Dutchess Community College

DCC is a two-year commuter school. I lived across the river in Highland, and this was a perfect choice for someone like me who had no idea what career I was going into. I was accepted into the honors program with Werner Steger and decided to take the liberal arts/humanities major.

For the most part, all of my classes were acceptable, and the teachers were intelligent and gave interesting lectures. We weren't given busy work, and they actually taught instead of making you learn on your own. The honors program was a small group of students, and everyone knew each other on a first name basis. I would say on the whole that everyone in the honors program was friendly and could hold an intellectual conversation.

That said, if you aren't accepted into the honors program, the other classes are just, well, average. The teachers are good but don't expect to meet other people easily. I never ate at the cafeteria seeing as McDonalds, pizza places, and local delis were in very close driving distance. As far as clubs, the SGA was full of snooty, irritating people, who thought every word that came out of their mouth was hilarious. I left that and never returned.

As far as teachers to avoid, I would advise EVERYONE against a teacher named Beth Kolp. One of the worst teachers I've ever had in college; her honors class for "Literature of the Hudson Valley" consisted of novels from the 17-1800's that were trite, boring, and poorly written, and she expected the student to read about 100 pages in two days, with little discussion of the text in class.

Otherwise, the faculty is amazing, with great teachers who really care about the students. Its surprising that such quality teachers are at a community college, and with the tuition being so cheap, you'd be stupid to take liberal arts classes at a 4-year college.The social life sucks completely, but it is to be expected at a commuter college. Try to join activities outside of class in your local town.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2008

Individual Value: A+, Social Life: F

There are many things I disliked about Dutchess Community College, however IT IS A TWO YEAR SCHOOL. you don't live on campus, so it should not matter to you as much how the school will directly affect your social life. I didn't interact with anyone very much but thats due to the fact I worked full time while at school. It's a great price, and a good school. YES it's a good school guys. I know you may not have liked it very much, but it has a pretty decent rating in NY state. The girls that go there are not all promiscuous, that's a completely close minded statement. The guys are probably 10 times worse in every possible way (that's life though, not just college haha). Alot of very intelligent people go to the school, and then transfer to a 4 year college. The price makes it very attractive to students that just finish high school and are unsure of what they want to do. It's a great school to go to if you're unsure of your future. There are good professors, and bad ones. I suggest going to ratemyprofessor.com and checking up on the teachers at the school you are going to and seeing how other people have rated them. I use this site when I make my college schedule. That's another great thing about DCC you can make your schedule online, and see what specific classes you need for your major, what will count and what willnot fufill your specific requirements. I never have gone to an advisor, they have screwed up too many of my friends schedules and caused them to have delayed graduations. I plan everything on my own, online. Overall, DCC is a good school. I mean, you may not love it but it's getting you where you need to be. People need to grow up sooner or later. Also they have a great nursing program. I've transferred out and am currently a psychology student and will attend oneonta or hawaii pacific university in the fall.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2006

Education Quality: A, Collaboration/Competitive: F