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Southwestern Michigan College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Ashley from Buchanan, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Emily from Stevensville, MI

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Get your paper work done as soon as possible and living on campus is always a plus...
    Great for these types of students

    Its a community college and its close to home but not too close, its a smaller school.

  • Jacob from Dowagiac, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Very Affordable!
    Beautiful Campus.
    Very qualified and helpful faculty and staff.
    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.

    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • Danny from Dowagiac, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    Tips for prospective students

    Enroll early the classes fill up faster than you would think. Come prepared the pace is fast and steady.
    Academic Rigor

    The challenge is adjustable to the level you can handle be it challenging or laid back.
    Dorm Life

    There are two new dormatories and ground breaking on a third.
    Food and Dining

    Excellent and affordable.
    What to do for fun

    There are an array of activities from the student rec center to inturmural sports.
    Bang for the buck

    For the money dollar for dollar it compares with any school in the state.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The running trails through the forests across from the campus.
    Great for these types of students

    All students fit right in with a vast diversity in activities and groups.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are clubs of every shape and size both on the campus and in the surrounding community.
    Greek Life

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    Campus Safety

    The security is always visible but not over powering or threatening in any way.

  • Lila from Vandalia, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • Andrew from Berrien Springs, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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!
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • Tammy from Niles, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    Tips for prospective students

    i suggest that you study, listen close to your instructor and take notes.
    Academic Rigor

    the more quality time you put in the better student you will become.
    Dorm Life

    i live at home, but others say they like it.
    Food and Dining

    a lot of fast food, but most places have healthy options.
    What to do for fun

    after a dedicated week of homework, lectures and studying; reward yourself by going to a movie with your friends.
    Bang for the buck

    buy used books or rent them.
    Campus Safety

    my college has security and the parking lot is well lite.

  • August from Dowagiac, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    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.
    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.
    Academic Rigor

    They are very determined to prepare us for our future.
    Dorm Life

    Super new, clean, and very friendly. They are safe with high tech security and always have staff available to students.
    Food and Dining

    They have sufficient food services available.
    What to do for fun

    So much! They have everything from student clubs, rock climbing, dance, fitness pools, and intramural sports.
    Bang for the buck

    Very affordable and worth every penny.
    Great for these types of students

    Open minded and hard-working students
    Clubs and Activities

    Great student life complete with many student clubs.
    Campus Safety

    Great campus security and safety. I never have to worry.

  • Jessica from Niles, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating 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.

  • Dustin from Paw Paw, MI

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    SMC has a beautiful campus that really gives the college feeling, even though it is a community college.