Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ, USA

Reviews

Estrella Mountain Community College

Yolanda from Litchfield Park, AZ

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I started college the summer before my sophomore year in high school. I was 14 years old and the professor astonished me, I was learning so much!
Am enjoying being here
The college is starting to grow more and becoming more interactive with the students. There are many resources close by and many events that occur for help and programs.
Bang for the buck
I am going to transfer my credits to a university in Arizona. From my checking and resources of counselor, my credits are transferable.
Tips for prospective students
Just stay motivated!
Great for these types of students
hate crowds, tutoring, young, and like a mixture of age and race

Jennie from Glendale, AZ

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The class sizes are small, they keep them around 24 students per class. This allows a lot of student teacher interaction and allows you to ask all the questions you need.
Am enjoying being here
All of the teachers are very kind and helpful, plus there are two centers for free tutoring. One in the NASA center for math and sciences, and one in the library for English and other classes.
Bang for the buck
The classes are cheap compared to universities and other community colleges and you really feel like you get your moneys worth from each class.
Tips for prospective students
This is a great school to take your science classes if you are planning on transferring to ASU, because EMCC using modeling to teach its science classes. Modeling is a self discovery way of learning and it is what ASU uses, so by taking your basic sciences here you get a feel for how you will be learning at ASU.
Great for these types of students
Take advantage of the free tutoring that is on campus. Also, some of the teachers have you keep a journal for the class, but not all of them. I recommend all students keeping a journal for all classes, it may seem like extra work but rewriting your notes every night in your journal allows you to retain more of the information from class than just studying.

dave from Avondale, AZ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
EMCC is a great location and very easy to get to. Although there is no on campus housing there are several apartments very close by. It has everything you need from food to a bookstore!
Tips for prospective students
Classes fill up fast-register early! There are clubs and activities on campus to help you get involved and meet new people!
Academic Rigor
The student portal is easy to use. It allows you to keep track of items that are due. It also allows you to contact your Professors with ease. They have a full computer lab that you can use and tutoring is available if needed.
Dorm Life
This is not applicable to this school.
Food and Dining
The cafe has good food but I find it a bit pricey! I live close enough that I can go home to eat or there are several fast food places close by.
What to do for fun
Get involved in clubs and on campus activities. There are several available.
Bang for the buck
The cost is very reasonable for a 2 year school!
Great for these types of students
Students of any age would enjoy this school.
Clubs and Activities
Although I haven't joined any due to my work schedule-some of my friends have and find the activities to be fun and a great way to meet people.
Campus Safety
Security is always visible at this campus and I feel safe going there!

Sara from Goodyear, AZ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Class size are small, allowing students to be able to ask questions and participate in group activities that strengthen understanding of various topics.
Am enjoying being here
Everything is very close and easy to find and the faculty is always extremely helpful and sincere.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students who are just jumping back into the flow of school life or prefer more intimate settings with faculty and peers.

Brittney from Avondale, AZ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love my classes. Of course sometimes you might not get the greatest teacher, that is just life but for the most part I love my teachers. My favorite has to be Mr. Turner one of the 2 I believe EDU teachers. He is BEYOND amazing. Every morning we start of w/ some corny, fun jokes and he really makes you think about what you are learning. He constantly is changing his own teaching styles and always reading and keeping up to date with his class and new ways to teach. Definitely dragging out my EDU courses just so I might have him for one class a semester!
Am enjoying being here
I graduated HS a year early, barely turned 17 in Aug. I did not want the big crowded campus setting of a university just yet. i live directly across the street so the campus s close for me, but really is small class sizes I don't think they have many over 28 students per class. I can easily choose a class schedule that fits my fancy! On top of it a lot of events are held by student. Ex. This month (Oct.) it is all about domestic violence, every week or every day something new is going on raising awareness. Right now T-shirts are hanging in the main center grass area made by staff and students who know or have been effected by domestic violence. Also donation boxes are throughout the campus. Very cool.
Bang for the buck
$71 per credit hour in county. Generally around $223 per class give or take a few for the usually small extra class fees. Usually like $5 for an English class or $10 for a computer lab fee. The most expensive i have seen is a $40 one for exercise classes and mostly those are only 1 credit classes anyways, so they are very cheap!

They are constantly adding new things to the school. Recently completed the new Mariposa building and either by this spring or fall this fire/police training like building should be done. There is the skill center for the nursing and other few medical fields, and of course the campus for all the other. They are close together as well, no worries about the Skill Center (nursing center, etc) being clear down the way from the actual campus, it is right there everything is the actual campus.
Tips for prospective students
If you want the actual or stereotype college/ university experience this might not be the best place. However, I really do recommend it for Seniors to look into just because it will be WAY cheaper to start off here and the transition will not be as over whelming or dramatic as if you wen straight from HS to say ASU. Also study before the placement exams, everyone has to take them. If you get these scores or better you will get a presidential scholarship and your tuition will be paid IN FULL for if I remember right your 2 first years!
Placement into:
Honors English 101
Exempt from Critical Reading 101
Math 121 or higher (aka 74 or higher on the ALEKS test)

Try to take it before summer, and get registrar as soon as you can, summer is VERY busy. There is NO appointments to see advisors only walk ins. Expect at least an hour wait, even if you get there right as they open, you might cut down a few minutes but not too much. Seriously, I 110% finished HS July 30th, getting me enrolled was horrible. TONS of waiting and basically just took what classes were open my classes all have an hour wait time in-between. Also if you take the test while your in school you're a lot more likely to have the information fresh in your mind, so don't wait until like July when 1/2 the information has escaped your mind! Otherwise a class might be more of a boring review then learning mostly fresh new material!

ALSO do not be afraid if you are an older student. I was shocked at how many were older then me and had kids, etc. I new I was younger but in reality only a small group kids in all 4 of my classes are my age. A lot of people who hadn't been in school for 10+ years are in all your classes, don't be surprised if at your placement testing you see some older students!
Great for these types of students
Students who want small class sizes
Students that do not want the anxiety of a big university
Students who want campus events
Students who want affordable classes
Students who want a variety of major options (they had more then I had thought they would!)
Older students
Young Students
Students who want their campus in a close normal city setting. (I mean this compared to a big university, EMCC is set around residential and across the street is a Fresh and Easy, down the street is an Albertsons and some fast food places, but compared to say ASU where it's just big city, big confusing buildings etc. for new students)

Michael from Buckeye, AZ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This college is a nice, well maintained, small campus for those students who like to learn in a classroom with few students (maximum of 30 students). I have had a great experience with this college and there resources are very helpful.
Am enjoying being here
Small campus with lots of resources. The teachers are very friendly and helpful.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is reasonable price. As well as the books.
Tips for prospective students
Visit Estrella Mountain and ask for a tour. They are very nice and helpful people.
Great for these types of students
Students who like to be in a classroom with a small amount of people. As well as for those students who want to get an associates degree at an affordable rate (unlike the prices at universities).

Mackenzie from Wickenburg, AZ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Class sizes are small and it is easy to build relationships with your teachers. This adds so much to the learning experience.
Am enjoying being here
I am enjoying the instruction I am receiving, but I am really longing for the whole college experience. I live over an hour from the school which makes study groups, and social activities a challenge.
Bang for the buck
Definitely worth the money. An excellent way to get all of the basics out of the way for a third of the cost.
Tips for prospective students
Talk to current students about their favorite teachers/ classes. I have had some excellent professors, and some that could have been better. There are definitely choices, so put some time into your selections!
Great for these types of students
I chose this school because I graduated a year early and was barely seventeen when I started. The University would have been a little overwhelming for me. This a great way to start your education in a smaller environment, with teachers that actually know who you are and care whether or not you are in class!

Jenny from Goodyear, AZ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Estrella Community College is a great choice for students looking for a condensed, and one to one classes. This college provides a wide range of resources, as well as activities for student. The faculty and staff are genuinely interested in the students success, and it offers online, hybrid, and in person classes; which is a great tool for students who cannot commute to campus.
Tips for prospective students
When enrolling to Estrella Mountain Community College take the PAW sessions, and the orientation, where mostly all questions regarding school life can be answered.

As well, make sure to take advantage of the Student Center, and Tutoring Services that the school provides.

The library has an extensive collection of books, articles, and more, not just on campus, but online as well.

Be active in campus activities, and your college life experience will be filled with positive memories instead of negative ones.
Academic Rigor
The academic rigor solely depends on what classes one is taking. As well, it depends on how much a student is willing to invest in their studies, or how seriously they take their school work. The courses offered on here are the same as the one at an University, and deserve to be treated as such.
Dorm Life
EMCC does not have a dorm, but campus life is very active and there is a student center mainly for students to either chill or hangout. There is a cafeteria, and the scenery at the school is very beautiful.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria offers a wide range of different foods, and at the student center they offer coffee for free. The school also has a restaurant where culinary students get to experience cooking, but it is also opened to the public.
What to do for fun
As mentioned before, there is a Student Center on campus where there are many different activities happening, as well there are different sorts of clubs and organizations that happen on campus.
Bang for the buck
Most movie theaters have a discount for students, you just have to show your school id.

The online library has a 24/7 online librarian that can help a student find any information at anytime.

There is also a Writing Center where students can submit their papers to get critiqued, and aids the student in becoming a stronger writer.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The campus has a both a library and restaurant that is open to the public and not just students.
Great for these types of students
Estrella Mountain Community College is great for students looking for a smaller, yet effective start in college. It allows a student to be in a college environment with out the pressure of a huge intimidating campus. As well, it is great for those students who prefer smaller class sizes, and more one on one with teachers.
Clubs and Activities
There are a variety of different clubs:
Administration of Justice Club
Asian Pacific/International Student Club
Black Student Union
Christian Challenge
Drama Club
EMCC Fashion Club
Entrepreneur Club
Forensics Club
and many more.
Greek Life
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honorary society for community colleges. It promotes scholarships, leadership, service, and fellowship among talented community college students.
Campus Safety
EMCC has a public safety office that is operational 24/7, 365 days a year. There is a constant presence of officers throughout the campus, and at night there are patrol cars out.

El Mirage, AZ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Overall I am quite satisfied with EMCC. I have enjoyed the teachers and other staff. I am leaving this place with a little more open mind and ready for my next step.
Tips for prospective students
* Find out what clubs will benefit you the most and stick with them.
*If you qualify for honors sign up and make sure to finish what is expected of you.
* Always, Always research your teachers before taking them, and find who works best with your learning style.
* Come open minded
* Don't just hang out with one group, get to know as many people you can.
* Get teacher recommendations.
* Find a really good adviser, and when you do, hang on for dear life. They are few and far between.
Academic Rigor
This all depends on what classes or teachers you take. The higher the numbers the more is expected of you.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is pretty pricey, bring your own lunch there is a place to heat it up. Way more cost effective.
What to do for fun
There is always something going on, events, clubs, student union, workshops.
Bang for the buck
I have gotten a good education and I feel that I am ready for the next step. Worth what you pay.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I enjoy the different area with water. It is different because you can sit near them and enjoy the turtles, fish, and lately the 2 ducks that have enrolled there.
Great for these types of students
I have seen a large range of different students. It is what you make it to be!
Clubs and Activities
unfortunately haven't had much time for clubs
Greek Life
Phi Beta Kappa
Campus Safety
I feel like the campus is very safe,I have never had or heard of any issues.

Lafaye from Phoenix, AZ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
They are very attentive.
They are suitable.
They are affordable.
Tips for prospective students
Always stay focus and do not let anyone ruin or rain on your parade. In the end you are all you have so you have to make sure you stay focus and maintain good grades so you can keep your G.P.A because if not it will hunt you in the end. Just stay focus and positive and determine.
Academic Rigor
They are really a high performing school with sports and academics as well
Dorm Life
They do not have any dorms
Food and Dining
The food is the best I eat breakfast and lunch and it never fails how delicious their food is. I can always count on having a good meal when I arrive at school any time of the day.
What to do for fun
I like to read and write, draw and have family time with my two boys
Bang for the buck
YEEESSSSSS!!! IT REALLY IS IT IS VERY AFFORABLE AND THEY ALSO HAVE A PAYMENT PLAN FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CAN NOT PAYY THE FULLAMOUNT BUT THEY ARE REALLY AFFORABLE, ESPECIALLY FOR FIRST TIME STUDENTS.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
don't have one.
Great for these types of students
Yes very it is great for anyone who would like to go to a community college who is also like a small family in a sense.
Clubs and Activities
The club is always having something and is always inviting new members to sign up and to also get involved. They are always running some community drive and helping out others who are in need.
Campus Safety
I love the safety it is very under control