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Pasadena City College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Jeffrey from Arcadia, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    After I graduated from High School I knew that going to a community college was my only option. A lot of people told me that it would be High School all over again, and I believed them that were until I finished my first year of college and started my second year. My First year was really a transition year and I realized that the material cover is at a much more quicker pace as well as more difficult, but my second year was when I really started learning more about myself. I am realizing more and more each day what I want to do in my life, and a lot of it is thanks towards Pasadena City College having terrific and caring professors. A lot of the professors on campus want to see you be successful and transfer out of there, and they often not only teach about the subject but the importances of getting a higher education.

    Am enjoying being here

    I am definitely missing out on the rooming experience of attending a four year college, but in many ways I like it as well. I believe I keep myself more accountable towards my work as well as I have a sense of independence, because rooming you have the people at the dorm with you, but at a community college everyone else seems to be busy looking after themselves. The experience of going to a community college isn’t exciting; however it really makes you grow up a lot faster than you would anticipate it would.
    Bang for the buck

    Pasadena City College is extremely cheap for the amount of information you receive. The cost per unit is very reasonable and people of any income can really pay it off without having to miss out on payment for rent. The food on the campus is fairly cheap as well so you won’t have to worry about losing all your money in your wallet. The books themselves however all together sometimes cost more what you actually paid for your tuition and classes. The books are the main problem and you would spend most of your money buying books.
    Tips for prospective students

    The Tips that I would suggest is to attend class and do your work as soon as you receive it. The work is easy, however if you get lazy and lag on it you will definitely find your back against the wall. Another tip is to ask your professor if you require the latest version of the text book. I've asked my professors this question and many have told me that I could use the previous version, and older versions cost are much lower. I would use Amazon, or half.com to buy your textbooks rather than the school itself since the schools prices are normally about 20 dollars more. I would also car pool as well since the first couple of weeks are very hectic, and it is difficult to find parking.
    Great for these types of students

    PCC is great for students who are not exactly ready to leave home yet. It is also great for students who have to pay for college themselves, and they need to find an inexpensive way for higher education. Another part that is great about going to PCC is that you have the opportunity to transfer to a college better than the one that previously accepted you or perhaps denied you. What I see that is most great about going to PCC is students like you and me having a second chance, and taking advantage of it to better our lives.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Natalie from Glendora, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I've learned so much about myself from PCC's classes, professors, and environment. I've learned how to be independent, accountable to myself, and I've been able to piece together a career plan I would have never known existed had I not come to PCC. This school has opened my eyes to so many more opportunities than I realized were possible in high school. Women In Literature is one of the BEST classes I have ever taken. Whether you are male or female, TAKE IT; its eye-opening, empowering, intellectually-stimulating, and relevant. Every class that I have taken at PCC thus far, which has been about seven, has been fantastic. I'm in love with learning now, and have amazing professors. Note: a lot of these professors have a PHD in something. Ask them questions to enhance the experience!
    Am enjoying being here

    I love being able to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the main quad, there's always something going on, whether it be the PCC Flea Market, a jazz band performance, a blood drive, a pep rally, or a Naked Juice sample cart making the rounds. There are a lot of people who smoke, which was difficult to adjust to (I have asthma), but other than that, I cannot complain. Enjoy those breaks between classes!
    Bang for the buck

    I wasn't able to attend a four-year university due to finances. But at PCC, a semester of twelve units cost me around $300, excluding any additional cost that was associated with the classes I took. To put it into perspective, a semester at a state school could cost anywhere between $4,000 - $10,000, and a semester at a private school could cost anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000. When I checked out PCC, I was sold - no pun intended.
    Tips for prospective students

    1.) If you're planning on taking an art class, take heed: art supplies could quite possibly cost more than textbooks alone. For a single semester of an art class, I spent over $200 on supplies. Be prepared, and do not be surprised when you are asked to buy a $10 pencil.
    2.) Take note of where well-lit walkways and paths are. If you have classes that start or end after the sun goes down, you will want to be in a well-lit area; always carry your phone or keys with you while walking, just to be safe.
    3.) Take advantage of the second-level handicap walkways; it connects the C, V, R, and W buildings, making it an extremely useful way to get from one class to another.
    4.) Carpool, if you can. That way, traffic will be tolerable going to or coming from PCC, and you'll save money, time, gas, and it's better for the environment. Also consider getting to PCC an hour early in order to find a parking spot; they really ARE as hard to find as people say they are.
    5.) Take advantage of to the library! PCC's library is award-winning for a reason. The faculty is extremely helpful, there are three floors and dozens of places to study, and they carry every book imaginable; you can borry up to twenty-five books at a time! The online library is especially useful, too. Note: the view of the mountains from the third floor is gorgeous.
    6.) If you're trying to access the internet basically anywhere populated, you're in a hot spot. Try sitting in one of the building's hallways; there's usually a speedy, reliable connection.
    7.) What you put in to your classes is what you will get out of them. My experience with various professors has been fantastic, and I've come to realize just how vital and important healthy student-professor relationships are. The more you immerse yourself in your work, the relationship you have with your professor, and your contribution to the classroom's setting, discussions, and people, the happier you will be and the more you will learn.
    Great for these types of students

    - Those who do not know or are not sure of what they'd like to pursue, academically or professionally
    - Students would like to spend less money for quality education
    - Students who would like to receive their general ed requirements or attain their A.A.
    - Students who are planning on transferring to a four-year university
    - Students who are looking to take informative, intellectually-stimulating classes

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Christina from Monrovia, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I'm a design student at PCC, so this is helpful for those majoring in art. The professors at this school are amazing, they attended prestigious schools and have a lot to teach their students so take advantage of it. I've learned and understood a lot about art from basic drawing to 3 dimensional design and I will continue to take many more art courses here.
    Am enjoying being here

    I enjoy being here for the available classes I've been able to get the necessary classes to transfer, most students beginning their first year here haven't been lucky enough to get general education classes.
    Bang for the buck

    The classes are affordable, if you go to Art Center or any other art school, you'll be paying triple times more than here for about the same courses. But of course if you want to go to a prestigious art school be my guest, but you can save some money here before transferring to an art school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Speak to your teachers, they really have some great stories and advice.
    Great for these types of students

    Art students

  • Jennifer from North Hills, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I think that Pasadena City College is a great school. The transfer rate has just recently went up 25%. I drive here from 25 miles away because I love the faculty, programs and the campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get on a personal level with your professors. Ask questions often and make counseling appointments regularly for guidance.
    What to do for fun

    Get involved with a club. There are many here for multiple interests. There are many activities to get involved with and multiple vendors on campus.

  • Alexandra from Burbank, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This school is a ten. There are amazing teachers who really care about their students and want them to succeed. PCC offers amazing opportunities to students its an amazing community college.
    Tips for prospective students

    There are amazing teachers at this school but like every school there are some not so fun ones, so do some research on the teachers when you are picking your classes. I suggest asking other students and looking them up on rate my professor, the better the teacher the more you'll succeed.
    Academic Rigor

    It depends on the teacher.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    Good food and there are a few places around campus that you can get food from.
    What to do for fun

    Clubs, study abroad programs, concerts, plays, movie nights.
    Bang for the buck

    I think you get a lot from this school they offer a lot of different classes for a great price its usually 500 something for five or six classes a semester. Its really good compared to what you would be spending at other colleges.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There is a really pretty garden walk way area by the gym, it's calming and nice. I really like the little cafe by the library they make really good coffee drinks.
    Great for these types of students

    It's great for students who don't want to spend a lot on their general education. It's great for students who aren't ready to go off to a four year college or aren't ready to leave home yet.
    Campus Safety

    They have security all the time. You see them all over campus and they have a security office right next to the student store.

  • Britney from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Pasadena City College is a great community college. It has many great teachers and programs and is very affordable. I have been to three different California community colleges, and PCC is by far the best.
    Academic Rigor

    You have to work hard at PCC.
    Dorm Life

    There is no dorm, this is a community college.
    Food and Dining

    Decent food, cheap.

  • Joshua from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The professors have a tremendous amount of dedication towards instructing students. Their is also a variety of classes that allow you to pursue interests ranging from theater to business.Finally, the programs to help students financially such as work study are offered to help students pay for expenses.
    Tips for prospective students

    Focus on your reading and assignments and do not fall behind. I recommend asking questions about club involvement and campus events. Also, do your research on what you want to do as a profession.
    Academic Rigor

    Professors expect you to show up to class so do not take that lightly. Study hard for your tests and ask any questions you are unclear of because you are limited to 3 withdrawals of the similar course. Your financial aid is reduced if your grades fall.
    Dorm Life

    There is no dorms because it is a community college but there are apartments within the area for independent students. The surrounding area apart from the school itself has basketball courts, a shopping center and a public library. There is also an open swimming pool for students who wish to swim if they choose not to take a swimming class.
    Food and Dining

    Their are several restaurants nearby such as yoshinoya, panda express, johnny rockets. There is a different range of foods offered on campus such as breakfast burritos, chicken alfredo, penne pasta and others. The food would depend on the individual and his or her taste.
    What to do for fun

    There is a wifi lounge on campus for clubs to have presentations or screenings of movies.The students are also allowed to use the lounge for studying or playing video games.We also have events on campus hosted by the associated students that are often referred to as Lancer, our school mascot,games. The games in which students can compete in include basketball, ultimate frisbee, obstacle courses, relays and much more.

  • Dishaun from Pasadena, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Pasadena City College is a great school and one of the Top City Colleges in California. The teachers are very professional and have great reputations. Many of the teachers also teach at Universities which provides an insight to the 4 year while attending a 2 year.
    Tips for prospective students

    Study hard and dont procrastinate for any reason
    Academic Rigor

    The academics and majors they prepare you for are really awsome
    Dorm Life

    They Don't have dorms
    Food and Dining

    The food center is nice
    What to do for fun

    Everything
    Bang for the buck

    PCC is a great investment
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The mirror pool is where many student hang out and it's popular
    Great for these types of students

    Students that want to transfer to a 4 years or earn a vocatinal or nursing degree.
    Clubs and Activities

    They have alot of clubs
    Greek Life

    I;m not sure thwy have one
    Campus Safety

    The Campus Safety are always patrolling the school daily

  • acanerd

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Great place to transfer to schools in Southern Calfornia! Teachers are top notch and devoted to helping. Science and math classes are hardcore and hard to get into.
    Tips for prospective students

    Have to stay at least 2 years. Classes are very impacted. Plan out your life.
    What to do for fun

    Shop in Pasadena, exhibit the griffith park and observatory, expose yourself in LA's sunshine.
    Greek Life

    No Greek Life.
    Campus Safety

    Pretty safe. Lots of security guards/police proctering the parking lots and campus.

  • Kelly from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Pasadena is a beautiful city and it's city college boasts a great array of historical alumni. The professors, for the most part are spectacular and very dedicated and passionate about teaching and helping their students. The overall atmosphere of the city college is relaxed and the student body is diverse.
    Tips for prospective students

    During Fall and Spring sessions, parking can be difficult. It is recommended to show up anywhere from an hour or half hour earlier before class to ensure a parking spot. In my experience, the professors I've had at Pasadena City College thus far are superb and thought-provoking, but always check out reviews on ratemyprofessor.com.
    Academic Rigor

    Depending on which professor you take, the difficulty could vary. However, even with difficult professors and difficult subjects, the best instructors will try to the best of their ability to help you excel in the subject, provided you reach out to them and put in effort.
    Dorm Life

    Pasadena City College is a junior college and does not have dorms.
    Food and Dining

    The food is adequate but it's not recommended to eat there daily or too often, as it can get expensive.

  • Ada

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    PCC offers a decent education--especially for general education classes--at a much lower price than four-year universities. It's a good school for students looking for a more affordable place to get their general education classes out of the way before transferring. However, to do that, you need to stick to a plan to transfer.
    Tips for prospective students

    Plan at least two to three weeks ahead for your registration, and don't stick solely to one schedule. Make contingency plans. Saves you both time and energy panicking at the last minute and you are very likely to get the classes you want and need to transfer, provided you plan ahead.
    Academic Rigor

    You cannot slack off at this school, regardless of how good you are at a subject. Most professors take plagiarism and/or cheating seriously and are likely to catch you if you do. There are regularly-assigned homework, projects, essays, and exams which will pile up quickly if you procrastinate.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms on campus, but there are apartments available for rent nearby.
    Food and Dining

    There are two cafeterias on campus. Nearby are several fast-food places, a few cafes, and if you want to venture a few miles, Old Town Pasadena has more formal restaurants and eateries. There's generally adequate food available at a decent price for college students.
    What to do for fun

    PCC has a fairly large campus and enough places to socialize. There are food and drink places nearby, and Old Pasadena is not that far away.
    Bang for the buck

    Cheaper price tag for general education classes than those at a four-year university.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who are looking to pay as little as possible their first year or two fresh out of high school are likely to find this school suitable to their needs. Students who are returning to college are also likely to find this school suitable to their needs.
    Campus Safety

    PCC is an open campus. There are security officers just about everywhere. However, students may find they have more to worry about regarding their fellow students rather than outside influences.

  • Harutyun from Duarte, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Wu

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    PCC is a nice school, is in a good location, and has good food.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do what you like and enjoy and work hard at it.
    What to do for fun

    There is many shopping areas right by in Pasadena such as Old town Pasadena.

  • Wesley from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I like the courses/staff/students. Very helpful and large campus. Food, parking, and other services are not a problem.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to plan ahead as they have a lot of students.
    Academic Rigor

    Courses are very good. Also be sure to check rate my professor to get good professors
    Dorm Life

    Never lived on campus
    Food and Dining

    Good selection of food. There are other food options around the campus
    What to do for fun

    There is a lounge area to hang out. Also the campus has a beautiful environment

  • Angelica from Pasadena, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Pasadena City College is one of the best communtiy colleges in the United States. I am very blessed to be a student here. PCC helps me a lot with tutoring, emergency loans, etc
    Tips for prospective students

    be on time and finish your classes
    What to do for fun

    discount to theme parks
    Great for these types of students

    all kind of students
    Clubs and Activities

    CLAVE is the BEST

  • Hannah from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    A great school with a lot of academic opportunities on and near the campus. However, cuts made by the board of education in California will effect the amount of classes and how much students have to pay next semester. Still it is a great college with a lot of things to do since it is in Pasadena.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't procrastinate! I can't stress this one enough. If you do this only makes assignments and tests much tougher than they actually are.
    Academic Rigor

    Really it all depends on the classes your taking. For example, learning a new language, say Mandarin, will be much more difficult than taking a P.E. class. So prioritize, and plan your study time on which class is the most difficult.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms at Pasadena City College. However, there are apartments for rent. Don't get sucked in at the low prices on some of the buildings though; it is really expensive to live in Pasadena.
    Food and Dining

    Pasadena City College only has two buildings where students can go and eat and the some food is served/ made every day. However, around the campus there is a plethora of eateries that range from fast food to gourmet dining. For example, across from the campus is a Panda Express and if you were to venture further down Colorado Street into Old Town Pasadena, you would find a Cheescake Factory restaurant.
    What to do for fun

    At Pasadena City College there are many clubs and organizations in which you could join. Currently, I belong to two clubs. I also surf the web at the student lounge.

  • Desiree from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    pasadena city college is an excellent school, once you are a continuing student and know about all the resources there available at the school. the financial aid office can improve and the president needs to be removed. food is so expensive at the cafeteria.
    Tips for prospective students

    come to the campus atleast an hour ahead of schedule the first day, so that you give yourself time to park because parking is horrible. order your books ahead of time online to save money.
    Academic Rigor

    professors are very knowledgeable and helpful
    Food and Dining

    food is good, just very expensive
    What to do for fun

    there are a lot of groups to join
    Bang for the buck

    best community college in the country
    Clubs and Activities

    plenty to chose from
    Campus Safety

    plenty of security and works directly with the police

  • Lekwan from Altadena, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    pasadena city college is an excellent school for transferring students. also, the professors here are strict and truly prepare students for four year universities. and the campus is very diverse and comforting.
    Food and Dining

    the cafeteria is very diverse and updated to fit student needs.
    What to do for fun

    joina club.
    Great for these types of students

    great for motivated students.
    Campus Safety

    very safe, jr. officers are always near by.

  • Stephanie from West Hills, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    pasadena city college holds classes for a diverse community of students on a beautiful campus. classmates from all over the world begin to feel like family by the end of the semester. although the school is very crowded, it definitely gives students a fun and intimate community college experience.
    Tips for prospective students

    in such a popular and urban community college like pasadena's, it is important to appy early and register as early as possible. it is very difficult to register for classes so be prepared to join programs like eop and the scholar's program for help.
    Academic Rigor

    pasadena city college definitely stands out in academic rigor compared to other los angeles community colleges. professors here teach like it is a four-year university because they have the higest expectations for student.
    Dorm Life

    community colleges usually do not have dorms availible. however, many apartments and houses are for rent in the area and ads are posted on bulletins on campus.
    Food and Dining

    pasadena city college is located in the heart of pasadena on colorado boulevard. when you do not feel like eating at the campus cafe, there is a vast vareity of restaurants to choose from in walking distance.

  • Isabella from Pasadena, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    this school has everything you need to be successful. as with every college, it is up to you to use a school to it's full potential. pasadena city college has a beautiful campus and an amazing library which is my favorite part. there is a calm feel to the whole place and everyone i have met has been friendly and seems genuinely happy to be there.
    Tips for prospective students

    like every college, there is a lot of waiting around if you wait until the last minute. my advice is register immediately, this is a great school and therefore very popular so classes fill up quickly. as soon as you get your registration date assigned, take action. there is wonderful online help provided by the school website to make the whole process quick and easy.
    Academic Rigor

    this always depends on the type of classes you choose to take. in my experience i have found my classes to have a good balance. also, i have always found it very easy to seek help from my professors. they make themselves very available to their students.
    Dorm Life

    pasadena is a city college so there are no dorms on campus. but there is a lot of available housing off-campus close by.
    Food and Dining

    right across the street from the school is a plethora of restaurants to choose from and they all offer discounts to pcc students. i love eating out because it's a great way to meet new people and also a good place to study.
    What to do for fun

    the school is located right near a lot of great places to shop and eat. all the places are in walking distance and swarmed with students. even though it is a community college there is definitely a college town feel to the campus and surrounding area.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the main hang out area on campus is around the fountain. it's a favorite place for many students. you can always find people reading, playing guitar, playing frisbee , singing, or just enjoying the view. it's definitely my favorite place on campus. there is also the pool and library, two more of my favorite places on campus.
    Great for these types of students

    the great thing about community college is that there a huge variety of different students in all different situations who attend. pcc is truly great for any type of student. anyone can fit it and it is a great place to thrive and really find out a lot about yourself.

  • Juliana from El Monte, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    it is a wonderfully active school that is very involved with the students and their activities. they are always helpful and look for ways to help out every student possible. the staff at pcc are always helping people even when the student cannot get something.
    Tips for prospective students

    it is a great school for the arts. at pcc there is a variety of people from painters to singers to band members to nurses, it is very extensive. life at this school is great.
    Academic Rigor

    professors here are from other colleges. many come from universities and you get university level class work and testing without having to pay the dues.
    Dorm Life

    truthfully i do not know much about dorm life because it is a city college and i live else where.
    Food and Dining

    at the campus there are several little cafes, but down colorado blvd. there are many restaurants from in door dining to fast food. it is also a huge variety of food from mongolian to mexican. you will never get bored with the choices.
    What to do for fun

    many days of the week are filled with free performances all over campus there are also lots of clubs that one can join to make friends, and in the after noon there are many other performances that you have to pay for but are equally as fun.
    Bang for the buck

    at pcc the stuff on campus can get a little pricey but there are stores all around the school that sell supplies for cheap and sometimes you can get discounts on certain days.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    me and my comrades always enjoy meeting by the mirror pools. there we can see the diversity of our school life around us. it is the one place where many photography and film students go to do their work.
    Great for these types of students

    this school is great for the students who are majoring in the arts or nursing. although pcc is a school for all trades many of the people i meet there are for the arts or for the nursing program.
    Clubs and Activities

    pcc has so many clubs it is impossible to name them all but one day out every month or so the clubs have booths to get more people to join.
    Campus Safety

    the campus is a very safe place and there is always security around everywhere. many of the security are people who are training to become police officers and it is great to get to know them because if they know you they can sometimes get you out of a jam.

  • Rosa from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Clean down to earth campus. Diverse campus and lots of characters. Lots of support from staff that want students to succeed and transfer.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't always go by what counselors say you should follow do your own homework.
    Academic Rigor

    It depends on what department you decide to get into. The Social science department is pretty hard.
    Dorm Life

    None. You either find an apartment nearby or live at home. Lots of student friendly apartment buildings.
    Food and Dining

    Pasadena has everything in walking distance. You can even go to the Le Codon Bleu to eat.
    What to do for fun

    You can walk down to the Paseo or Old Town Pasadena. Walking around campus and find a nice patch of grass to sleep on. Visiting the local 99cent store is fun.
    Bang for the buck

    If you're smart you can transfer in no time and save some money, instead of going to four year college/ university.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    You can always find a computer to be on and your books instead of actually purchasing them.
    Great for these types of students

    PCC is the best place for people who are wondering what to do in life, starting fresh, or getting back into school.
    Clubs and Activities

    Lots of cultural activities and lots of new clubs coming about, such as the child development club.
    Greek Life

    Its there always advertising to join but no actual bullies.
    Campus Safety

    Its always safe here! When I get out at 10pm I always see campus cadets walking around to keep people safe. Nothing ever happens, we did have one story but it turned out to be fake. Safety is great here.

  • Michelle from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    What to do for fun

    Runa non-profit, active in my church, read, art
    Great for these types of students

    Returning student, college freshman