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Saddleback College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Mark from San Clemente, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Saddleback is a decent community college, offering as much as the student is willing to put into it. The transfer program is fantastic, but it is also a great place for furthering one's personal education into adulthood.
    Tips for prospective students

    Students do best when they want to actually be in school, but barring that, do research on the professors and find someone who fits you. Don't forget to treat this as college, either; you are much more free here than you were in high school, but you also have much more personal responsibility.
    What to do for fun

    For being a commuter school, Saddleback is actually a fairly fun atmosphere. You'll find students playing chess in the middle of a quad or a film class shooting something for a project.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Chad from Dana Point, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This school has given me the tools and confidence to compete with any other student at any major university. For the most part the professors are great and easily accessible however there are a few exceptions. As a student who is transferring into a nationally ranked university i feel that this school has jump started me into a bright future.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is scenic with a great geographic location. The buildings however have an outdated feel. The campus however has been going under renovations and the new buildings are a great change. New and accessible computer labs are a great help to students with limited access to computers. Free wireless internet access is available to all enrolled students. The faculty i have encountered are for the most part very friendly and helpful.
    Bang for the buck

    This is a great opportunity for students to have a second chance at achieving their goals and contributing towards a greater society.
    Tips for prospective students

    Stay focused, don't get caught up in the scene. Take your math classes, allot of the people i know cannot transfer on time because the are behind on math, the sooner you start the better.
    Great for these types of students

    All Students.

  • 2012 Grad

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Allow yourself extra time to find parking. Administrative faculty can be a bit condescending. Be extremely careful with rented text books.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take your education seriously.
    Academic Rigor

    Great professors and curriculum, unfortunately, not many students seem to take either seriously.
    Dorm Life

    There is no dorm life as this is only a two year school.
    Food and Dining

    Your food choices are limited to vending machines or questionable cafeteria food. Food trucks appear on campus occasionally but the lines are always long.
    What to do for fun

    There are always events going on in the quad as well as games. Performing arts events and extracurricular lectures are also a common occurrence on campus.

  • Caitlin from Dana Point, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Saddleback community college has a wealth of opportunities and programs which are easily individualized based on each student's individual scholastic goals. Each area of campus has a unique feel to it, and wherever you choose to take your courses, finding like minded individuals in the area always seems to be an easy venture. The teachers have always been reasonably easily accessible, and open to give their guidance and assistance, so long as you, their student, are willing to ask for the necessary assistance.
    Tips for prospective students

    I highly recommend using the tool: ratemyprofessor.com, I found my last English teacher via this site's projection of reviews concerning the two instructors I was teetering between, and I could not have been happier with my choice after having read the reviews.
    Always get to the parking lots at least fifteen to twenty minutes before your class so that you can find parking, after awhile one gets the hang of this so its all a matter of which lot you end up in (depending on where your classes are on campus).
    Pack your own lunches, and learn to eat the healthiest you can, because the expense taken from your finances and health is costly if you don't first figure out how to feed yourself in the very best ways that you can.
    Academic Rigor

    So far as I have seen, any level of rigor one wishes to rise to can be found here, or exhibited within your courses, its all just a matter of making the decision to ask out of your classes, what you as a student need in order to learn at your best level.
    By finding the most appropriate professors, and using the resources that the SSC has to offer, any goals which the student may wish to reach may be met with the proper application of determination, and humility when seeking assistance.
    Dorm Life

    I live off of campus, renting a room in my home town after my family had to move away. As far as dorm life goes, I have no experience living with other college students, so my opinions on the matter are inconsequential and without the backing of any first-hand experience.
    Food and Dining

    I wish to give this area a higher rating, except for the fact that the cost of the food on campus knocks my rating down a star.
    The quality is respectable, the health quality above average, and usually pretty tasty, and to top it all off, the coffee kiosks are amazing, even though I don't like paying so much for the products, the baristas they keep are always friendly and polite, and the quality of the coffee makes this seasoned coffee connoisseur (I have years of coffee shop experience both as a barista and shift supervisor) very pleased.

    What to do for fun

    One thing that I really love is being able to walk around the main quad between the business building, the student services center, the administration offices, and the transfer center, and have the awesome opportunity, every day, to be able to start up a game of life-size Checkers, Chess, and Jenga either with a new acquaintance or old friend.
    Bang for the buck

    Classes, very worth the investment.
    Parking pass- $60 a year! Now how can anyone complain about that (especiallly when my High School, SCHS, was charging $72/fall &spring).
    Food, that I would have to reitteate as a point only earing three stars. I don't like having to pay a min of six bucks to eat a balanced lunch on my thin budget, and going hungry inhibits my ability to be the best student I can be.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The life size gaming in the quad is something I've never seen before, aside from that I'm really unsure. After my first two semesters I've realized that my focus must be redirected more towards school, and less towards work. That being said, I didn't spend as much time exploring the cultural life of on-campus activities as I would have liked.
    Great for these types of students

    Artists, business(wo)men, eco-enthusists, psychology scientists, party-people, ect... the list goes on. Saddleback offers a wealth of instruction and opportunity for personal enrichment, inside, and away from the classrooms.
    Clubs and Activities

    I've seen many postings for club activities and enrichment opportunities all over campus. There seems to be something to do for everyone, and someone to help you find whatever it is you're looking for, so long as you open your eyes and take the first steps.
    Campus Safety

    I have yet to hear of anyone's misfortune regarding the safety on campus, and for my first semester I had mainly night classes in the village too. The police station on campus seems supportive, however, not oppressive by any means. The school gives the comforting feel of safety and freedom to act within acceptable behavioral norms.

  • Matthew from Laguna Niguel, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Nice and small, Saddleback is easy and accessible along with an amazing faculty.
    Academic Rigor

    Saddleback is great, although there is room for improvement.
    Dorm Life

    Saddleback doesn't have dorms, so I am rating it a 1/5
    Food and Dining

    The food and dining isn't bad, but it should get better(and cheaper).
    What to do for fun

    Watch sports, play video games, write.
    Bang for the buck

    Saddleback is nice and affordable, and makes the hassle of finances much easier.
    Campus Safety

    Very safe and secure campus.

  • Jeremy from Irvine, CA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Great variety of classes available to help you decide on a major. Teachers range from awful to amazing, with a good handful of the latter to really make the experience worth while. Parking can be very rough if you don't take either an early morning class or afternoon classes.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take a 9 am class any day you have school, and always get on campus by 8:30. Read reviews on professors on ratemyprofessor.com, buy and sell your books online rather than from the campus book store.
    Academic Rigor

    Many of the classes are entry level or general education classes, and the difficulty and rigor depends largely on the teachers. Some may assign too much work, some too little.
    Dorm Life

    As a community college, there are no Dorms that I am aware of.
    Food and Dining

    The on campus food court is adequate, with enough variety to make up for its small size. There are plenty of great choices for dining within a small distance from the campus however.
    What to do for fun

    There are often on campus events such as BBQs or movie screenings, with plenty of sports classes and even a gym. For a community college, there's enough to keep you busy if you look for it.
    Bang for the buck

    Attending a community college before transferring to a larger UC was the best decision I made; the cheaper classes and relaxed schedule really helped me get myself together and prepare to transfer.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Most of the campus is located centrally, but with recent expansions there are now some outlying buildings that are a good distance from the many section. The main concentration of these is called The Village, and can be quite a walk from the BGS building.
    Great for these types of students

    Saddleback is great for any student that is tight on money, not sure what they want to do for a living, or who just needs enough flexible options to meet their schedule. There are an adequate supply of online and night courses for anyone working their way through college.

  • Brianna from San Clemente, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Fantastic way to get a start to college! It is a great way to integrate yourself to the college life before transferring.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you use good time management. These classes are designed for student who want to be here, so you will not get your hand held.
    Academic Rigor

    I was pleasantly surprised with how well classes are structured for students with all levels of education. You will be challenged if you take the proper classes.
    Dorm Life

    I have no knowledge of dorm life.
    Food and Dining

    Coffee cart is fantastic, and the cafeteria is good if you want a snack, but not for a full meal.
    What to do for fun

    There are plenty of clubs and school activities to get involved it. Even though it is a commuter college, with no resident life, there is no absence of community.

  • Brianna from San Clemente, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Saddleback is an extremely good community college in beautiful Orange County, California. They have a top notch nursing program, many majors, and certification programs. They are the #1 community college in Orange County to transfer students to the best UC system schools in California.
    Tips for prospective students

    Saddleback has a diverse array of students--be friendly, engage in the great smaller class atmospheres, and study hard. Use a professor online rating information website to help you choose what classes will be the best choice for you. Saddleback is an involved community college--with over 50 clubs, and plenty of school spirit for sports. Saddleback has all types of classes: from ones that get you to your transfer destination, to leisurely classes such as yoga, salsa dancing, kickboxing, swimming, or even, sailing. Make the most of your time here at Saddleback by getting involved with every aspect.
    Academic Rigor

    Saddleback is known to be one of the better community colleges here in California. They have top notch professors that have worked in their particular subject for the majority of their life--these professors have real life experience and have graduated with PhDs and high degrees. They are writers, publishers, architects, and retired engineers. You know you're getting a good eduction when the teachers are top notch! Saddleback is 100% accredited and has 300 different types of associate degrees, and other certificates to choose from. They even offer study abroad programs! Who would of thought that a community college could offer this?
    Dorm Life

    Saddleback has no dorms. All students live off campus, but luckily, Saddleback is just right off the 5 freeway, and an easy drive for the traveling student.
    Food and Dining

    Saddleback college has food trucks that are featured each week, a cafeteria, and multiple coffee stands. There is a wide array of options to fill everyone's stomach!
    What to do for fun

    Saddleback is in the heart of Orange County, CA. On campus, you can join clubs, sports, volunteer, and leadership programs. Off campus, the world is yours! Enjoy yourself at beaches in Dana Point, San Clemente, and Laguna Beach--just about 15 minutes away. Or, take a quick drive up to Big Bear, which is about an hour and a half you can be snowboarding! There are tons of high class malls, and cheaper places to shop and eat. Starbucks, In-n-out, Mission Viejo Mall, and several other conveniences are right next to the campus!
    Bang for the buck

    By going to Saddleback college, you are saving much more money and getting just as good of an education as going to a four-year university. There's no worry in getting the best bang for your buck!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Saddleback has an award winning radio station--you can tune in, anytime, anywhere!
    Great for these types of students

    Saddleback is great for any type of student. Diversity is rampant--older students, middle age students, thriving young adults. African American, Syrian, Christian, Hispanic, Caucasian, or Muslim--we have it all here at Saddleback!
    Clubs and Activities

    With 500 clubs and organizations--what more could you ask for?! From sailing, to Bible club, from Young Democrats, to the Helping Hands Sociology club--we have a club for everyone!
    Greek Life

    There is no greek life at Saddleback College. But there are a few honors societies, such as Phi Thetta Kappa (National Honors Society) and Psi Beta (National Psychology Honors Association).
    Campus Safety

    The campus has police patrolling all the time of day and night! I have never felt not safe at Saddleback. You might want to be careful speeding through campus though--you might get a ticket! ;)

  • Riley from Laguna Hills, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Saddleback College gets an 8 out of 10. It offers hundreds of interesting classes, but it can be a challenge to get the ones you need to transfer. The faculty is always willing to help you out though!
    Tips for prospective students

    It can be tough to make friends since all the students are commuters. Join a club or get involved in a sport. It will really help!
    Academic Rigor

    I would advise against taking online courses because the students seem to be left to their own devices. However, on-campus classes have a thorough curriculum. In my experience, my professor made even the most boring classes interesting, fun, and relatively easy (if you show up and study).
    Dorm Life

    Saddleback College is a community college, so there are no dorms. Most students are still living at home.
    Food and Dining

    I'll just say this, I always brought my own lunch or went to the food court at the mall across the street.
    What to do for fun

    If you're into music, Saddleback has a lot of great music groups. Tickets for students are only $7, and you'll always get a great show.
    Bang for the buck

    I chose to attend Saddleback College because the price of four year universities is ridiculous. In my two years at Saddleback, I only paid about $3,000 for a very good education. I saved myself a lot of money. You may sacrifice a social life, but it is worth it!
    Great for these types of students

    Saddleback is great for independent students who just want to get their general education done and move on.

  • Samantha from Huntington Beach, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Everything about this college is great, great staff, students, and work environment. There are distinguished office hours and plenty of help when a student needs it. The whole school is full of life and people that care.
    Tips for prospective students

    Research classes ahead of time. Make sure to get a parking pass as soon as possible and to get there early, the campus is quite large.
    Academic Rigor

    The science department is very tough, most of the teachers have been there for decades, making them very hard on their classes.
    Dorm Life

    I do not live in a dorm.
    Food and Dining

    Food is overpriced.
    What to do for fun

    Join a sport or some sort of physical education class.

  • KC

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Great teachers, fantastic art studios, small class sizes
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to consult with the transfer department to plan your courses - it makes it a lot easier and you will finish sooner with either a degree or transfer certificate. Try to get in the honors program to get priority registration for classes.
    Bang for the buck

    Affordable, great way to finish general ed classes with no debt. Teachers are really good and care about the students.

  • Sara from Aliso Viejo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Saddleback is very friendly and open to new people. There are lots of great programs and clubs that could interest you.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go on over to the Student Service Center if you're new and you need any questions answered. They're their to help!
    What to do for fun

    School events, club meetings and other community events.

  • Eric from Mission Viejo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Show up on the first day of class or you might be dropped. Parking is tough for the first couple of weeks so leave early.
    Academic Rigor

    It all depends on what classes you take.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    I have never really eaten on campus but there are many great restaurants nearby.
    What to do for fun

    In southern California the sky is the limit.
    Bang for the buck

    By filling out my FAFSA I only had to pay $20 per semester for parking, a $17 health fee and the cost of books.

  • Kas

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    great for any level of education as a start off point. highly competent teachers and staff. saddleback college is the place to go!
    Tips for prospective students

    definitely apply for financial aid. the school has competitive and gpa based scholarships available to students, along with fafsa. i'd recommend doing the early bird registration, especially if you are looking to take math or science classes; they fill up the fastest!
    Academic Rigor

    i focused on the science coursed at saddleback, and it is academically challenging. the teachers are very helpful, and knowledgeable of their respective fields. it is challenging, but you learn a lot while taking these courses.
    Dorm Life

    there are no dorms available on or near campus, but there is help on campus for those looking for a place to live.
    Food and Dining

    the food could be better, but they do have a wide variety and more than one cafeteria on campus. they have everything ranging from yummy chinese food, burgers, wraps, salads, chicken fingers, and sandwiches to choose from in the main cafeteria. lots of options for all types of students.
    What to do for fun

    there are several clubs available to join on campus as well as daily activities in the quad.
    Bang for the buck

    i think saddleback college is a great option for people wanting to save a little money as an alternative to university. the teachers are amazing and very knowledgeable, highly recommended community college.
    Great for these types of students

    this would be great for students looking to save money while taking general education classes before transferring. also great for students looking to get a two year degree or certificate. their nursing program is top notch and one of the best in the country.
    Greek Life

    phi theta kappa is the only one i know of.
    Campus Safety

    the school has a campus police station and campus security. if you want to be walked to your car at night, just call security and they'll escort you. i have never had a problem at school here before; it is very safe.

  • College Student

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    saddleback is a great community college, excellent if you're on your way to transfer into a four year university. getting into some classes, like math and biology, are hard at first. just be sure to get a high gpa, along with a lot of units and you'll get in no problem for most of your classes by the second year.
    Tips for prospective students

    go see the counselors if you're unsure about anything! it seriously helps a lot. make sure that you're taking all the right classes. as long as you know what you're doing it's a piece of cake.
    Academic Rigor

    depending upon what teacher you have or what subject, classes can be really easy or challenging. don't expect this school to be as easy as high school to get through, it's college after all.
    Dorm Life

    zero dorms.
    Food and Dining

    there is a small cafeteria on campus, i've only been in there a few times. it's nothing impressive, but it's still food.
    Bang for the buck

    compared to four year universities, saddleback is cheep to attend. i'm so glad i'm getting all of my generals done here for less the cost.

  • Amy from San Clemente, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i love the certificate programs. i love the eops program because the academic couincelors spend time helping with educational plan, they are excellently trained.the teachers here are great .
    Tips for prospective students

    come on do it you have all the tools for success at your fingertips, attitude is everything
    Academic Rigor

    acedmics are imoportant just work at it

    Food and Dining

    yummy
    What to do for fun

    orange county has lots of things the beach go hiking theam park movies or go to mission.

  • Maria from Lake Forest, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    saddle back is a great school. they have everything you need, including great teachers and as much help wanted. i would consider saddle back for any one who wants to start college for a 4 year term in community college
    Tips for prospective students

    saddle back has a large variety of education you need. they even have counselors who can help you if you are undecided.
    Food and Dining

    they have excellent choices and aren't even pricey !
    What to do for fun

    in my free time i love to go to the gym. i even love doing the homework i get from my teachers because it keeps me busy and i have a lot of free time. my favorite sport is soccer. i love it! i played for 3 years and fell in love with the sport
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    saddle back is a very large campus. i do not know of any traditions but i can assure any one that there are tons knowing this school.
    Campus Safety

    the campus safety is pretty safe. their are police always driving around, security as well.

  • Hanan from Ladera Ranch, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    saddleback college is an amazing community college to attend. the teachers and academics are outstanding. it is a great school to start your college education at.
    Tips for prospective students

    remember to sign-up for different because it makes the college experience more exciting. also, make sure to ask around about teachers before you choose them because teachers really make the difference in the learning experience that you get.
    Academic Rigor

    i gave the academic rigor a 2/5 because many of the classes are fairly easy. occasionally you will stumble upon a class that has challenging material but other than that, the teachers will usually be very helpful.
    Dorm Life

    since saddleback college is a community college, there are no living on campus accomodations.
    Food and Dining

    the food and dining at saddleback college is ok. the cafeteria food can sometimes be really good and other times it is alright. off-campus there are many different restaurants.
    What to do for fun

    for fun, you should join clubs and be a part of something. also, the environment at saddleback college is very laid-back so it is nice to meet up with your friends after class.

  • Brittney from Laguna Niguel, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Tatiana from Carlsbad, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I dread driving the distance, but I enjoy every bit of my college life at Saddleback. The dance program is outstanding and each instructor for every class I have is determined. They love what they do, which encourages the students to do the same.
    Tips for prospective students

    Create a guideline of what you wish to do in life and make sure to see a counselor to help point you in the correct direction.
    Academic Rigor

    If you want to come learn a specific subject, this is the place to get straight and not slack off.
    Dorm Life

    N/A
    Food and Dining

    N/A
    What to do for fun

    What I do for fun is go to school. It is my get away where I can use my and expand my mind. When I am here the only thing I think about is my school work.

  • Gerardo from San Juan Capistrano, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Really easy college
    Am enjoying being here

    It close to home I can drive from school and work
    Bang for the buck

    really cheap
    Tips for prospective students

    To keep with the assignments teachers leave
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone trying to get a degree or transfer