Southern Maine Community College Reviews
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Stephen from Freeport, ME
01/17/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 1 of 19
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Looking to get the most out of your money. A two year school. Some of the best teachers in the New England area.
Tips for prospective students SMCC has a great cost and has an agreement with Maine colleges to help transfer credits to a four year school.
Bang for the buck How can you go wrong with SMCC! You get what you pay for and more. SMCC gives your great opportunity to take advantage of different programs that allow the students to save even more money and enjoy the extra cash.
Am enjoying being here SMCC is a great campus to go to school at with the history and the surrounding ocean views. Fort Preble gives the campus a old time feel with the protection for South Portland. although the aging fort is slowly falling apart, it is apart of the focal point for photographer's to take pictures. The beach provides a escape from all the learning and gives you time to clear your thoughts with the beauty of Portland Head Light. SMCC provides great views at every corner of the campus.
Am learning a lot The teachers here at SMCC give a real life prospective on what you are going to see out in the field. At times they will throw a lot of valuable information at you, but it is well needed information for your success at SMCC.
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Travis from Livermore, ME
01/18/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is a 24 hour 7 days a week security office on campus.
Bang for the buck Definitely a good place for the money you get everything that you would in a university for half the cost.
What to do for fun There are many things to do for fun, we are right on the ocean, with a large beach, many on campus activities there is a full exercise room with a huge open gym above. There is a huge open field with soccer nets and a large baseball diamond open to use. As well as we are less than 10 minutes away from many awesome places in downtown Portland including the Maine Mall.
Food and Dining the dining hall makes wonderful food that is definitely worth the money,
Dorm Life Living on campus is a great way to interact and get involved in many things you normally wouldn't living off campus. They rooms are nice, roomy and offer great heat and central air.
Academic Rigor Strive for the best and nothing less.
Tips for prospective students Make sure on the day of class sign ups you are on the ball and do it asap that day. Do not procrastinate on your homework and enjoy yourself college is a great experience.
In three sentences SMCC is a friendly environment with many pluses as to why you should attend. They have a wide variety of degrees and jobs on campus. They are also located on the scenic Maine ocean and it is a very clean environment.
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Alycia from Brunswick, ME
01/31/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
3 of 19
Categories Comments Great for these types of students students that have a lot going on, provides a lot of flexability.
What to do for fun main campus is set on beach.
Tips for prospective students figure out what interests you and go for it. apply today.
In three sentences this college is great. its really helped me have a brighter future. i would recommend it to all my friends.
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Jacqueline from Sanford, ME
05/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
4 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety I would say the security is pretty good since I have never felt harmed or scared for my safety.
Greek Life no Greek Life at this school.
Clubs and Activities There are many clubs on campus that have activities going on almost everyday. The only thing I would change is I would like more sport options.
Great for these types of students Hardworking, involved students looking for a way to find themselves and go to college with little debt.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The campus is located directly on the waterfront and in the center of South Portland which makes it beautiful and resourceful.
Bang for the buck The tuition is worth it because the financial aid/scholarships are good and the tuition is cheap. However, I think the books are a rip-off. I bought $750.00 worth of books and only got $35.00 back.
What to do for fun There are plenty of fun activities as SMCC like sports and clubs. The school is also very centrally located to there is a lot to do around the school in Portland. The week long festivals are entertaining also.
Food and Dining The food is delicious and I love all of the options. My only suggestion here would be to find a way to let people take food to go since some students don't want to sit in the cafe to eat.
Dorm Life I am neutral here because I did not dorm, however I have seen the rooms and they are nice.
Academic Rigor I feel I have learned A lot in this school and grown as a person. The teachers really know the material well and give ample opportunity to be creative as well as insightful.
Tips for prospective students One major tip I would suggest to future students is to check the SMCC portal and e-mail often. All events, information, and bills can be found here as well as scholarship opportunities. I would also suggest future students keep organized and try not to procrastinate.
In three sentences Southern Maine Community College is a great opportunity to save money and step into college. The education is excellent as well as the teachers and staff who run the school. I believe going to community college before going to a four year school is the smartest thing I have every done because I have a good 2 year education and little debt.
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Olivia from Yarmouth, ME
05/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
5 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety Security is always around on campus, and their office is right in the center of campus. The professors are also very aware of making sure that students feel safe in between classes.
Clubs and Activities There are various clubs around campus for students will all types of interests. It's rather easy to get one going as well if the club you want isn't already offered.
Bang for the buck SMCC is definitely one of the most affordable schools in Maine. For tuition, meals, and room and board, you will find yourself paying a fraction of the tuition at bigger Maine schools.
What to do for fun There is a beach right on campus, and a 5 minute walk or drive into town will have you at all of the local stores. The Maine Mall is only a few minutes away by car, and the Old Port (even closer to campus) is filled with shopping and restaurants.
Food and Dining I've only been on campus at breakfast time, but I can tell you from that meal that the staff are incredibly friendly and the food is fresh and made specifically the way that you would like it.
Dorm Life I personally live off-campus, but I've seen the dorms and talked to people who live in them and I've only heard good things about them.
Academic Rigor You will definitely get your fair share of work while here, and your professors are going to make you think. Almost all of the professors, however, are incredibly willing to work with you and help you to keep up and challenge yourself appropriately.
Tips for prospective students Play around with different majors if you aren't quite sure of which one is for you Talk to other students about professor recommendations Take classes that may not be a part of your major Take time to enjoy the beachfront view and explore the surrounding area
In three sentences Attending SMCC is a great way to receive a wonderful college education in a friendly, dedicated atmosphere. Apart from the beautiful campus, there are an endless number of classes to choose from with some of the most professional and amazing professors. I recommend this school to any student who is looking for a degree in a place that is there to guide you, without financially breaking you.
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Student
06/28/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety It's so small not much can go wrong. There are call boxes all over the place and only two dorm buildings, so you really can't get lost.
Clubs and Activities SMCC has many sports teams and a club for about anything you could want to do. My personal favorite is the Business club. They raise money by posting a flier above all the urinals (and I assume in the ladies' stalls) called Dirty Business with interesting facts about businesses and businessmen/women.
Great for these types of students SMCC is great for a student looking to do it right. You can take your time and actually learn here. The tuition is so low that you can afford to take an extra semester or two to ensure all the information sinks in.
Bang for the buck All my classes are covered under the FAFSA and I'll be transferring to the UMaine system in a year so, yeah, you get a good bang for your buck.
What to do for fun You're right on the beach. Go down to the lighthouse and hang out watching the waves. If you're old enough, the old port isn't too far to have a good night out.
Food and Dining The food is always good. The School has a Culinary program on campus that will occasionally practice on you at the commons.
Dorm Life Dorm's have never really been my favorite part. The rooms are small and you share a bathroom with three other people.
Academic Rigor It's a community college but it's no walk in the park. SMCC has transfer agreements with every school in the University of Maine system, so the courses you take there are just as thorough as the ones you'd have at UMO, USM, or UMF.
Tips for prospective students Focus on your schoolwork. It's a pain but if you stay ahead of your workload you're more likely to get better grades.
In three sentences SMCC is a great school. It's a small enough campus where you won't get lost, but big enough where you'll never see it all. Best part... It's on the beach!
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Ciarra from Indianapolis, IN
07/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety 24/7 security on campus. Call boxes and it is a dry campus.
Clubs and Activities Tons of clubs to choose from. Or even make up your own. That's what I did!
Great for these types of students Out-going, college ready students looking for friends that want to help you succeed.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus We have tons of old graveyards and forts on campus that are pretty cool to check out.
Bang for the buck YESSSS!
What to do for fun Sports events! Clubs! They typically had an activity to engage the students quite often. You'd literally never would have to leave campus! And did I mention the beach? The school sits right on the Atlantic Ocean!
Food and Dining FIVE BUCKS all you can eat lunch! Amazing place to grab lunch. The dinning hall was pretty awesome and convenient.
Dorm Life I can't say, I was an off campus student.
Academic Rigor It's a community college, yes but classes were really easy. I appreciate the fact the professors actually worked in the career of the course they taught. That was so helpful for long term thinking.
Tips for prospective students Come with an open heart to learn and meet some really cool people. Try to live on campus and join clubs and activities! Don't miss the home basketball games!
In three sentences After this semester I am leaving SMCC and I am a little upset to depart. Since I moved to Maine SMCC has been an awesome place to make friends from all over and get a good education! Out of state tuition was even cheaper than my instate tuition back at home!
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Rebecca from Gorham, ME
07/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 19
Categories Comments Greek Life None other than the Greek society that is made up of honor students.
Bang for the buck Is a great education at an affordable cost.
What to do for fun SMCC is located on a beach, what more could you ask for?!
Food and Dining There is a nice little cafeteria that serves meals as well as a little snack shack in the student center. What is really great about the school is the culinary arts program and their gourmet meals that you can attend for a fraction of the price of a restaurant.
Dorm Life One hall is gorgeous and the other is a bit older.
Academic Rigor I've been in some very challenging courses; however, I've been in some class in which the professor wants to see the students succeed so badly that they become very easy and unchallenging.
Tips for prospective students Get to school early because parking is sparse.
In three sentences It is a very affordable college, being the least expensive in New England. The transfer agreements between SMCC and four year college is amazing and you know that you will not be wasting time in a class that will not transfer. The trade programs are well known in the area.
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Zachary from Wells, ME
09/22/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 19
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who haven't quite decided what they want to do, this is a perfect chance for them to experience college life&think.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus This school is the #5 most haunted school on the east coast according to some websites. If you are ever bored at night... go GHOST HUNTING!
What to do for fun Plenty of Clubs to go to such as Anime Club, Gaming Club, Student Council, and many more. Don't forget sports!
Food and Dining THE FOOD IS AMAZING. Seriously buffet style food, actually fully cooked, vegan options, vegetarian options, and most of all most of it is LOCAL.
Dorm Life Barely any partying, you start to know everyone's faces though, and it is really nice. There is bingas nearby for all the clubgoers, and Styxx as well!
Academic Rigor This all depends on how you balance your schedule. My schedule has 5 classes, two on monday&wednesday, two on tuesday&thursday, and a big one on friday!
Tips for prospective students Talk to someone who is in the college about their experience, including the application process, financial aid process, and much more. This will help you greatly!
In three sentences Southern Maine Community College should actually be called a coastal college out of irony! It is right on the coast, but there is no way you can coast by. Even though it is a community college, you still have to apply yourself like any higher up college, and everyone here wants you to do just that.
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Tiffany from Bath, ME
10/04/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 19
Categories Comments What to do for fun The gym is perfect for someone who wants to work out but taking a walk along the beach is quite relaxing. You can always find people that want to go out and do things.
Food and Dining I have eaten in the dining hall a few times and I like the food. Then again, I'm not a picky eater but the dining all will fix most cravings.
Dorm Life I haven't lived at the dorms, but I have visited my friends that live there. The dorm life seems quite relaxed and people respect one another. If you're trying to study, you wont have problems.
Academic Rigor The teachers follow the a certain work criteria that they have to meet. The teachers are also very welcoming and understanding if a personal problem arises. These teachers will work with people so they will not fail.
Tips for prospective students If you're looking for a class and you have to drive to another campus for it, don't sweat it. The campuses are only a half hour to forty-five minutes apart and it's well worth the drive.
In three sentences A well rounded college with multiple campuses meet students needs. The school has fabulous teachers that will take time out of their lives to help students if they do not understand something in class. The students that attend the college are social and are also helpful in classes.
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Miranda from Wesbtrook, ME
11/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety We have light boxes on campus that glow at night plus security is always around.
Clubs and Activities I dont participate in activities but there are some awesome teams.
Great for these types of students Any students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus a lot of people believe their is a little girl ghost in the lighthouse down the road.
Bang for the buck Southern Maine Community College is amazing for the price. I have friends that are spending 20,000 a year for the same classes. Plus the view is unbelievable.
What to do for fun There is a great little cafe down the street for a more personal hang out spot.
Food and Dining The campus center cafe is perfect for grab and go. if you want all you can eat definitely head to the other cafe.
Dorm Life I do not live in the dorms, but I have heard from friends that it is nice but crowded.
Academic Rigor Depending on the classes they can be very challenging. You definitely need to stay on top of your work.
Tips for prospective students Get to class early if you are commuting because parking can be horrible the first couple of weeks also sign up for classes the second you get the chance, the longer you wait the less classes available.
In three sentences For the price and the view Southern Maine Community College is great. The teachers and students are awesome.
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Brittany from Biddeford, ME
11/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 19
Categories Comments Great for these types of students ALL STUDENTS! Any student who wants a great education, a breadth of opportunities, and many options for majors, all wrapped into a great price tag, should look into SMCC.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus We're located next to a marina, which is on the ocean, so we have a gorgeous view of the water front unlike any other school in the northeast
Bang for the buck The professors here are amazing! Most of them are part time at SMCC and part time at other institutions, so we get the same quality of education as private system students do, at a community college price.
What to do for fun Hang out with friends in the learning commons, or on the beautiful ocean front campus, grab some lunch, or join a club and volunteer!
Food and Dining The food is high quality and the dining staff cares about the students enjoyment. The dining hall has great events to get students involved too.
Dorm Life I don't live on campus, but from what I've seen of the dorms they look good.
Academic Rigor It's college people. Be prepared to put in the work that you would anywhere else. Just because it's community college doesn't mean you'll have low quality learning or an easy way out. Most of the professors are also staff at big ticket private institutions, and they use the same course work. We just get it at a discount :)
Tips for prospective students Be open to trying new things. There are so many clubs and activites to partake in that there's no way you'll ever be bored if you're willing to step outside of your comfort zone!
In three sentences SMCC is all about education and expanding your mind. The professors care immensely about their students success, and strive to make every lesson interesting and meaningful. The students are all committed to learning and making their experiences great, as well as making friends and helping their classmates.
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Taylor from Millinocket, ME
12/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety You can usually find security around every corner. It's a smaller campus so there are always plenty of people around and it feels more secure.
Clubs and Activities It's all personal for me. Nothing of my interests. But there are many clubs though such as anime, pastry club, game club, international club.
Great for these types of students Quiet. Unique. Looking for a slower, not very fast paced education. Likes one on one time with teachers. Really focused on studies.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Beach with the light house. View of another lighthouse off in the distance. Walking path along the shore.
Bang for the buck I would say so. The education is great and the professors are good quality. Wish there were more things to do on campus, but I think it's a personal issue. Every person will have a different opinion based on their interests.
What to do for fun Um, the beach? Unless you're into sports, table tennis, pool, card games, and many other unique clubs, there isn't a whole lot. The gym is a great place to work out your frustrations, but only 2 treadmills so you're always taking your chances.
Food and Dining Excellent! Always a great variety and fun things to try. Halloween meals were very fun and the Thanksgiving feast was phenomenal! The staff is so kind. They make you feel like family and almost always will have a smile on their face.
Dorm Life I'm disappointed that they don't issue surveys for room assignments. My roommate and I couldn't be any more different! Rooms are kind of small especially if it's where you spend most of your time. Otherwise, the a/c and heat make it very comfortable.
Academic Rigor Reminds me a lot of high school. Maybe I'm just not taking challenging courses yet, but I haven't been stressed to the max or challenged beyond my abilities. It's a very comfortable learning environment though. I feel like I can go to any of my teacher, and they will help me succeed.
In three sentences The campus is very homey. The environment is calming and just walking outside is a great way to de-stress. An even paced education for those who don't want to fly through subjects and really want to focus on material.
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Angela from West Bath, ME
12/13/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
14 of 19
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Wicked easy to apply and great counselors to help figure out a schedule to best fit you!
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Aaron from Drury, MO
02/12/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety Nothing to worry about hear..You are safe!
Clubs and Activities Large variety of clubs and activities.
Great for these types of students EVERYONE
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is a beach and its got its own lighthouse.. What more could you ask for..
Bang for the buck Very affordable and they will get you ready to find a job after you graduate..
What to do for fun The beach on campus is an awesome hangout during the summer. I just bring my fishing pole and fish in the channel.
Food and Dining Meal plans are affordable and the food is to look forward to!
Dorm Life I don't personally Ive in a dorm but Ive heard good things.
Academic Rigor Some teachers push you more than others. In the end you will have covered a large variety of subjects.
Tips for prospective students Be ready for homework, homework, homework.Just stay caught up and things will go smoothly.
In three sentences An amazing two year college. The view from anywhere on campus is amazing, Everyone is very friendly!
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Lakshmi
02/20/2013Reviewer is A past student here.
16 of 19
Categories Comments Campus Safety I always felt very safe, and the college takes security seriously. I never had any need to do this, but there is a security office (where you go and get your id made) and I'm sure you can stop in or call them if you need assistance. There is public transportation throughout the day and evening, so you can get where you need to go.
Great for these types of students SMCC is great for people going to college for the very first time, and it was great for me as an adult returning to school. Having a diverse student body with a range of ages and backgrounds was important to me. I was able to attend part time and easily arrange things to accommodate my schedule and interests.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The school is situated on a former military base, so there are old buildings from the 1900's as well as a stone wall looking out over the sea that has the openings for weapons - you can look through to sea the nearby islands. I think there is a resident osprey family (sea hawk) who raise their young in a nearby nest every year.
Bang for the buck You can't beat the cost. Remember if you take a class at another area college through GPACU, you will pay the SMCC price for your tuition (and sometimes a small fee). In my case, this meant taking private college courses for a tenth of the price it would cost at that school!
What to do for fun If you are tired of the dining hall, you can go to the 158 cafe down the street for excellent bagels, or Scratch Baking in Willard Square for baked goods.
Food and Dining The food in the cafeteria is an excellent value - you can eat in as much as you need and there is a wide variety of healthy choices - lunch was $5.00 all-inclusive. We always had salad, international selections, and there was often seafood. There's pizza and ice cream for the people who like that as well!
Dorm Life I cannot rate this well as I was living off campus. However, the school and dorm are situated adjacent to a small ocean beach and it's a short bus ride into the City of Portland. It's quite a beautiful area in the summer.
Academic Rigor The school provides something for people at every level, whether you need help or you want to challenge yourself - in either case you have to take the initiative. I found it rewarding to take extra courses at outside institutions and to do an honors project the last semester. I think the workshops on using bibliography tools are helpful for everyone.
Tips for prospective students Use your time here to explore as many things as you can; take a foreign cultural experience travel course, or enroll in the honors program - it will look great on your transcript! Many people don't take advantage of being able to take courses at other area colleges through GPACU - this was one of my favorite parts of my education.
In three sentences SMCC provides an excellent value with what they say is the most affordable tuition in New England. You can learn new skills and gain valuable transfer credit for your Bachelor's degree. The faculty is friendly, helpful, and committed.
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Racheal from Mountain Grove, MO
03/19/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 19
Categories Comments What to do for fun There's the beach! It's close to the Old Port, and there are all kinds of activities on campus.
Tips for prospective students GO here! It's a great school and the price is even better!
In three sentences SMCC is an awesome school. Great location, great teachers, and great programs! Couldn't have been happier with my first semester of college!
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Kristen from Porter, ME
03/19/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
18 of 19
Categories Comments What to do for fun The campus has some clubs that you can join. Overall there is not a lot to do on campus other than go to the gym or the nearby beach. There are dances on occasion and other functions that you can participate . If you have transportation Portland is a fun place to go.
Food and Dining The food is average cafeteria food.
Dorm Life I currently live in the dorms and have found that this has been a good experience which I would recommend. If you have a roommate conflict the staff will work hard to help resolve the problem.
Academic Rigor I have found that courses are of medium difficulty. There are some instructors that require more work than others but you can succeed if you do the required work and attend classes as required. I have found that the instructors are willing to work with you to insure your success if you put in the required effort.
Tips for prospective students I recommend attending one of the Open Houses that are offered. This will give you a chance to see what the campus has to offer and will answer many of the questions you may have.
In three sentences Southern Maine Community College is a great college for students who want a small college environment . I am happy here because the college class sizes are small and I have the opportunity to get to know my teachers. It is also located in a great location near the ocean and there is lots in the nearby city of Portland.
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Sandy
03/25/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
19 of 19
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Outdoor activity
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Ocean view ....
What to do for fun Ocean side campus.Very close to beautiful down town Portland.
Tips for prospective students To meet with an advisor before enrolling into any classes. Study your curriculum to know exactly what courses to take first. Be the first to sign up for courses as the spaces for enrollment are very limited.
In three sentences Has a beautiful campus. Seems to be growing in attendance. Over all great atmosphere.
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