resources you need that will prepare you for the future. Brand new learning center, convenient parking and you're able to get in & out! Registering for classes can be tough so make sure you enroll early so you get the classes you need.
  • 06/05/2013

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    16 of 16

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus police are always around
    Greek Life

    None.
    Clubs and Activities

    Active on campus.
    Food and Dining

    Expensive, but good.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make friends. Get active. Join a club!
    In three sentences

    Professors are encouraging. Try to stick with one counselor. Beautiful campus.
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