Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Reviews

Grand Rapids Community College

Tyler from Grand Rapids, MI

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning a fair amount in my classes. My professors are engaging and passionate about what they do which makes learning much more enjoyable. The class sizes are perfect and you can recieve a lot of individual attention from teachers which helps the learning process. I enrolled in the fall semester right after I graduated from my high school which was one of the best in the area. This meant that I had a lot of my basics down and my classes were pretty easy for me. The classes offered are more tailored to those who did not recieve a good high school education or who have not been students for any number of years. The classes are mostly basic and will prepare anyone well to transfer to another college.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is small and fairly contained in Downtown Grand Rapids which means there are great places to eat and many things to see in between classes. Because there are no dorms and no one lives on campus it does make it a bit more difficult to connect with fellow students. And many students are non-traditional who are older and are coming back to school to earn a degree or who have taken a few years off to work and figure things out in between high school and college. There are campus activities and fun things that many clubs and campus groups organize, however there are usually few who attend because they have to commute to the campus and they aren't during regular class times. The education and learning environment is great but you have to go out of your way to get to know new people and forge friendships which can make the college feel a bit lonely when actually you are surrounded by many people.
Bang for the buck
GRCC is a very inexpensive school which opens a lot of opportunities. It allows you to take inexpensive classes to help you discover your interests and potential career choices if you're undecided. It is also an excellent school for transfer students because you can take a lot of basic undergraduate classes that will transfer easily to larger schools at a much cheaper price. The small, intimate class sizes are great for those who have difficulty learning or who need extra help because you actually get face time with your professor and they get to know you one on one. And they also offer classes in many locations in the Kent County area such as at local highschools so that students who commute do not have to go as far to attend classes. And they have a very flexible scedule with many night and weekend classes offered for those students who have a full time job during the day. Great price for all the class options offered and the education you recieve.
Tips for prospective students
Branch out and try to meet and get to know people. Or get involved in a campus club or organization to meet some knew people. And make connections with those who sit near you in class and your professors. Learning is much more enjoyable when you have someone to do it with and when you actually feel a connection to those around you on campus. You feel a sense of pride in your school when you make such connections and you could make a lifelong friend.
Great for these types of students
Those who intend to transfer, Those with a full-time day or night job, Those coming back to earn a degree after being out of school for many years, Those seeking an Associates or 2-year degree, Those who can't pay for a larger school.

Isabelle from Grand Rapids, MI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
grand rapids community college is a school that wants the best for you. this college is all about preparing you for the future. if you want a quality education without paying through the nose to get it this is the college for you.
Tips for prospective students
don't think it's a slack off school. grand rapids community college is hard work. this school is a school that wants you to succeed in what you want to do.
Food and Dining
we have a subway in our school.
What to do for fun
the school has clubs that you can get involved with. the school clubs range from religious groups all the way to sports groups.
Great for these types of students
all people of all ages have the opportunity to go to that school. if you are not at the grade you want to be at, or you right now can not afford to go to a university or college.
Campus Safety
we are located right by a police station.

Long from Grand Rapids, MI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Don't be embarrassed that probably one of your friends is going to a big university like Michigan State, Western Michigan, or UofM because in GRCC you'll still learn plenty of material required to transfer to your top choice of college. A big plus is classes are around 15 to 30 people not like 50 to 100 in a classroom in Michigan State, that's crazy how are you gonna pass that class with an A if you're only a student number in their attendance than rather be treated as a human being here in GRCC in one on one talks with the professor if you need help because they'll be glad to help you out to understand the class material better.
Am enjoying being here
Close to my home, nice, friendly community, professional staff that'll help anyone in need, love the food here, look up Heritage Restaurant it has awesome food if you can the money to pay for it. if only have around 5-10 bucks you can always go to the cafe, or Raider Grill.
Bang for the buck
extremely cheap tuition compare a rough estimate of $1200 in GRCC to a $18000 in a big university. WOW better go to GRCC to take care of those required classes for transfering, or if you're looking for a assoicate or bachalors degree, that's fine as well.
Tips for prospective students
GRCC to me was a backup if I didn't get the required ACT score needed for the bigger colleges, so I recommend to obtain an ACT score of at least a 26 to get scholarships of course. If you're planning to go to GRCC, plan ahead in your mind that college is a whole other playing field of difficulty to pass the classes with an A because the high school habits may still linger on you so shake them off especially if you're a procrastinator...DON'T SLACK OFF on your classwork, you're paying for your classes; one chance to get A's. Otherwise it'll be trial and error until you learn to do better in your classes the first time around.
Great for these types of students
Students who live in GR, Wyoming, or anywhere close to downtown of GR

Ernesto

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Being a community college, GRCC won't offer everything that bigger (and more expensive) schools will offer, but they seem to do a great job at providing the proper things to get started on a bachelor's degree or complete an associate's degree. The advisors, as well as a few teachers, are very helpful when a student seeks guidance on how they should go about to get their degree. Like other schools, there will be some professors that will go out of their way to help you, while other professors will focus on doing only what's required of them.
Tips for prospective students
Speaking with the advisors on a regular basis is a smart thing to do. If you're determined to study, they can help you create a clear plan for your college career. Teachers will also be glad to help you if you take the time to ask them for help.
Academic Rigor
Professors stick to their plans to get things done. The college will provide the tools needed for their career and the student will be expected to use those tools.
Dorm Life
Since this is a community college, there are no dorms.
Food and Dining
There is a limited set of options for food since this is a community college.
What to do for fun
GRCC's main campus has a selection of clubs/sports students are able to participate in. Aside from that, there aren't many options on campus.
Bang for the buck
If commuting daily isn't an issue for a student, starting at GRCC can save thousands of dollars each year. A few professors will also help students to save even more.
Great for these types of students
Students who would like to save money during their first years of post-secondary education or try out certain classes.

Casey from Grandville, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
GRCC is a great place to get an Associates Degree or transfer credits toward a Bachelors Degree. The faculty are great and the class size is small. This makes for good interaction with the instructors.
Tips for prospective students
Get to know your instructor a bit. It makes the classes more exciting.

Also, plan on having trouble finding a parking spot for at least the first few weeks. However, the bus comes right to the campus so it's easy to get where you're going through the bus system.
Academic Rigor
The education that you receive at a community college is, contrary to popular belief, really quite good. The courses can be challenging at times but the instructors are there for you. They want to help you succeed.
Food and Dining
There are some restaurants and cafes on campus but I haven't eaten at any of them yet.
Bang for the buck
It's a great education for Community College prices. Sure, it won't get you a Bachelors Degree but it can certainly get you some credits toward it.

Emily from Hudsonville, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Affordable higher education. I chose to complete my gen eds here rather than at an Art School and it is literally 1/3 of the cost, and a lot of my professors also teach at the art school. I am getting the same education I would be getting at art school for 1/3 of the cost.
Tips for prospective students
If you're trying to find what you want to do in life, GRCC is for you. There are hundreds of classes at affordable rates to find what suits you best.
Dorm Life
There aren't dorms.
What to do for fun
There are tons of restaurants around campus within walking distance, and GRCC has movie premiers and it's own cafe, plus tons of other things.

Tyler

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
GRCC is a good all around community college to attend with a great staff and diverse student base. It's very easy once you finally are enrolled to choose classes or even set-up a counselor visit. If your interested in transferring from GRCC to a four year university they'll have a guide for you with I think most of the universities in Michigan.
Academic Rigor
My two semesters at GRCC wasn't very challenging. Although if you procrastinate you may fall behind being a full time student. If you stay focused and do your homework and of course show up for class you will do fine.
Dorm Life
I don't believe there are dorms. I commuted from Allegan,MI for about a 45 minute drive.
Food and Dining
I liked the food GRCC had to offer, although some of it is a bit pricey. I got a four slice mini pizza from the Raider Cafe for $5 something and expected it to be bigger for the price. They also have a Subway and another little kitchen in the cafeteria of the Main Building. Underneath the Student Center they also have the Raider Grill another cafeteria offering soup and other food.
What to do for fun
I'm not sure, I mainly went for my classes then I left. If you find yourself with free time in between classes there are plenty of computer stations for students to surf the web and do homework on. They also have a gym you can kill time in working out.
Campus Safety
This campus is one safe community college I'd say. I only been to one other community college before this one, but I don't remember the safety like this college had. For one Grand Rapids Police Department is less than two minutes away. They also have emergency stations all throughout to press the red button and alert the police. They have a big light above it that will flicker like a cop cars lights or maybe a strobe light. Not to sure because I never seen anyone have to press the red button. Also if there is any serious threat and you have your cell phone on file a text will be sent out alerting you of a stalker who hasn't been caught or whatever it may be.

Cierra from Rockford, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great place to meet new people. There is always something to do. Professors are so caring.
Tips for prospective students
Come to Grand Rapids Community with a open mind, it's just like a normal college. Everybody there are so helpful. The first semester might be hard but there are people who can help you get through it, like your academic counselor.
Dorm Life
I do not stay on campus.
Food and Dining
All the dinning areas are the best place to meet new people, there is always someone there.
What to do for fun
Go to the G.R Ford field house, it's free for all GRCC students. You can swim and exercise there for free.
Bang for the buck
I think GRCC would be a great place to start,if you are thinking about going to an University GRCC is the best place to start, small class sizes and the professors always have time to talk to you and they are good at emailing you back on time.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Sneden Hall, that's one of the off campus location but do not worry because they (GRCC) have and free shuttle bus that runs from there to the main campus.
Great for these types of students
GRCC would be great for all students including, non traditional students like myself. GRCC students range from different ages of people and everybody gets along.
Clubs and Activities
Student life, has lots of clubs you can join.
Campus Safety
Our campus has, on campus police right across the street from the main campus, I feel pretty safe. Also the Professors are made to lock there doors.

Aaron from Rockford, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I would rate this institution an A- the facilities s are clean and the staff are attendative to every students needs i learn fascinating new things in my classes and it is easy to afford
Tips for prospective students
Be kind and courteousness to the staff and your peers classes are fun and exciting and most of all be wiling to learn
Academic Rigor
The classes are challenging and exciting the atom sphere is more mature and stable than regular highschool
Dorm Life
Do not live on campus
Food and Dining
has a subway and a variety of snack amchines
What to do for fun
has many diverse clubs that welcome all walks of life and diversities
Bang for the buck
For the price its an excellent school for a 2 year degree just remeber to try hard and have fun
Great for these types of students
Anyone who is open minded and willing to learn
Clubs and Activities
many diverse clubs and activities
Campus Safety
security is makes the campus secure and the staff is very friendly

Ryan from Grand Rapids, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Great College to start off with, saves money and helps get your general classes out of the way, while giving you time to figure out your major.
Am enjoying being here
Close and convenient. Class sizes small, which makes it easy to succeed in classes.
Bang for the buck
Great bang for the buck value! Cheap class prices with top of the line teachers and small class sizes.
Tips for prospective students
Pick out your classes early, and make sure you ask questions, teachers are more than willing to go over things with you. Also try to buy your books used and also rent them, saves a lot of money in the long run!
Great for these types of students
Great for students that want to save money, get general classes out of the way, and give themselves time to figure out their major.