Southwestern Michigan College Reviews
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Ashley from Buchanan, MI
07/30/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 1 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Haven't decided on a career, looking to save money on college, wanting to be close to home (but not too close), wanting to live in a new housing facility.
Tips for prospective students Do what the instructor asks, they usually aren't that hard on their students. The most important part of going to college is actually going to class. It's tempting to skip class because you won't get in trouble, but it will hurt you in the end.
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Emily from Stevensville, MI
06/30/2009Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 2 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Its a community college and its close to home but not too close, its a smaller school.
Tips for prospective students Get your paper work done as soon as possible and living on campus is always a plus...
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August from Dowagiac, MI
01/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 3 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety Great campus security and safety. I never have to worry.
Clubs and Activities Great student life complete with many student clubs.
Great for these types of students Open minded and hard-working students
Bang for the buck Very affordable and worth every penny.
What to do for fun So much! They have everything from student clubs, rock climbing, dance, fitness pools, and intramural sports.
Food and Dining They have sufficient food services available.
Dorm Life Super new, clean, and very friendly. They are safe with high tech security and always have staff available to students.
Academic Rigor They are very determined to prepare us for our future.
Tips for prospective students Come for a tour to check us out. It really is a great place and you will get that one-on-one instruction that is always nice to have. From the dorms to the roadrunner trails, it is a wonderful place to consider. It is a beautiful campus and always growing.
In three sentences It is a great 2 year college with the full 4 year experience. They have an amazing student life and a perfect balance of academics. SMC is a great place to start your college experience/career.
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Andrew from Berrien Springs, MI
04/01/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is a retired police officer who is head of security. The campus is very safe and there are dowagiac cops that roll through campus every couple of hours.
What to do for fun The student activity center (SAC as it is known) is a great place to hang out with friends. There is so much to do there, video games, fitness center, gymnasium, rock climbing, they even have lap pools.
Food and Dining The birdfeeder cafe is a great place to grab a great and cheap lunch on your way to class or just to hang out with friends.
Dorm Life I did not personally live in the dorms, but I have a ton of friends that do, and they have a blast in the dorms. But the one problem that I see is that kids skip class to sleep because they were up all night playing video games.
Academic Rigor Most of the professors know what they are doing in the classroom. There are a few that you may want to ask around before signing up for their classes.
Tips for prospective students Just make sure that you go to class, most the classes as long as you show up to class, the instructors are willing to help you.
In three sentences Its a great place for kids fresh out of high school to come and learn and make great friends in the process. There are also people that came back to school due to growing families loss of jobs etc. to get a degree here. Overall its a truly great college!
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Lila from Vandalia, MI
04/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 17
Categories Comments What to do for fun There are plenty of things to do for fun around campus. Southwestern has extensive hiking paths located in the woods around campus. These trails are kept safe and spacious with easily understandable signs. Inside the recreation building is a gym, fitness center, rock climbing room, endless pools, racquetball rooms, a theater, and a room filled with monitors and video game consoles. I am sure I did not include everything available and there is already a long list of activities for every kind of student.
Food and Dining There are two dining areas on campus. One is located in the college services building while the other is located in the recreation building, also known as the Student Activity Center. Each place has a healthy and affordable selection of foods for every taste.
Dorm Life SMC just established dorms on campus about two years ago. For a community college this is almost unheard of. What is even more impressive is the dorms are better than most four year colleges. Every student gets a room to themselves, a living area, a bathroom for every two bedrooms, and a kitchen. Besides the normal 2 room or 4 room dorm there are also suites with larger floor spacing and beautiful furniture. The security is also impressive as there are locks even on the individual doors for the students. There will always be someone at the help desk that can assist you if need be.
Academic Rigor Southwestern Michigan College is a great place to start for your educational career. As a community college they prepare you for a great career or further education at a four year college. Though it is not an intensely rigorous college they give you a great edge when entering a four year college.
Tips for prospective students Those wishing to enroll in Southwestern Michigan College are creating a great start to their educational experience and career. If you decide to enroll here there will be plenty of staff waiting to attend to your needs. Actually, students are not allowed to register until each of them has talked to an advisor and received proper guidance for starting their career goals. If you ever need help simply visit the advising office or call to make an appointment. Also, if you ever find yourself stuck in a class there are tutors for just about every class offered.
In three sentences Southwestern Michigan College is an excellent community college for those students wishing to gain a marketable degree or for those who intend to transfer. Southwestern's affordable tuition and convenient location does not sacrifice the college experience. SMC sports many amenities for all kinds of students, this includes a recreation center, learning center with capable tutors always available, and a well equipped library.
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Dustin from Paw Paw, MI
07/22/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
6 of 17
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here SMC has a beautiful campus that really gives the college feeling, even though it is a community college.
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Jessica from Niles, MI
01/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 17
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Stay focused. Learn different study habits to help you figure out what works best for you. It is good to know to help to achieve the best grades possible.
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Tammy from Niles, MI
02/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety my college has security and the parking lot is well lite.
Bang for the buck buy used books or rent them.
What to do for fun after a dedicated week of homework, lectures and studying; reward yourself by going to a movie with your friends.
Food and Dining a lot of fast food, but most places have healthy options.
Dorm Life i live at home, but others say they like it.
Academic Rigor the more quality time you put in the better student you will become.
Tips for prospective students i suggest that you study, listen close to your instructor and take notes.
In three sentences my college is dedicated to helping each student learn according to their learning style. the instructors are knowledgeable. the class schedules are flexible.
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Danny from Dowagiac, MI
04/24/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety The security is always visible but not over powering or threatening in any way.
Greek Life WILD:{0>
Clubs and Activities There are clubs of every shape and size both on the campus and in the surrounding community.
Great for these types of students All students fit right in with a vast diversity in activities and groups.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The running trails through the forests across from the campus.
Bang for the buck For the money dollar for dollar it compares with any school in the state.
What to do for fun There are an array of activities from the student rec center to inturmural sports.
Food and Dining Excellent and affordable.
Dorm Life There are two new dormatories and ground breaking on a third.
Academic Rigor The challenge is adjustable to the level you can handle be it challenging or laid back.
Tips for prospective students Enroll early the classes fill up faster than you would think. Come prepared the pace is fast and steady.
In three sentences The classes are small enough to provide a very personal feel. The teachers have a chance to know the students. The facilities are perfect in need and service.
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Jacob from Dowagiac, MI
05/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 17
Categories Comments What to do for fun There are many fun clubs and activities to join throughout the year. Dowagiac does not have much within it's city limits but is close to the South Bend, Indiana area.
Food and Dining The Birdfeeder Cafeteria was my favorite place for lunch! The school also provides a smaller Zollar Cafe in the Student Activity Center.
Dorm Life I never experienced living in the dorms myself, as I was living off campus. I do know that the two or four bedroom suites were brand new my first year at SMC in 2009 and came fully furnished with separate locking bedrooms, fully loaded kitchen, central air and heat, free cable and internet. I would highly recommend them if you live far away.
Academic Rigor The classes that I took have been very challenging. But the instructors have all done their very best in transferring their knowledge into the students.
Tips for prospective students Its the greatest chance to get a full college experience with a fraction of the cost. Extremely affordable, especially for those who are undecided. It has a stellar Performing Arts department. The college has been growing and improving ever since I learned about it, 5 years ago.
In three sentences Very Affordable! Beautiful Campus. Very qualified and helpful faculty and staff.
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Morgan from Marcellus, MI
07/01/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
11 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety When I lived on campus, I always saw security guards driving around campus at night. Security always checked in at the dorms every few hours past midnight. Overall, I felt very safe on campus, and if I ever needed help, I knew where to go.
Greek Life The only Greek affiliation with the college was Phi Theta Kappa.
Clubs and Activities I know of Phi Theta Kappa, but other than that I don't really know much about clubs on campus. There were several bands (symphonic, jazz, brass, etc.) and a couple different choirs students could participate in.
Great for these types of students Students that are looking to stay close to home and not spend a fortune on general education classes at a university should attend SMC.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The college was building a clock tower and an alumni plaza, where you could buy a brick to commemorate your time spent at SMC. They didn't have the funding for the clock tower while I was there, but recently I believe they found another person to fund the building.
Bang for the buck I feel it was reasonably priced for a community college. I feel like I paid for classes that were taught by professors that knew what they were doing. I feel like the credit hour was reasonably priced.
What to do for fun The student activities center was always fun; you could rent video game consoles, play pool, climb on the rock wall, use the gym, etc. They had a nice gym facility with a workout room attached to it. I loved using the fitness center; they had very nice equipment. There was also a nice library where you could play games or use computers.
Food and Dining There is no on-campus meal plan, but there is a small cafeteria and a cafe in the student activities center. I loved the cafe; they had the best coffee and lattes. I only ate at the cafeteria a few times, and it was kind of expensive, but the food was good. The food service people were always nice and helpful, and the facilities were always clean.
Dorm Life The dorms are more like suites. They are very nice, and fully furnished. I lived on campus my first year there, and I enjoyed it. I liked not having to wake up super early for class and having to drive there and stay all day. I could go back to my dorm between classes and watch TV, hang out with my roommates, or just relax by myself. The only thing I didn't like were the people there. Some of them were just there to get away from home and party. Unfortunately, I got stuck with a roommate that was like that, and my housing manager really did nothing to remedy the situation until it became a huge issue. Other than that, SMC has very nice dorm buildings.
Academic Rigor The upper level classes are always going to be more difficult. Math 131 (precalculus trigonometry) is a tough class, along with all of the calculus classes. General chemistry 1 and 2 are some of the toughest classes SMC offers. I always thought the history, English, and lower level psychology classes were easy if you just did the work.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you're getting what you paid for. Even though it is a community college, you always need to attend class. If you miss class, you're wasting money. Plus, try to find books online. I didn't really care for the bookstore; they never really seemed to know what they were doing. They have a book buyback at the end of each semester if you bought your books from the bookstore, but honestly it's not worth it. I always bought my books online and save a few hundred dollars each semester.
In three sentences I really enjoyed the layout of the campus. I also liked how maneuverable the buildings were; I never had trouble finding a classroom. I also liked the helpfulness of all the teachers.
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William from Cassopolis, MI
07/28/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 17
Categories Comments Greek Life None.
Clubs and Activities Not much.
Great for these types of students Transfer students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is an odd set of obelisks, and they're building a silly clock tower.
What to do for fun Fun ?
Tips for prospective students Shop Amazon for textbooks.
In three sentences There is a good program in Mechatronics, and Robotics. For transfer students, there is a Chemistry program and Nursing. I would like to see a program in programming for mobile apps, and a signature program in building robots rather than only programming them.
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Anna from Decatur, MI
08/03/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety I do like that there is campus security. Taking evening classes and seeing a local police car looking out for the students as they leave is comforting.
Clubs and Activities There are various clubs and activities available during the day that students can attend between classes. Personally I had an interest/desire to attend, but due to having to work full time was unable.
Bang for the buck I enjoy the on campus library.
What to do for fun There is an exercise and activity center on campus, plus trails. The college is only about an hour from Lake Michigan.
Food and Dining On Campus there is a cafeteria. The closest town has a few fast food and cafe's available. The few times I used the cafeteria, I was satisfied.
Dorm Life Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to experience dorm life. I do know the dorms at the campus are new and look appealing.
Tips for prospective students Search out your target goal or degree and work some what backwards. Find out what is needed to accomplish it so time isnt wasted on unnecessary classes.
In three sentences SouthWestern Michigan College is a growing campus that has a very positive atmosphere. The teachers and other staffing personnel are professional. The set up of the campus is visually appealing.
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Rosemary from Niles, MI
08/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety I would say we are a pretty safe place. There aren't cops crawling everywhere, but its a country thing.
Greek Life Far as I know there is only one and its Christian based, not sure if its co-ed or just for girls? There should be more.
Clubs and Activities They have a few fun clubs, lots of good co-ed sports and have a decent campus bash. The dances could be better if people would dance, and there could be a few new clubs, but people haven't seemed to get together on that.
Great for these types of students If you want to go to college, but want to feel close to home SMC will work for you and if you don't plan on ever really getting to many places in life. However, if you start there be committed to something. Don't just sit in a class, use government money, take up air and space and then fail. That's useless to everyone!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Well I'm not sure about traditions, but we have a rock wall and how many places have that!
Bang for the buck Well even though SMC is an ok place to start, you defiantly get what you pay for and that can be good or bad.
What to do for fun The SAC is a cool place to hang if you like rock climbing and exercise, being with friends and playing games. The trails are pretty cool if your and outdoorsy person. Personally i just like to sit in the grass.
Food and Dining There are two decent places to eat on campus, there should be some better vegetarian choices tho. Less fried food, too.
Dorm Life The dorms at SMC are really nice and super convenient, however, a lot of the time students get really distracted by other people there making it hard to focus. Lock yourself in your room if you must.
Academic Rigor I feel that there are a lot of things at SMC that should be more challenging and that there are a lot of areas that need work as far as getting really good professors for all classes. If a majority of the class is not doing well or dropping the class there is a problem with the teacher. GET THE NOTE!
Tips for prospective students Keep active and involved in school activities that interest you. Know that sometimes you can't look to your professors for help, pull up your pants and get it done. Don't expect much help from the office aids.
In three sentences Good place to stay in school on a budget. Good for figuring out a bigger plan for your life. Relaxing atmosphere, but don't get stuck relaxing!
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Erika from Lafayette, IN
09/02/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
15 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety During my time there in 2003-2005, a police office would drive through the each of the parking lots twice a day and that's it -- once at around noon and once again at around five even though some classes end at ten o'clock at night.
Greek Life None; at least while I attended in 2003-2005 there was no Greek life to speak of.
Clubs and Activities The clubs I was trying to start always were shut down because the dean at the time didn't encourage any deviation from just classwork.
Great for these types of students People who will be satisfied with a mediocre education in a place where the staff and faculty treat you like a high school student -- without even a modicum of respect.
Bang for the buck Decent options for evening classes, and that's about it.
Food and Dining There was a elementary school-style hot lunch line when I attended with food that was inedible. Safer to stick to bringing your own or hitting up the vending machines.
Dorm Life None when I attended in 2003-2005, it's a community college, not a major university.
Academic Rigor The instructors for the classes would select the most up-to-date editions of the textbooks or slap-dash their own versions, and they would be WORTHLESS to sell back because they school put together a new version nearly every semester.
Tips for prospective students If you want to go to college to get a 4-year nursing degree and stay in the surrounding area, this is the place you want. If you have dreams of something bigger that isn't nursing outside of southwestern Michigan, look for a different college.
In three sentences Nursing college for the southwestern Michigan crowd. Mediocre education for the price. Not all credits will transfer to big schools -- be warned and don't take what their academic advisors say at face value!
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Shelby from Dowagiac, MI
03/09/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
16 of 17
Categories Comments Food and Dining On campus cafeteria is called The Birdfeeder. It's pretty small and doesn't offer a wide variety of food. Most people who live on campus make their own food or go out to eat in the few places town.
Tips for prospective students Don't be afraid to change your major. Advisors are there to assist you in any questions you have and to help you decide.
In three sentences SMC, in my opinion, is a great college to start your education career at. Instead of spending $20,000+ a year, you pay an affordable amount and have great learning opportunities. It's a comfortable place to learn and figure out what you want to do with your future.
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CJ from Dowagiac, MI
05/05/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus is very safe. There are some security officers that are varied throughout.
Clubs and Activities Plenty of clubs, just not a gaming club yet.
Great for these types of students Pre-nursing, business and fine arts students.
Bang for the buck University life-style at a community college price.
What to do for fun Go to the Student Activity Center and find something. Video games, exercise, sports and movies.
Food and Dining The food is good, the selection is varied and the prices are affordable.
Dorm Life I have no comments, as I live in town. I hear it's good.
Academic Rigor Good academic program. Plenty of options of classes to take. Classes are not too hard. The material is not super easy either.
Tips for prospective students Just be nice to others and you'll have a good time in college. Also passing your classes is another way too.
In three sentences This community college is almost like a university. It has all the benefits of a university level college. But it also has the affordability of a Community College.
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