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Piedmont Virginia Community College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Piedmont Virginia Community College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Piedmont Virginia Community College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Piedmont Virginia Community College reviews, or contribute your own Piedmont Virginia Community College review if you're a current student there.

  • Aaron from Troy, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Piedmont Virginia Community College was the best thing that could have happened to me out of high school. The staff (teachers and otherwise) are beyond helpful in teaching me how to succeed here at Piedmont, in the future at a four year university, and beyond. The education here is incredible seeing that a lot of the staff splits their time between PVCC and the University of Virginia.
    Tips for prospective students

    My tips of prospective students at Piedmont Virginia Community College would be to work hard. Don't discount the school because it is a community college. Your success here can play a large role on your success elsewhere. Also, I would stress to take advantage of the resources that the school offers. That is something that took me three years to learn.
    Academic Rigor

    A lot of the staff splits their time between PVCC and the University of Virginia. I am very confident that I am getting a top notch education here.
    Food and Dining

    There is a great place to eat on campus serving all the basics! Although, downtown Charlottesville has lots to offer and is very close to campus.
    What to do for fun

    Charlottesville offers a great deal of exciting and interesting things to do! History enthusiasts can enjoy Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Outdoorsy people have wonderful opportunities at the many well-know, family run orchards (Carter Mountain Orchard, Chiles Peach Orchard, etc) as well as an unlimited supply of hiking trails out their back door. The artsy people have a vast amount of creative shops, classes, and museums. Charlottesville is also a great place for those who love music, with a great variety of venues attracting all kinds of talent. Another wonderful thing about Charlottesville is the amazing food. There is nothing like Charlottesville food (Bodo's, Marco and Luca's, and the downtown mall in general).
    Bang for the buck

    At a community college the prices are naturally less than at a four year institution. While completing my associates degree I have saved at least $20,000 by attending a community college rather than an in-state public university.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The campus is beautiful. There are trails that I am able to run on between classes. There is a wonderful view of the mountains and tons of quiet places to sit. During finals week, the school is always handing out free ice cream, donuts, and other treats.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for students who have limited funds and may have extracurricular activities holding them to a particular area (work, clubs, etc)
    Clubs and Activities

    The student activities wall is always full, you really must check it out!
    Campus Safety

    The school has its own security team and patrol cars. Although, I don't think there has every been anything that they have had to handle except maybe jumping a few cars here and there.

  • Chelsea from Crozet, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    PVCC is all about helping students of all backgrounds get their chance to further their education. The school and its advisors have an amazing transfer program and do step by step work to make sure all requirements are being met. PVCC is the perfect place for second chances.
    Tips for prospective students

    Always go to an advisor before registering for classes. They will put you in the exact classes you need for whatever your goal may be and will make sure you don't waste your time with classes you may not need.
    Academic Rigor

    While it is a community college and many people feel it will be easier, the school doesn't mess around. The professors expect the best from you and don't even try to miss classes unless you want to be dropped without warning!
    Dorm Life

    The school does not offer and residences
    Food and Dining

    There is only a cafe, and it is not great and the prices are worse... However it is smack in town and if you just hop in your car or the bus you ca find great places to eat!
    What to do for fun

    There are always school activities such as casino night, that really make college fun! Casino night has everyone dress up in their best and the school gets transformed into a Vegas poker house! Due to the beautiful location, there is always something to do outside, such as hiking.
    Bang for the buck

    The prices are great!! If you are interested in transferring or not you know you are getting a fair price along with a great education. Most people need not take out a loan because of how low the prices are. If you are interested in transferring, rest assured that going into your junior year, the year most people transfer, you will have no debt!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Frisbee is odly a big thing here. Its odd and I dont get the crazy addiction.
    Great for these types of students

    EVERYONE!
    Clubs and Activities

    There are clubs of all kinds for athletics to educational to just random interests such as the Fine Tobacco Club...random right?
    Campus Safety

    We do have security, however they may be the laziest individuals you will come into contact with.

  • Christopher from Troy, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The Professors at Piedmont are top-notch and love to get to know their students. I have had eight professors and enjoyed them all. The great teachers in combination with services like the Writing, Testing, and Math Centers make Piedmont a great college.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to class!! A lot of material is covered in one class so it is easy to get behind and be unprepared for the tests. Also, most classes have limits on unexcused absences before it begins to affect your GPA.
    Academic Rigor

    Piedmont is just as rigorous as any four year university. In order to pass the composition classes, you must have at least a B. Piedmont also has honors classes, which add an additional level of difficulty with a more intimate class setting.
    Dorm Life

    Piedmont does not have any on campus housing.
    Food and Dining

    Piedmont has an on campus vender called First Run Cafe. They serve hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and a couple of soups. The food is solid, but nothing to brag about.
    What to do for fun

    Piedmont has lots of areas to hang out with friends, plus there is a basketball court and a baseball diamond.
    Bang for the buck

    Fantastic. The cost per credit hour is a lot lower than a four year university's.
    Clubs and Activities

    Ultimate Frisbee, A Capella, Masquers, etc. Piedmont has clubs for everyone.

  • DMS student

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    A decent College with a variety of programs available for study. I will be completing the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program this spring. They were not quite prepared to launch this when they did and unfortunately the first class to graduate from this program had some significant obstacles to navigate. The biggest disappointment was the school's decision to withdraw their application for accreditation. Having said that, there are some excellent instructors at PVCC, I learned a great deal, and I do feel prepared to enter the work force in my chosen career field.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make like a Boy Scout, Be Prepared.
    Academic Rigor

    Depends on your area of study, but overall I would advise you to take it seriously, be organized, attentive, pro-active, and studious.
    Food and Dining

    Limited, but what they have is pretty good. I'm addicted to the coffee cart!
    What to do for fun

    They are tons of clubs/organizations you can join. The gym is nice, the basketball court could use some help, but the baseball diamond is OK.
    Bang for the buck

    Don't forget to explore possible financial aid options.
    Great for these types of students

    Working or married students with families.
    Clubs and Activities

    Too many to list, I enjoyed the chess club.
    Campus Safety

    Good

  • Darrell from Charlottesville, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Overall, PVCC is a good community college to go. The teachers are really nice once you get to know them for the most part. They're helpful and really knowledgeable in their field. However, PVCC is a really small school in close knitted community so it's not confusing to maneuver around. The class room sizes are small, on average there's probably about 25 students in the class. So basically, you're getting a good education for a cheap price for two years.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just go to class and do the work that is assigned to you, and you'll go far academically. Study for ALL test and quizzes, and pay attention and you'll do fine. Try to make friends to; it helps.
    Academic Rigor

    The overall academics at PVCC is really good, it's college level work, just like any 4-year institution. A lot of teachers like to assign homework every class, so you'll be handed a lot of work to do. However, sometime it feels like you're in high school again with some of the students.
    Dorm Life

    There is none, it's a community college
    Food and Dining

    The food at PVCC is okay, I recommend going out to eat for lunch on your break times.
    What to do for fun

    The only things that are considered fun at PVCC, is meeting new people and hanging out in the student block center. You can join the clubs offered too if you consider that to be fun.
    Bang for the buck

    It's definitely a school to go to if you want to save money. It's a better and a more smarter option to go with in the long run.
    Great for these types of students

    If prefer to go to a cheaper school for two years in a quiet setting than this school is for you. Also if you prefer to be in a small community college with knowledgeable teachers than I would recommend going here.
    Clubs and Activities

    ALL kinds of clubs, from SGA to Volunteer Club.
    Greek Life

    There's none.
    Campus Safety

    It's really safe, no trouble or fights break out here.

  • Angela from Mineral, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    like any other community college, pvcc is extremely individualised. the teachers like to be one-on-one with you and go the extra step when you need help. a lot of the teachers also teach at uva so youre getting a great deal for the same top quality professors. piedmont is a community.
    Tips for prospective students

    reach out into the community, people are here of all walks of lifes, age, and background. many people here can help you put your life into perspective.
    Academic Rigor

    the quality is great, and the teachers are willing to go that extra mile, yet only if youre willing to do it with them.
    Dorm Life

    it's a community college, so there are no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    the food is pretty basic (in a sense that there are limited variations) but the quality is pretty amazing, and not to mention reasonably priced. the coffee isn't so great.
    Bang for the buck

    like i've said a lot of professors also teach at uva, so you're getting the same general quality of learning for a fraction of the price!
    Clubs and Activities

    a big variety for all different types of people.
    Campus Safety

    campus staff and security are really helpful.

  • Candice from Louisa, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I'm currently a student a PVCC and I think its great. The faculty and staff are great and helpful. It is a typical community college.
    Tips for prospective students

    One tip I would give prospective students is to take it slow, don't overload yourself with classes just to get done. It's better to take it slow and get good grades than to overload and ruin your GPA.
    Dorm Life

    There is none.
    Food and Dining

    The food at PVCC is not good. I would rather eat the over priced snacks in the vending machines.
    What to do for fun

    Students at Piedmont choose to hang out and socialize for fun. You can also go to plays that PVCC provides.
    Clubs and Activities

    Piedmont has a lot of clubs and activities for their students.
    Campus Safety

    The campus is very safe. I have never had any problems.

  • Cassidy from Charlottesville, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    What you learn at PVCC depends a great deal on how much you invest yourself. In a science class that I took, for instance, much of the material was a recap of high school. It would have been easy to merely swallow the given information and get the class over with, but by probing the instructor to give more details I felt the class was much more enjoyable and educational.
    In other cases, I have explored topics such as psychology and painting in which I had no previous experience. As a result, I not only expand my repertoire of skills, but I feel much better prepared if I wish to pursue these topics at the next level.
    Am enjoying being here

    The staff of PVCC provides excellent support for the students. There is a learning center available with free tutoring if students need extra help and the instructors offer their time generously whenever they can. They are real people who treat their students with respect and expect to receive it in turn.
    There are couches inside and a beautiful mountain-view veranda to relax with friends in between classes as well as a deli to pick up some lunch. It is smaller than most colleges (it's a ten to fifteen minute walk to get from the main building to the furthest building). It also lacks the dorm experience for financial reasons which some students like and others do not.
    Overall, the atmosphere is very relaxed. Everyone has their own goals to achieve, whether it's transferring or learning a job skill, so it reflects a wide range of the local community.
    Bang for the buck

    High school seniors often dismiss community colleges as second-rate education when compared to more prestigious universities. I was a bit skeptical myself, to begin with. Finance, however, is the big kicker when it comes to choosing a school you are paying for with your own nickles and dimes.
    I am excited to say that the classes here have repeatedly proven themselves to be well worth the cost of tuition for the quality of instruction. The teachers are interested and enthusiastic about their subjects and are genuinely pleased to interact with the students.
    Textbooks are bit pricey, though, so it is important to look online ahead of time to avoid being forced to buy at the bookstore.
    Tips for prospective students

    As mentioned before, try to buy books online well before the semester starts. The required reading lists are available on the school bookstore's website.
    Also, engage the teachers whenever you have a lecture class. It will be more fun.
    Lastly, you will get the most out of your experience if you focus on what you are learning instead of a score on some record. I find that good grades will follow if you are interested in what you study. Limited high school curriculums are a thing of the past now!
    Great for these types of students

    PVCC works for students whether they know what they want or if they still need time to decide where they're going. Ages vary widely. Personalities vary widely. Everyone can find their own niche!

  • Amy from Gordonsville, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This past year, my freshman year, I took a lot of repeat classes- NOT developmental classes- or classes that I had taken during high school and had to take again because I had to fulfill requirements or couldn't test out of them. Thus, I didn't learn a lot of new information. Still, taking classes at Piedmont helped me develop researching skills.
    Am enjoying being here

    I LOVE being at Piedmont. From kindergarten to 12th grade, I was homeschooled. Beginning college was made easier by the numbers of current and previous homeschoolers attending Piedmont. I loved the teachers I had during the past year: they enjoyed what they taught and actively engaged their students by asking questions, group activities, solving problems in class, etc.
    Bang for the buck

    Piedmont offers very affordable tuition: for in-state students such as myself, each credit hour costs $110. Like the faculty at Piedmont say, in order for you to get the most for your tuition, you need to use the services Piedmont provides. For example, you must pay a technology fee as part of your tuition. Last semester, I spent countless hours at Piedmont's computer lab, so the technology fee was well worth it. Also, your tuition pays for free tutoring at the Learning Center. You can get tutoring in almost any subject, so this is a real deal!
    The only part of the Piedmont experience I am dissatisfied with, money-wise, is the cost of the books we must buy. Although Piedmont now offers rentals, which definitely decrease the cost, some textbooks are only offered as new. And even used textbooks are pricey. My suggestion is to get your rentals at the Piedmont bookstore but new textbooks through another source. Last semester I shopped around on the Internet for book rentals but couldn't find better prices than at the Piedmont bookstore. For books that you can't rent, I suggest shopping around on the Internet.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take Honors classes if you can- they're well worth the extra effort because of the great teachers and amazing students you'll meet. Don't take too many classes. Visit the Admissions and Advising Center to get curriculum sheets- that way, you can see what classes you need to be taking each semester. Join clubs. Shop around for your books to get the best prices. Go to Piedmont's free movie nights at the Dickinson Theater; they show some great ones like the King's Speech. Attend Piedmont's social events: most of the time, food is involved! Visit the Monticello Trail located 5 minutes from campus- it's beautiful and fairly private. One last word of advice: if you take Spanish 101, don't buy the textbook at the Piedmont bookstore. The one they sell you at Piedmont will come as loose papers with no binding; you'll have to place them a binder. Also, the pages rip easily. Buy an older version online that's an actual textbook with binding- some of my classmates did this and it was cheaper to buy the old textbook and a new, unused workbook through the Internet than the Spanish 101 package at the Piedmont bookstore, which costs over $200.
    Great for these types of students

    Any! Piedmont isn't a college for a certain type of student. That's what's wonderful about Piedmont: there are people of different types and different ages. There are teenagers from public schools, teenagers who are homeschooled, college-aged students, and adults who are returning to school while working.

  • Grace from Earlysville, VA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    The professors and teachers at Piedmont Virginia Community College are fantastic. They know their subjects thoroughly and enjoy teaching them. I have had a number of teachers who teach/taught at the University of Virginia. All the classes I took at Piedmont Virginia Community College where at or close to 4-year college level despite being a community college. Piedmont Virginia Community College is also committed to teaching students to be servant leaders through the vast number of clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association, the Volunteer Club, and Phi Theta Kappa. At Piedmont Virginia Community College, I have not only learned how to integrate functions, but also how to be a leader.
    Did enjoy being here

    I loved being at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Everyone from teachers to counselors love the students and work to make it an enjoyable experience. For being a community college, Piedmont offers so much to do. There are over thirty clubs, as well as many more events for the students. The campus is beautiful and well taken care of. While Piedmont is focused on excellence, it is also focused on making the students' experience enjoyable. Piedmont also works to here the students needs and concerns. If I could stay at Piedmont Virginia Community College forever, I would.
    Bang for the buck

    This past year, I attended Piedmont Virginia Community College for free between financial aid and scholarships. The year before, it cost me about $2000 and that was taking around thirty credits the whole year (without financial aid). Piedmont provides a high-quality educational experience for extremely cheap. Not only do they work to keep the tuition low, they try to help every student receive financial assistance.
    Tips for prospective students

    Students should get involved with Piedmont Virginia Community College's activities as soon as possible. Piedmont has so much to offer, and students should take advantage of this as soon as possible. The Student Government Association likes to have new students as part of the organization. Every semester Phi Theta Kappa offers membership to eligible students. The second week into classes each semester, the Student Activities department hosts Club Day, where each club can recruit new members - a perfect opportunity for new students to get involved and realize all Piedmont has to offer. Students should also meet with the wonderful counselors. Even if a student is doing fine, the counselors help the student manage all the loop-holes of college and transferring. By visiting a counselor, a student can save so much time and money.
    Great for these types of students

    Piedmont Virginia Community College is great for every type of person. The great thing about Piedmont is that it is so versatile. Piedmont offers something for everyone, whether young or old or on-campus or off-campus.

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