The College of Lake County

Quintessentially Illinois: a Modest, Humble Environment with Strange (but Helpful) People
I came to CLC's Grayslake campus unprepared, after four years of declining grades in an underperforming football-centric public high school nearby. For my first year, I took mostly fun classes (film, history, and fencing) along with remedial math courses. That was the best idea, to my surprise. I had so much fun actually learning that I overcame myself and I came to know the faculty during office hours.

While many of my high school friends left for more prestigious schools, I used this time to develop myself. I tried to take courses in everything just to learn about the world, until I knew what I wanted to do with my life (and transfer to complete a bachelor's). Again, this was the best idea. With my broad foundation in math, science, and the humanities, along with my associate's degree, I went into education and I could not be happier for it.

The shortcomings are similar to other schools. The administration and faculty had one face to students and another to each other. There were multiple quiet scandalous events during the last fifteen years too. Also, after returning to campus to visit faculty I realized that perhaps some of my early adulthood heroes were not as great as I remember them. Nonetheless, this is actually a great place to spend two to three years while meeting general education requirements--without the costly mistakes out-of-town students make at larger schools.

The early 2000s advising staff was not great and student life was hit-or-miss; but, even in my quiet disappointed walks to my car I appreciated having the personal attention.

The old building layout seemed cozy and the new redesign feels too much like an impersonal urban mall.My only advice for my past self would have been to complete a one-semester program in accounting, medicine (a CNA or EMT), or trades (I am including IT) to provide supplemental income after the move to finish the bachelor's degree. That would have helped so much.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

The College of Lake County was one of the best things that ever happened to me. After a lackluster high school career, I was exposed to wonderful, patient teachers who truly cared and challenged me. I will never forget how much my mind grew during my two years at CLC. I was also involved in the Student Senate and College Bowl. The Senate helped me develop leadership skills which I still use today. I cannot say enough about CLC. I have a daughter who is very smart (99th percentile in both math and reading) and I would strongly encourage her to attend CLC before deciding on a four-year school. It truly gives you time to explore academia before focusing on a certain area of interest.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I was pretty nervous about going to College at first, but i'm filled with confidence ever since I first started going to CLC. My teachers are very halpful and understanding as are my classmates. The work is definitely challenging, though not as immensely difficult as I was expecting it to be. Overall i'm very satsified here and I hope I will have many great experiences in this College. If you want experience before you go off to a four-year College, then this is a great place to start.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Perceived Campus Safety: A, Surrounding City: C