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Palomar College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Palomar College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Palomar College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Palomar College reviews, or contribute your own Palomar College review if you're a current student there.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Cate

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Classes are good, just be sure to pay attention and not fall asleep during lectures!
    Am enjoying being here

    I enjoy going to this school because it saves a lot of money rather than going to a university, but I am really anxious to transfer. The students here come to class and go, and unless you're super involved, there's not much to do besides go to class and go home.
    Bang for the buck

    I'm taking five classes and the total was around $500-600 for 17 units. Its still college but its a lot cheaper than a university. You can rent text books also so it's a little cheaper. There's an off campus bookstore down the street where you can also get books from.
    Tips for prospective students

    Bring a lunch. Sounds weird, but the food is so good I've been spending all my money on the pizza. It's so good but after a while it adds up. And get to school early because parking is CRAZY. Sometimes in the afternoons there will be an open spot close, but most the time I've had to park halfway down the big parking lot or further. Remember where you park too because I forget easily.
    Great for these types of students

    It's good for people who want to get their general ed out of the way because that's basically what everyone else is doing too.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Heidi from Ramona, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There are so many different courses and opportunities here! The teachers are understanding and using ratemyprofessor.com really helps when you choose to enroll in a certain courses.
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere here is great, they are constantly remodeling and improving the school. The student government is very involved and does various activities for the students through the whole year.
    Bang for the buck

    Paying only $26 a unit, you really cant beat that. There are even books for rent and a cheap bookstore right of campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you meet with a school counselor before you enroll in classes. It is good, because they can help you choose what works with your schedule and with your specific needs. They are good at guiding you in the direction you need, and getting you started on the road to success!
    Great for these types of students

    If you like to pick and choose your schedule. If you are working part time or full time. It is also good for home school students I have heard. You should be a good match. :)

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Mary from San Marcos, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning a lot from this school. Not just academic wise, but also social wise. The teachers are well educated, but the learning system differs from high school.
    Am enjoying being here

    It is a fun campus with many activities and little shops around during the week, that you may enjoy after, or between classes.
    Bang for the buck

    The school is pretty cheap. Not too expensive.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply ahead of time so that you may get the classes you want, classes fill up real quick.
    Great for these types of students

    Slow walkers; small campus. Athletic students, many sports and activities to chose from. Late start classes for people who did not enroll at the appropriate time.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    SayWhaat

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Palomar College provides opportunities for students from all different backgrounds to transfer to a four year institution or receive an A.A. degree. Students attending Palomar College can take classes depending upon their schedules. This makes Palomar great for everyone because of the availability of classes at many different times.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you know what your goals are, otherwise it is easy to get stuck here. Meet with a counselor every few months and discuss your plans and stick to them. You need to stay motivated and make sure you are taking the right classes depending on your objectives.
    Academic Rigor

    Academic rigor depends entirely on the professor. Each professor is different here, so it is not possible to generalize. Check with other students and websites to get the best professors.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms/housing of any kind available here.
    Food and Dining

    There is a food court that has pizza, Subway sandwiches, and snacks available. There are shopping centers near the campus if you want to eat at a restaurant.
    What to do for fun

    Join clubs and student organizations in order to meet new people. This is a community college, so student organizations are your best bet to branch out and have some fun.
    Great for these types of students

    Palomar College is very useful for motivated students who know exactly what they want. Students who have specific career goals in mind will excel here and get the most out of their experience.
    Campus Safety

    There are police cars that patrol the campus from time to time, and the police department is available to assist you with lock-outs, escorting you to your car if you don't feel safe, etc.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Assael from Chula Vista, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    A competitive college with many learning and transfer opportunities set for people with all levels of education. When you attend Palomar, you must seek to understand the class, and do not expect it to be a party college.
    Tips for prospective students

    Start your transferring process as early as you can whether it is TAG, UC-link, by registering early for classes included in general education.
    Academic Rigor

    Although it depends on the teacher, it is manageable with studying a few hours after class. Classes here are set not to fail students, but to help us understand the concepts.
    Food and Dining

    There is some variety of food from Subway to pizza, or salads; I personally think you can go all year successfully and healthy by eating here.
    What to do for fun

    There is always something to do, you can help the anthropology professors with their missions on or off campus, join the cross country or tennis team, or dance!

  • 1 out of 3 people found this review useful. 2 people found this inaccurate.

    Alejandro from Cardiff By The Sea, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    i woulld learn a lot of new things here
    Will enjoy being here

    yes, i would enjoy being here becuse its super close to the beach
    Bang for the buck

    N/A
    Tips for prospective students

    this campus is small and close classes
    Great for these types of students

    play different sports

  • Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Palomar College is a good school with good teachers. the things I don't like about it is the fact that there are 2 campuses and I have to drive back and forth each day to go to my classes. Another con is that the school is very old and I like the feel of new buildings.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are moving in state and planning on attending, make sure you move close to the school because the drive between campuses can eat a lot of class. If you are a high school graduate going into Palomar, keep a clear mind and make sure you set goals as soon as possible.
    Academic Rigor

    The academic rigor is good. I like the teachers and the opportunity to talk face to face with them. they will help you out as much as possible where as bigger schools with bigger classes tend to not have that privilege.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms for this school, so I live at home.
    Food and Dining

    The food is decent, their are not to many places you can get food, but the food that they have on campus definitely gets the job done.
    What to do for fun

    SO far, from what I've heard, you are able to join clubs and sports. I don't personally know because I am trying to focus as much as possible on my studies

  • Iliancarla from Murrieta, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Palomar College is a great community college to go to overall. The classes are not difficult to get into as long as you register on time and there are many classes to prepare you for your major. All the staff, administration and professors are extremely helpful and very supportive of your plans after Palomar.
    Tips for prospective students

    Parking is chaotic to find if you start school later than 9am and traffic is a pain when your classes end later than 3:30. Make sure that you pay any fees before you register for classes and pay any additional fees after you have enrolled in classes because that may cause conflicts on your first day of class. If you need any form of financial assistance fill out the BOGW which will cover your entire tuition for the academic year as long as you qualify.
    Academic Rigor

    Depending on the classes you take and the level of the course depends on the overall rigor of the courses you take. The best part are the professor, who do a tremendous job of helping you in any way that they can.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms at Palomar becuase it is a community college, so a majority of the students are commuters.
    Food and Dining

    The food at Palomar I feel is very similar to many other schools. There is a Subway on campus and there are many dining options within walking distance of campus.
    What to do for fun

    The location of Palomar is what I love the most. Since, Palomar is only 15 minutes from Oceanside beach when it starts to get warmer the best thing to do after class is go to the beach. The campus also hosts various days of club rush days where they have music playing and it's a great time for all students.
    Clubs and Activities

    The ASU (Associated Student Union) is a huge program on campus they are basically in charge of any major activites on campus and is a great way to be invovled on campus.
    Campus Safety

    There are always security roaming around campus and if it is late after class many of the security officers are willing to walk you to your car.

  • So from San Marcos, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Palomar is a small community college where you can learn a lot from fellow students and professors. Most professors that I have encountered were always helpful in making sure you succeed. It is also diverse where you can see newer generations and older generations.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to stay on top of classes and try not to fail or get a W. They recently enforced a 3 limit retake for classes even with W's, so make sure you are passing.
    Academic Rigor

    Since it is a community college some aspects of it are similar to high school.
    Dorm Life

    No dorms
    Food and Dining

    Food is a bit pricey here but there are a lot of places around where you can grab a bite to eat.

  • Matthew from Oceanside, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Palomar is very inexpensive, but is an incredibly non-academic environment. Some of the staff is very dedicated but the majority of the staff is under qualified and does not care for the education of the student body. There are far too many recurring distractions at palomar such as constant construction, and a delinquent student body.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to mira costa. It's cheaper, much more academically focused, the staff is far more qualified, and the strict policing prevents all the obnoxious tendencies present in Palomar's student body.
    Academic Rigor

    Now there are some impressive tutoring opportunities to take care of but it's hard to weed out the poor teachers from the good, who wants a trial and error based education experience with the faculty anyway? That makes no sense.
    Dorm Life

    No dorm life at all.
    Food and Dining

    Horrible food, they always serve disgusting pizza, are catered by Aramark, which has basically just a lot of shelf snacks, and the cafeteria is a terrible environment where music is constantly playing too loud, and the new flooring detail still stinks.

  • Marlana from Oceanside, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Campus is under construction and expanding. Educators are knowledgeable and motivating. The veterans office are very involved with their students.

  • Jennifer from Temecula, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Palomar is a very up to date tech college where a student can accomplish almost anything online as well as get update(s) on their current classes and status. It is a good Community College in preparation for Graduate School. The financial and administrative staff are very helpful and knowledgeable as well as their instructors.
    Tips for prospective students

    Start your process early!! Ask every question you can think of even if you do not think it is important. Make sure you understand each process you go through. In college they will assist you but they will not hold your hand so it's up to you to be responsible making sure your questions are getting answered and you're on the right track.
    Academic Rigor

    Make sure you read material ahead of time before it is discussed in class. Most Professors are understanding yet FIRM. Do not think you're going to get an extra day to turn homework in because your home computer crashed.
    Dorm Life

    I live off campus so I can't give any input as to how the dorm life is. Sorry.
    Food and Dining

    Food and Dining is okay. There are a few options and most of them are healty. There is definately enough eating space.
    What to do for fun

    Get involved in everything you can that the campus offers.
    Campus Safety

    I haven't heard or experienced any problems with safety on campus. The police station on campus is very good at responding . . . even if you've locked your keys in the car. :)

  • Jalena from Temecula, CA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Palomar College is a great school when it comes to academics and their staff. Everyone at Palomar is extremely helpful and wants you to exceed. However, there are a few bad professors in the bunch, but that's how it is at every campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you check rate my professor. The few not-so-great teachers you DO NOT want to get. Also, you will want a teacher that fits your learning style. If you plan to transfer try to join TRIO, its a great program!!
    Academic Rigor

    Some classes were quite challenging, but there were a few that I just breezed through. Its college, you have to study, but you don't want it to be your life. So its the perfect balance.
    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria is actually pretty good. They have subway, pizza, and a great coffee place. And good coffee is needed, TRUST ME.
    What to do for fun

    Palomar always has little events to go to in between classes. Sometimes there are art shows, book sales, and mini-swap meets.
    Bang for the buck

    At Palomar you get it all for extremely cheap. I would definitely reccomend going there.
    Great for these types of students

    If you have to work and go to school, Palomar is perfect. Palomar has plenty of online classes and campus classes, so you can work it around your schedule.
    Clubs and Activities

    The football games are pretty fun. And you have to join TRIO, you get early registration which is a HUGE plus.
    Campus Safety

    There are always security wondering around, so at campus you are pretty safe. A student rarely is caught in an event.

  • Brittany from Fallbrook, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    palomar is a safe fun school. the teachers are amazing and do anything they can to help you pass the class. the food is even good here.
    Tips for prospective students

    take easy classes your first semester while you get use to the demands of college.
    Dorm Life

    we dont have dorms here
    Food and Dining

    the food is fantastic, expensive but fantastic
    What to do for fun

    the activities the college offers
    Bang for the buck

    buy the activity card.
    Great for these types of students

    busy student
    Clubs and Activities

    there are so many clubs to join. and the school hosts a lot of activities too.
    Campus Safety

    i feel super safe here on campus cause of the campus police.

  • Brandon from Oceanside, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    What to do for fun

    kinesiology classes

  • Whitney from Vista, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    palomar college is helpful in every department, especially the veteran's department. it is extremely hard to find parking. it needs more computers for the library.
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you plan ahead because it's hard to find classes that fit in your schedule if you're the last one to enroll in them.
    Food and Dining

    huge variety!
    What to do for fun

    club hub or the va lounge
    Clubs and Activities

    need more.

  • Brice

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    overall this has been a good school, many of the students are focused and the teachers i've had have been helpful and willing to spend time answering questions.
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you're focused on what you want! because palomar is a community college, its easy to get sucked in to just taking classes because its something to do. remember to explore your options and move on to greater things in life now that you have (some) college education.
    Academic Rigor

    i've taken mostly science courses because i have a science major, and they have been difficult. it really depends on what your intentions are in the class, but most of them just take some time and focus and you'll do fine.
    Food and Dining

    the food on campus isn't too shabby, and the campus is surrounded by tons of restaurants and taco shops that are cheap and delicious.
    What to do for fun

    check out the sports teams! palomar has some great sports programs for people who want to continue out of high school, or join a new sport.
    Bang for the buck

    for $36 a unit you can't beat the price.
    Great for these types of students

    for focused students this is a great place to be!
    Campus Safety

    palomar has some pretty big parking lots that can get dangerous if you're there late at night. however one call to the campus police and they will escort you to your car no problem!

  • Inketsu from Vista, California, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    great teachers.
    no social interaction with students.
    variety of subjects.
    Tips for prospective students

    go to class.
    use office hour.
    study with advice from professors.
    Academic Rigor

    great professors and support.
    Dorm Life

    no dorm.
    Food and Dining

    no variety

  • Luis from Oceanside, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Palomar College is a good school for general studies and has an excellent tutoring department. I recommend this school for any student who wants a solid foundation to transfer to a university.
    Tips for prospective students

    I highly recommend that students take full advantage of the tutoring assistance that is available.
    Academic Rigor

    I give 4 out of 5 stars in terms of overall performance by the teachers and staff at Palomar College.
    Dorm Life

    No dorms are available.
    Food and Dining

    Dining is fair and adequate.
    What to do for fun

    There is not much to do for fun so don't expect too much from this school.

  • Jazmin from San Marcos, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    If you want to success Palomar college is the start. Palomar College offers you a different variety of course that you can take.
    Instructors are always willing to help anyone that asks for help. The college provides you with very talented tutors that are available from early hours to late ones as well. Palomar is the right way to start, Palomar college helps you spread your wings for whats ahead.
    Am enjoying being here

    I feel its a small College where people work together and help each other. Now it just became a smoke-free college which makes students feel more comfortable because smoke is a health issue. Now is a better environment than before, People enjoy it more as well as i do.
    Bang for the buck

    great prices.... and the college offers book renting, which helps students that want to save money .
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply soon.. counselors are ready to help you with any concerns. If you need help in any subject Palomar offers free tutoring in all subject matters.
    Great for these types of students

    All students that are willing to succeed in college, that need some extra time thinking about a major but that don't want to waist time.
    Students can complete their general education and move to a higher education in just minutes.