Harold Washington College, City College of Chicago — Local services in Chicago

I chose to attend Harold Washington College solely because of its location, diverse student body and 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...

This is honestly the slowest school ever! The offices are a waste of time, especially the financial aid office, they hold conversation with people they know despite the fact that the office is crowded and many students have to get to work or another class. They are rude and many times you end up being sent on missions that can be fixed in the office itself. The teachers are absolutely awful, I will say that there are a few teachers who are qualified to teach, but the percentage is very low. This school is ran more like a business than a place to help students further themselves. They often have teachers who are too old, whom do not understand how to even use the school Blackboard site. It takes forever to see an adviser as well. In my last semester I received a new adviser who had no time what so ever. Each time I made an appointment with her, she had to cancel on a 3.8 GPA graduating student, because she was so busy. If you want a school that is going to put you first, I suggest honestly moving to the suburbs and attending Oakton Community College. I really wished I never went to this school, most students who attend are there solely for a refund check and to jerk around. I did what I needed to do to pass, and so can you but if you are someone who values quality then I would chose classes and teachers very very carefully. IF YOU ARE A TRANSFER STUDENT: DO NOT GO TO AN ADVISER; GO DIRECTLY TO THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE OF THE SCHOOL YOU...

Just started my 3rd semester at HWC. When I transferred from Purdue University for financial reasons, I assumed this junior college would be a complete joke. To my surprise, I was wrong. The professors at this school are top-notch, the classes are a bit more difficult than you'd expect, and the expectation that staff places on the students is great motivation. Of course there will bad apples here and there --- students only there for the financial aid check, staff only there for a paycheck --- but overall, I've experienced an amazing group of people. I WISH I would have forgone the opportunity to attend Purdue and just gone to Harold. I would have a ton of money, stress, and tears. If you're serious about getting the classes you need and saving a heck of a lot of money, I strongly recommend HWC. Get registered quickly, and make buddy-buddy with your adviser. That will be key. Additionally, prepare to put some effort in. 4.0s aren't simply a piece of cake here, but they are definitely possible (got one last...