I've been exploring my post-high school options and one path that came across my radar is community college. Can anyone who's attended or knows about Manhattan Community College let me know how it is? Like the academics, campus, faculty, and overall experience.
Manhattan Community College, or more accurate, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), is a constituent college of the City University of New York system, located in the downtown area. It's right in the heart of the city which gives students excellent access to culture, entertainment, and career opportunities.
As for academics, BMCC offers over 45 associate degree programs and several certificate programs in a wide range of fields. The largest programs are in liberal arts and business management, but they offer degrees in many professional fields such as nursing and information technology as well. The college also provides strong foundational coursework if you're planning on transferring to a 4-year institution later on. They have articulation agreements with several CUNY schools that streamline the transfer process if you maintain a certain grade point average.
In terms of faculty, you'll find instructors that are experienced, well-qualified, and passionate about their areas of expertise. There's a good mix of professors who are engaging and supportive. Keep in mind, each professor has their specific style, but in general, that's true for any institution.
The campus is a major highlight. When people imagine a community college, they usually don't picture something as modern as BMCC. The main building, Fiterman Hall, is state-of-the-art and overlooks the Hudson River. Moreover, the libraries, labs, and classrooms are equipped with updated technology.
BMCC's overall experience can be beneficial to those who want city college life but at a lower tuition rate. The diverse student body creates a vibrant social scene and brings many perspectives to class discussions. The college does its best to offer a range of extracurriculars, from clubs focused on academics and professions to those centered on hobbies, identities, and cultures.
Two things to bear in mind: Firstly, as with any urban campus, space can be at a premium and you might not get the traditional campus feeling. Secondly, the workload can be demanding because the goal is to prepare you for either professional work or for continuing your education at a four-year college. If you're dedicated and utilize the resources available, you should find academic success there.
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