Community College of Philadelphia

I adore CCP. The teachers are incredible, and the students are wonderful. I got more out of this community college than many of my friends got out of 4-year institutions. If you attend, don't be afraid to make friends, get involved on campus, and use the resources they have available!

There are no dorms to speak of (as there aren't for most community colleges), but there is an aid office that can help you access housing if necessary. Speaking with counselors and other students to make sure you find the nicer, more patient professors can be important. The administration is rather out of touch and insulated from the students themselves, but the professors care deeply about the students.

CCP has been a gateway to growth for me. As a 35-year-old, non-traditional student, they made the process of re-entering higher learning approachable and were hugely supportive every step of the way through the completion of my associate's degree. The professors and courses were stimulating and the advisors were extremely helpful throughout my degree path and in assisting my transfer to a Bachelor's program.

Sometimes it is difficult to get someone on the phone if you need to call the school. It also bothered me that it proved impossible to take some of the more unusual courses because of low enrollment but that can happen anywhere.