Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA, USA

Reviews

Northern Virginia Community College

Michelle from CENTREVILLE, VA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This school offers a lot more than just your pre-requisite classes. You'd be surprised if I told you this school has a lot to offer. Classes for the student that wants to own a major business to classes for the student who wants to become a med student. Here they offer you classes about how to handle college and also how to pick a major that is right for you, these classes are for those students who have had a hard time figuring out what they want to do when the get older.
Am enjoying being here
There are many campuses that are apart of NVCC. You can pick which ever one that is located near you and all of them are beautiful. There are a lot of new faces to meet and also a really relaxing area with a cafeteria, a park, and it really looks like a college. It isn't high school all over again. It's a great experience being here. The professors are great and really helpful as well as the counselors! Some of the professors from GMU come to NVCC to teach as well, so think about it, you're basically getting the same education!
Bang for the buck
The best part about NVCC is the price. You really don't pay a lot for what you get. You save money while you take the classes that you need to transfer over to whatever college you plan to go to and continue there where you had left off!
Tips for prospective students
Tips for new students:
Be ready to have the time of your life!
Carry a map of the campus with you because the campus is pretty big, you might get lost.
It's okay to ask for help!
Great for these types of students
NVCC is great for the student who would like to save money and earn the same education at a 4-year college. NVCC is great for anybody.

Kyle from Clifton, VA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Some people see community college as just a stepping stone for people that couldn't get into a four-year university in high school. That is not the case at all! There are a great deal of interesting and diverse degree programs available to students. Whether you're just attending to get an Associates degree, or are planning to transfer to a four-year college (that's what I'll be doing this fall!!), NOVA is an amazing place to study.
Am enjoying being here
I really got to know all of my professors and they're all awesome. I really liked all of my classes and never felt like I was just dragging along or anything. I mainly went to the Annandale campus, and I have to say, it's the best of NOVA's campuses. Having a positive attitude goes along way to enjoying your time anywhere, and that goes for NOVA as well.
Bang for the buck
Pretty much every other review hit this on the head. NOVA is very inexpensive compared to other schools in the area (George Mason...). There is not a drop off in the quality of teaching at all. All of the professors I've encountered in my two years studying at NOVA have all been leaders within their industry or current/former professors at other four-year colleges in the area (American, Catholic, George Mason).
Tips for prospective students
STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GRADES!!! I cannot stress that enough. Please do not think that you can coast through NOVA because it's just a community college. I took 60 credits at NOVA and only got two B's, the rest were straight A's. Also, check up on scholarships that NOVA sponsors or has a partnership with and APPLY APPLY APPLY!! My good grades allowed me to win two scholarships from partners of the college for a total of $61,000 to apply toward tuition at the four-year university that I will be transferring to. There are so many amazing opportunities available for students to take advantage of, but few do. Don't let that happen to you, go out and apply for any aid you can!
Great for these types of students
Commuters, people with jobs, people with busy schedules, anyone looking to transfer to a four-year university, budget conscious individuals

Tsz from Reston, VA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers at Northern Virginia Community College (or, as its students and staff call it, NOVA) truly are amazing educators. Many people are sorely mistaken when they think that as a community college, NOVA provides poor quality in its education. In fact, many of the teachers work a job aside from teaching which gives them field experience of what is in their lectures. Not only that, some are even teachers in more well-known schools as well, such as George Mason University or even William and Mary.

Classes tend to be smaller, so students and teachers have the opportunity to be able to further discuss the material if needed.
Am enjoying being here
I definitely enjoy being at NOVA. It's close to home, yet students come from all different counties so there are still plenty of people to meet. The academic advising staff is excellent, to the point where I am always pointed towards the right direction and I know that I'm making progress in obtaining my degree. The teacher-to-student ratio is convenient, and the tuition is reasonable.
Bang for the buck
Did I mention the great tuition? It has to be one of the biggest advantages of being at Northern Virginia Community College! Students take the same classes at NOVA as they would at other, more pricey colleges; these classes also transfer easily from NOVA to almost any college in Virginia. This is especially useful when the student is looking to transfer while following the guaranteed admissions agreement between NOVA and many other colleges.
Tips for prospective students
Students looking at NOVA should know that checking their NOVA email regularly is extremely beneficial (a lot of people tend to forget about their email accounts). The staff often send notifications about upcoming events that are easily missed: plays, contests, talent shows, assemblies, college fairs, scholarships and fundraisers.
Great for these types of students
Northern Virginia Community College is great for students that want or need to live close to home, or want a class size convenient for participation. It is more convenient for those that can drive, however, there is a bus that takes students to the campuses as well. Most of all, NOVA shines brilliantly for students who are looking to transfer, especially if they are freshmen students who are only beginning to adjust to college life.

Nicole from Lorton, VA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
NOVA is an excellent school to attend to. It saves you lots of money, and helps you grow as a person as well. The location is perfect as well as their services.
Tips for prospective students
Contact and visit everything they offer on campus as soon as you start college. Try to find out about programs they have as soon as you can.
Academic Rigor
The teachers are amazing at teaching. They briefly explain everything in details and they are extremely nice. I learned many things that i didn't even get to learn in high school.
Dorm Life
There are no dorms on campus.
Food and Dining
I personally never had food on campus but i heard it was the same as high school.
What to do for fun
Stay on campus, talk to friends, meet new people while you're there.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I've seen a smoking section a party section and a studious section where you wouldn't see on high school.
Clubs and Activities
There are many types of clubs and activities. NOVA has it's own gym at the Annandale campus and it's free.
Campus Safety
I feel pretty secure on campus, I don't believe there is any danger unless you suspect it.

Brian from Bealeton, VA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
a fantastic opportunity to enhance anyone's situation. northern virginia community college (nova) is the second largest junior institution. i would rate this school (from 1-10) 10 being the highest level of recognition.
Tips for prospective students
take advantage of every possible resource. the possibilities are endless. maintain focus, and above up never give up. it is better to try than to give up and quit.
Academic Rigor
at nova, there are professors teaching that come a wide range of background. this includes adjunct professors who also teach at four-year universities, researchers, consultants, and even retirees.
Dorm Life
no dorms
Food and Dining
starbucks at some of our campuses, au bon pain soup!
What to do for fun
nova has sports that play against other junior colleges, and against some four-year colleges too.
Bang for the buck
since this is a junior college, the tuition is low. plus, nova is located in northern virginia so the students are constantly exposed to the cultural sophistication of the area while being taught by worldly professors.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
i'm not sure that are any unusual traditions at my school.
Great for these types of students
nova is perfect for all students. a really beautiful feature about this school is that a student can expect diversity when entering a classroom or on campus. there are students who are high school seniors, returning adults, parents, international students, and anyone else really.
Clubs and Activities
nova offers a large variety of clubs and groups to join.
Greek Life
we have phi theta kappa honor society - which is recognized internationally among all junior colleges and four-year schools.
Campus Safety
the police are so tough, they've ticketed deans in the parking lot!

Felicia from Stafford, VA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here are great and dedicated to helping their students learn. They are fun and flexible. The work can get hard, but each teacher always has office hours scheduled in order to help students in need. There is also a tutoring center if you need more assistance.
Am enjoying being here
I greatly enjoy being a student at Northern Virginia Community College. It has opened many doors for me, including becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa and becoming a Peer Mentor.
Bang for the buck
You will save a lot of money by choosing to take your first two years of college at Northern Virginia Community College. You will also gain a Associate's degree before pursuing your Bachelors Degree, which is also a great help in your academic career.
Tips for prospective students
Talk to a peer mentor about teachers, classrooms, scheduling, and making your way around campus. It's a peer mentor's job to be there for you through all your college needs. I and the other peer mentors will be more than happy to help you.
Great for these types of students
Northern Virginia Community College is a great college for students just graduating high school.