I chose to attend Harold Washington College solely because of its location, diverse student body…read moreand because of it being listed as one of our "military friendly" colleges in the Chicago and Chicagoland area. The campus itself is beautiful, located in the heart of the Chicago, and an easy commute via CTA train with CTA State/ Lake being the closest train stop to the campus.
Other than a few mental health, psychology, child development and social service classes I took mostly my prerequisites at this campus, such as english, reading, math, art, and speech. My program, Addictions Studies transferred to Kennedy King College in 2017, but since I took a majority of my classes at Harold Washington College, it ended up being my 'projected graduation college'. Thinking about it as I share this review, I am happy I took the classes pertaining to my major at Kennedy King College and my prerequisites at Harold Washington College because teaching styles and class sizes were different where Harold Washington College, the classes were a tad larger, and Kennedy King College, the classes were smaller and more intimate.
I have had a mixture of good and not so good professors, but for the most part a majority have been good with teaching styles that vary. With that, if you have a good adviser, or know current students they can steer you away from choosing that not so good professor. I also recommend utilizing website 'Rate My Professor', while choosing your classes or once you have chosen them because it will prepare you for what to expect, but do not expect an easy ride. And I highly recommend utilizing tutoring if you need extra assistance other than from your professor.
The Veteran Services Center at this campus is amazing and by far the best out of all City Colleges of Chicago. Well informative of scholarships, job fairs, veteran events, and also makes sure my paperwork is up to date prior to the start of the semester. I have never had any issues with my Post 911 GI Bill or IVG (Illinois Veterans Grant) being submitted in a timely manner. The center is located on the second floor and has an area where veterans can do their homework other than in the library or computer lab. As a military veteran, I always feel as though I can let loose being around fellow servicemen & servicewomen.
As for administration, I have looked at some of the old reviews and yes! I agree with some, but I have had more positive experiences than bad. And I'am sure that it is no different on any other college campus, so prepare yourself beforehand.
As like many other college campuses, you can easily identify the post-high school students by the way they act and because most hang out in groups.
The campus used to have a cafeteria in the basement which is now a lounge area for students where video gamers and musicians unite. With the absence of the cafeteria, there are an ample amount of restaurants within the area for students to grab food or snacks prior to or in-between classes. A few of my favorites were Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, 7 Eleven, Chick-fil-A, Protein Bar, Subway and Jason's Deli.
The campus was everything I wanted in a college campus and truly the setting standard I look for as I search for a transfer college. From its diverse student body to it being a military friendly college there are few colleges like it with an easy commute to-and-from.
Thomas G