South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA, USA

Reviews

South Puget Sound Community College

Kate from Olympia, WA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This is my 4th quarter at SPSCC and I think the majority of the classes I have taken are really interesting and informative. The professors are very intelligent and know a lot about their subject. The only down-side is when you get a professor who just writes notes on the board which you copy and study for later. This is not teaching! Luckily, this has only happened to me once! Overall, I feel much more informed on the touch subjects the professors are teaching.
Am enjoying being here
SPSCC has a beautiful campus. There really isn't a prettier community college in the whole state and I can say that I'm proud to go to school here. It's exceptionally nice when it's sunny outside and you can study in the grass or at a picnic table and read! The people are friendly, the teachers are nice and actually learn your name!
Bang for the buck
The school is ridiculously cheap compared to the education you can actually get here. Don't buy the books at the bookstore and then your only fee is tuition- but they have payment plants and are really helpful and lenient!
Tips for prospective students
Most of my friends always said that SPSCC is a crummy school that doesn't teach you anything. At first, I felt like I should be embarrassed to go here but I now know that there's no reason for that! Obviously, some of the lower level classes are easy-- Art 101 is going to be easy anywhere you go. Taking harder classes like Anatomy and Physiology, or Microbiology and you will definitely learn a lot and be very impressed with the knowledge that your professors hold.
Great for these types of students
Students need to realize that they have to actually open a book to learn the information and succeed! The professor's I have had here at SPSCC expect you to learn from both the book and from lectures so always attend lectures and always read your book and you will succeed.

Hannah from Olympia, WA

a past student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
The professors are all highly qualified and have an apparent passion for their subject. They have a way of making you excited for the class, and they're all very flexible and accommodating to your schedule and your needs as a student. There are several resources available to help you learn, from student study groups to tutoring, to the Math and Writing Centers, to NoteTakers by Jane Showalter at the Student Disability Services. It was a very smooth transition from high school to the college atmosphere, and while the curriculum was challenging, it wasn't impossible.
Did enjoy being here
The students are extremely friendly, and it's easy to make friends in your classes and in the commons area in the Student Union Building. There are several vendors at the school that hire students (The Percival Review art & literary publication, the Sounds newspaper, the Student Life desk, the student bookstore, the Clipper Cafe and the bakery), so there are tons of opportunities for employment and to get to know the students at your school better. The Diversity and Equity Center really puts effort into celebrating the wide diversity of students at SPSCC, and the Campus Activities Board is always thinking up new ways to entertain and educate students, from the Lunar New Year festival to the showing of Ghostbusters with popcorn on Halloween. BRICK is great at raising awareness of local and global issues that I wouldn't have been exposed to in high school. And the campus is very beautiful and accessible; it's fairly easy to cross campus to get from one class to another.
Bang for the buck
If you enter into SPSCC doing Running Start your junior or senior year of high school, the only expense you have will be your books. All your classes are completely free, and you get to take some great classes to complete otherwise boring credit requirements for high school graduation. For example, I needed five credits of a P.E. class for my high school graduation requirements, and I was able to take Rebecca Johnson's Lifetime Wellness class. It was the best class I have ever taken in my life. Fun, informative, and way more enjoyable than a PE class--and free! I was also able to take Introduction to Formal Logic by Andrew Sergienko in place of a 5-credit math class, and I had a ton of fun in that class. SPSCC opens up a lot of options for free that you would later have to pay hundreds of dollars for once you graduate. And even if you enter SPSCC after graduation, they have a ton of scholarships available. I was able to get an entire year's tuition covered from scholarships offered just from SPSCC alone. They like to honor diversity and passions in the arts, as well as in horticulture, mechanics, academic commitment, heritage--the possibilities are endless, and the list of scholarships offered specifically from SPSCC grows each year. It's definitely cheaper to pursue an AA from a Community College before entering into a university, because you're really only paying $6,000 for two years of classes, plus maybe $1,000 in books--compared to $60,000 at Seattle Pacific University, plus several more thousand for books, that's a really good deal.
Tips for prospective students
I would definitely recommend taking Running Start. Even if you can't enter in your junior year, at least take it senior year. That's $3,000 you save right off the bat, and it's a very refreshing jumpstart into college life. They have a ton of options there to get you plugged in, so don't be afraid to get involved. Also, there are lot of opportunities at SPSCC for community service, so grab hold of those, get letters of recommendation from your supervisors, and apply for the scholarships SPSCC offers pertaining to community service. Get involved with student life and make a difference. The atmosphere is open and warm, and you won't regret getting involved. It'll look really good on a resume and on applications for pursuing your education later.
Great for these types of students
I recommend SPSCC to anyone. Whether you're a junior in high school, just graduated from high school, or continuing your education after 30 years out of the education system, SPSCC is great at plugging you in and making you fit. They have wonderful resources to help you study and know your material, and the teachers are accommodating for all types of students. Especially if you're working a part-time job on top of going to school! There are some classes that are only two or three days a week, and they have hybrid classes (two days in class, the rest of the work online), as well as online courses. The staff at SPSCC will team up to help you however they can so you can be a success.

Rebekah from Olympia, WA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
As a minority student, it is a predominantly white school, but has a GREAT diversity program which is the only way i survived. Academics are good, however administration is terrible due to under-staffing in my opinion. Overall it is great for a 2 year school if you get involved.
Tips for prospective students
GET INVOLVED! Seriously you will do so much better, you will meet people and get a support system right away. Ask fellow students about teachers before you register.
What to do for fun
Sports, Diversity programs, campus activities, tons of student rub clubs.
Great for these types of students
Minorities! As an African American going to predominately white schools all my life, this is the first school i attended that has a great support system for minorities and really helped me through school.
Clubs and Activities
Awesome clubs! and easy to start your own if you don't see one you like
Greek Life
NONE

Chiyoko from Tumwater, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This college is great for figuring out what you want to do with your life. The advisors are helpful and kind, and the students are great people to learn with. The diversity of this campus is great, from age, race/ethnicity, to sexual orientation, nobody is discriminated against, and everyone is accepted.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you get here early! parking fills up fast!
Academic Rigor
The teachers want you to do well, but you have to work for it! Don't give up on anything, and ask for help when you need it.
Dorm Life
there are no dorms.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is run by culinary arts students, and give hands on experience.

Gervonda from Shelton, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This college made it easy for me to go back to school.
And has given me a great opportunity to excel in my
learning to become a R.N.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking for a great hands on college that takes pride in leader
ship and provides every opportunity to succeed in life then this is the college for you.
Dorm Life
I'm not sure I don't live on campus and I don't know anyone who dose.
Food and Dining
The cooks hear are student chef, I think the food is good and the prices are even better. and its very comfy to hang and check up with friends or school work or just take a nap or watch a movie on your tech devices. And if your a active person we have 4 ping pong tables.
What to do for fun
Check out our diversity room located in the dinning hall and get discounts on movie tickets and there is always a event going on that any current student can get involved in we have a great gym and work out equipment and we have a soccer and basket ball teams and games held on campus
Bang for the buck
This college Rocks and I mean that!
Great for these types of students
We have great diversity program for any sex,creed,race,or religion and they really make sure you feel welcomed and they have super nice students willing to listen and help or be a friend
Clubs and Activities
pretty much anything your in to we have a club or group for and there is always a party or big event for all students so we know we are appreciated
Greek Life
If we don't we will get one if brought up to the actives director
Campus Safety
We have security that has their own vehicles and they do make you fill safe and I haven't had my car broken into or heard of anyone who has and there is zero tolerance against fights or physical confrontations so overall being a women here at spscc I do feel safe even at night

Lucy from Olympia, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It has the most beautiful campus.
Awesome teachers that really care.
Nice new classrooms!
Tips for prospective students
If you come to school here the parking is really bad so you want to make sure you leave time to find parking!
Dorm Life
There are no dorms
What to do for fun
The SUB has lots of fun things to do.
Bang for the buck
The tuition is very reasonable and they recently made parking free!

doyle

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school caters to those who need a more relaxed enviornment. You cant help but learn new things everyday. Between the atmosphere and the teachers its a great place to be.
Tips for prospective students
Always get your books the minute the lists are released. The book store cant carry enough for all students.
Academic Rigor
Its a challenging but fun place to learn. Be prepared to take lots of notes!!!!
Dorm Life
This is a community college. There are no campus housing opportunities.
Food and Dining
Between the expressly stands and the cafeteria there is something for everyone. There are more options for coffee than food in most buildings though.
What to do for fun
There are clubs and study groups everywhere. If you want ping pong they have that too! Comfortable chairs in the student union to relax and plenty of people to conversate with.
Bang for the buck
Its a community college that prepares you for university. It encourages critical thinking at every turn.
Great for these types of students
Students that need a flexible schedule and informative teachers.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many to choose from its hard to decide!
Campus Safety
Patrols by gaurds as well as the location create an atmosphere of safety that leaves you care free to walk alone.

Daniel from Tumwater, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Excellent place to learn. We have a clean campus. It is like walking in a park. Trails to explore between classes. Great group of people to help out.
Tips for prospective students
Get your books on line. 3 sites I recommend are, abebooks.com Amozon.com and textbook.com and get the books early so you can read something before the quarter starts. 2 weeks of reading before hand can boost your GPA.
Academic Rigor
Best plan to buckle down and dig in. Seriously apply yourself.
Food and Dining
Great food, chiefs on this campus really teach good cooking.
What to do for fun
Get invovled in the clubs and go on a trip. I joined up on two clubs and it is a lot of fun. Plus you make yourself current in the world of knowledge and technologies, I recommend the B.I.M. club. It is Building Information Modelling-Club. Engineering student get to show skills here.
Bang for the buck
Save Money per showing student I.D. for free bus rides. Helps you when your car brakes down.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
International Students hold evens in the Student Union Building. Get some free food and win a prise.
Great for these types of students
Active Minded Individual
Clubs and Activities
Veteran Club, Anthopology,B.I.M.,Horticuture, Nerds Club, and more.
Greek Life
We could use more Greeks.
Campus Safety
They do a good job. Just do not pick a fight. Other people do get offended as much as you would. There are a few, but only a few.

Rochelle from Olympia, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The best diversity college ever. Great communication with all staff and students. Teachers are a blessing.
Tips for prospective students
Enjoy and enbrace.
Academic Rigor
great
Dorm Life
none
Food and Dining
Great
What to do for fun
Movies
Bang for the buck
Movies
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
none
Great for these types of students
none
Greek Life
none
Campus Safety
the best

McKenna from Olympia, WA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I learn a lot at South Puget Sound Community College. At this community college one could expect to learn more than just textbook information. The school is a great environment where one can learn about life, morals and about themselves while attending the school.
Am enjoying being here
I love attending this college because it is close to home and the classes are of a reasonable size. This allows me to learn in an environment in which I am comfortable. Having smaller sized classes also allows for more discussions.
Bang for the buck
I believe that the tuition and costs of this school are just ok. Online classes cost more, which seems silly to me.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure and sign up for classes when you are supposed to. This is a crowded community college and there are only a curtain amount of seats in each class. If you don't get into the classes that you want, get on the wait list and you have a very good chance of getting into the class before the beginning of the quarter.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students that care less about the social aspect of school and more about the earning your degree in a timely fashion.