So it's really hard to write a "review" for a school since each individual experience is totally different, but I'll try to do it justice.
Academics
As with any school, there are the easy classes that you just need to get rid of some GEs, and there are more difficult classes. Although I am not a STEM major, I have heard time and time again that GCC's biology, chemistry, and engineering courses are significantly tougher than the 4 year schools. They really make you work for it and by the time you get to a uni, you are used to the workload and difficulty level. My best friend from UCLA was with me on campus one day, dropping by classrooms and taking peeks in lecture halls, and confirmed that the GCC classes were not to be dismissed. The RateMyProfessor page for teachers are generally accurate in my experience.
I have always gotten the classes I needed. Even if a class is full, waitlist! People WILL drop!
Student Services
Although I have never had a huge problem with either Admissions & Records or Financial Aid, I have heard complaints about each department all the time. They are both one of the most important departments in a college campus, and always seem to be understaffed (only 2 people at the windows) and not helpful. It is a game of wild goose chase: one department tells you to go to another department which tells you to go to another department which directs you to a different department etc etc. At least they are all on one floor of the new building -- they used to be all on different sides of campus.
On the other hand, I have had a terrible experience with counseling. They really do need to clean up their act. The Dean of Student Services, Dr. Robert Hill, is an amazing man and the counselors could perhaps borrow some of his good energy for the work day. If you are looking to transfer, go to the Transfer Center! All of the counselors there are great, ESPECIALLY Kevin Meza -- THE BEST!!!! He know his stuff!
Campus Itself
The campus itself is located on a mountainside, so it is not smooth and flat. Lots of stairs (great workout!) and elevators. However, it does offer a beautiful view of the mountains on one side and Downtown on the other side. There is nice green grass, pretty trees, and lots of surrounding vegetation. Across from the campus is Verdugo Park which is a mostly quiet, peaceful place. I sometimes went there to do homework and relax between classes.
Unfortunately, because it is located away from the main part of Glendale, there is not much to do/places to eat. Across the bridge/street there is a Flame Broiler, Rocky's Pizza, Coffee Bean, and Great White Hut. Anything else, and you need to drive/use the bus. Down Glendale Ave there are more options such as Fish King, IHOP, Panda Express (located inside the Vons), and a couple other food joints. But for the most part, not a lot of options.
However, GCC has a great cafeteria. They serve breakfast and lunch. Their breakfast burritos are amazing! You have to try it! I know they have a breakfast combo (eggs, pancakes, bacon) and other breakfast items, but I stuck to the breakfast burritos LOL They serve good food at lunch as well - their fries are great and really fill you up. There is an upstairs and downstairs -- the upstairs closes earlier than the downstairs.
Parking
So people are constantly complaining about parking. I have to say, I've never really had to deal with it -- maybe once. Throughout my time there, I generally took early morning classes starting 7 and 7:35 and there was an ample amount of parking. However, everyone takes the 9:10 and 10:35 classes and tries to get a spot in the parking structure which is why it gets so packed so fast. But people -- there are other parking lots!!! The school literally sends out an email mapping the other parking lots you can park in.
My last semester I took the 9:10 and 10:35 classes and at first I came at 8-8:15 just to find parking. However, I started getting up later and later as the semester went on (as we all do), and just skipped the structure all together to park in the lots. It's a nice little 4-5 minute walk that wakes you up and gets you some exercise. Plus, you don't have to deal with all of the twists and turns and crazy drivers in the structure.
Overall
I have to say I really liked GCC. I admit, I came in with a sour attitude since I didn't get to go to my 4-year choice as it was too expensive. I was definitely embarrassed and ashamed. However, I can honestly say that I don't regret GCC. There are so many resources here that help you grow and thrive if you just do a little research and use them. I don't mean to sound cheesy, but try to get involved, network, and contribute. Great campus with amazing opportunities! read more