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Diablo Valley College Reviews
Check out reviews left by other students, or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship!
Shawn Steven from Antioch, CA
01/13/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 1 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Diablo Valley College is great for college students that are troubled financially and for those who aren't sure in what career they want to pursue in. For people that are living around the bay area, there are two campuses which you can attend. DVC is great for people who are working and want to take classes at the same time. The school offers flexible classes to work around your schedule. There is a campus in San Ramon, CA and one in Pleasant Hill, CA. DVC is the ideal place to meet new people through school functions and the numerous student clubs in DVC.
Tips for prospective students Make use of the campus and what it offers to the fullest. Diablo Valley College offers many different resources and centers that students usually ignore. You'll be amazed how resourceful these are in the long run.
Bang for the buck Diablo Valley's tuition fee per unit is very affordable. At $26/per unit, you'll be able to take the same classes that a University offers at a much, much lower cost and then be able to transfer these units to the college you want to attend in the future. With the help from the friendly people in the DVC Transfer & Counseling center, transferring to your desired college will be a snap!
Am enjoying being here The campus in Pleasant Hill, CA is very well organized. You'll never get lost in the campus. The students that attend DVC are very diverse and unique in their own way. The student store is great when you need something on the hurry and the student library is the ideal place to go when you need a quiet and resourceful place to study.
Am learning a lot Diablo Valley College has a variety of great professors that know what they are teaching. If you are focusing on a certain subject, DVC has the professors that you are looking for.
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Hannah from Alamo, CA
07/11/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 2 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Anyone who is looking for a fantastic education without spending several thousand dollars on tuition per year can benefit from DVC. They even have two campuses, so the people who live in the Bay Area can attend the campus that is closest to them!
Tips for prospective students This is a great junior college and it is a fantastic place to start if you aren't sure of your major, or if you want to get your general education and pre-major classes out of the way before transferring to a university. After two years at DVC, you can get straight to work at a university or state college towards your major.
Am enjoying being here The environment at this campus is incredibly friendly, and it is very easy to create a fast and genuine group of friends. Plus, there are tons of extracurricular activities and groups that are always looking for more people!
Am learning a lot Though this is a community college, many of the professors that I have had are part-time at nearby Universities like Berkley or other prestigious schools.
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Garrett from Clayton, CA
04/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 3 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety Police trainees onsite at all times in golf cart, on bikes, or even walking.
Greek Life None.
Clubs and Activities Unless in a culture club, there isn't really any.
Great for these types of students All students!!! Everyones personality is accepted.
Bang for the buck Community colleges are the way to go! Especially if you are living at home to really save some money. It is great to get general education credits and more done at a cheap cost.
What to do for fun The East Bay Area is filled with tons of activities such as hiking, going to San Francisco, shopping at the mall, going to all the downtowns, and even taking a short trip up to the snow. Sport teams are awesome at DVC and they except most students.
Food and Dining DVC has normal cafeteria, but gets better when the culinary students set up their booth for lunch. Cafeteria is not large and spectacular, but it does the job. There is a Peet's coffee in the book store, some coffee does good for those morning classes.
Dorm Life DVC is an awesome commuter school, but housing isn't much. Across the street is Camelback apartments and is where most of the international students stay.
Academic Rigor Most of the teachers have backgrounds from a 4 year college and are truly inspired with the class. A first time Professor does get a little lost, since many students stand at a different educational level then a University, but the veteran teachers really know their stuff.
Tips for prospective students Prospective students should not stress about their major or what school to transfer, since DVC is made so students can discover themselves. DVC is super cheap and it is best to take full advantage of the cost by taking courses that are transferable and hopefully more than just general education classes.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College (DVC), is the local community college closest to my house and is this biggest Contra Costa Community College. DVC is well known for an outstanding international department and having spectacular sport teams. It is a great place to get UC education, from you UC professors at a small cost compared to a 4 year college.
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Emily from Napa, CA
08/27/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
4 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students The school is really a good place for people who do sports such as dance, swimming and basketball. Major wise it is an excellent school for English, Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Technology Majors.
Tips for prospective students Try to buy your books used. Though many teachers wont let you because they are the author and they recieve the money from the new books. Yet there is a used book store down the street that carries a good portion of the books used. Also if you are planning on taking morning classes, for the first couple weeks you are going to want to get there an hour early because it is hard to find parking.
Bang for the buck The school itself in a junior college and cost much less then that of a four year college for the first two years of classes. I am saving over 20 thousand a year by attending this school and getting my general education done. There is also student discount stickers that completely pay off themselves. The sticker this past semester was 8 dollars, but it is only the first two weeks and I have saved 15 dollars on books.
Am enjoying being here The school it self is a beautiful campus much cleaner then some of the other schools I was looking at attending. The best part is it seems that just about everyone is friendly and is willing to talk to you and get to know you. Its got a large amount of clubs and sports. Just about anything your interested in you can find it here!
Am learning a lot I am learning a lot of information, and picking it up easily. For the most part all the teachers are extremely intelligent and know what their talking about. As long as you take the time to find the right teacher for you you will be very successful at this school.
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Jasmine from Oakland, CA
04/17/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
5 of 61
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Take all your classes seriously from Day 1!! If you start to slack or not pay attention in class, you'll regret it come test/essay time! I learned that the hard way.
Am learning a lot Most people look down upon community colleges, think they're not good enough, or think that only the unsuccessful students go there to try and do well. That can't be further from the truth. Going to a community college, particularly DVC, I have learned SO much, not only in academics but in life in general. I'm taking the same classes as my friends at the big universities while paying tens of thousands less. The most important thing I've learned is that junior colleges are great stepping stones in life. They help you make that transition from high school to college and better prep you for life at a big university.
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Christine from Hercules, CA
07/23/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 61
Categories Comments Am learning a lot Not only am I learning a lot at DVC but they make applying and getting started so easy. All of the professors are passionate about what they do and it reflects off of their students. They make you want to listen to what they have to teach making it easier to learn what you need to.
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Sarah from Danville, CA
08/31/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students DVC is perfect for all students ranging from the straight A student to the one who struggles to pass. The teachers really know how to teach and do not let students fend for themselves. If a student seeks help, help will be granted guaranteed. Success is in reach for all students. There are classes that are given at nearly all hours of the day and night as well so it fits in the schedules of students who are also part time or full time workers. It is possible to graduate or transfer and work to pay the necessary bills.
Tips for prospective students It is highly recommended to sign up for classes the hour you are assigned to. Classes and sections fill up fast and it is much less stressful on the first day of class when you are enrolled rather than crossing your fingers you are chosen via lottery when adding a class. It is also recommended to not drop sections because they are difficult or don't seem as fun as originally intended. If you want to complete general education courses on time in two years and transfer, you need to be taking a full course-load each semester and complete each credit.
Bang for the buck Even with budget cuts statewide and the loss of many sections for classes I still found it very possible to sign up for the classes I needed and at the times that worked best for my schedule. Tuition does increase just like every other school in the nation, however; its affordability is unmatched by any 4 year university. DVC teachers teach at other colleges in the bay area and it is extremely possible to have a professor who is teaching at institutions such as UC Davis, Stanford, and UC Berkeley without even coming close to paying the tuition bills those students have to pay. I am saving time and money getting my general education completed at DVC.
Am enjoying being here Diablo Valley College is a large community college with the feel of a smaller college. I am constantly walking down the hallways between lectures and see old classmates from high school or my new friends I made while I was there. You are bound to meet some really interesting people who care about everything and anything. There are clubs and organizations for students interested in just about any subject, and there are ways to create clubs for students who want to connect even deeper about something that isn't already offered. The teachers really put in an effort to learn each student's name and the ways that student learns best to adapt their teaching style and reach out to struggling students. It isn't difficult to find a home on campus at DVC whether its sitting by the pond or studying in the library.
Am learning a lot DVC is one of the highest ranked community colleges in the state of California and for good reason. The majority of my professors have a Doctorate in the field they are teaching and even a few of them are published. There are classes and opportunities to learn about nearly every subject under the moon and the classes are academically rigorous. I feel myself being pushed to maximize my potential and I find myself retaining more information I have learned here. There are plenty of tutors and resources for students to understand the material they are being taught and to succeed.
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sara bay area,CA
09/29/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students that are trying to save money and receive a great education at a low cost while getting there general education out of the way.
Tips for prospective students I recommend speaking with the counselor about laying out a plan for the classes that you would need to take for you major and your goal at DVC. Speaking to your professors about the material and any questions you would have would be helpful in the long run. Also for almost each subject their are tutor centers that you should take advantage from.
Am enjoying being here A great stepping stone for a first year student to have a lot of diversity from the student body not only from people from the Bay Area but the International students as well.
Am learning a lot Diablo Valley College is known for being one of the top community colleges. The professors are all helpful and have a an outstanding background in the material they have teaching since majority have their Ph.d.
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Tanya from Bay Point, CA
11/13/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students that like quiet neighborhoods, small or large classes, hard-working and motivated.
Tips for prospective students I would definitely attend this school, there are little things that could be better but I do love going to school at DVC and nothing really compares. It is in a great location and there isn't much to think about. There's great teachers, it's walking distance from the mall and other great locations, you learn a lot and the counselors are really helpful. Even if don't qualify for financial aid, it's a great investment towards your education.
Bang for the buck Saves alot of money than going straight to a 4-year university. The books are for the most part very cheap but the cafeteria food is such a rip-off. Other than that, I have saved a lot of money and because I was qualified for the BOG Fee Waiver, I've only ever had to pay for my books. I am a part-time worker and full-time student, so all the money I earn goes into my savings account for when I have to transfer.
Am enjoying being here I enjoy the atmosphere of the college, yet it is very cliche. A lot of the students that attend here already have friends from high school so if you come from another school, it is a little difficult to make friends. The campus is very beautiful on the other hang and is taken care of. I love just sitting outside and enjoying nature.
Am learning a lot The teacher's at DVC are great. They help when you need it and point you at the right direction. Although there are classes where you don't learn a lot from. It's all based on what the student's like best, some don't like lectures, some do, and so on. I suggest checking out ratemyprofessor.com before making the decision on your teachers! I have learned a lot from the majority of my teachers and I know I will be prepared when I need to transfer to a higher institute.
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Alex from Walnut Creek, CA
12/28/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students This school is great for students that work full time and need to save money. Also great for students that need more one on one attention.
Tips for prospective students There are so many people here (counselors, teachers, other staff) here to help you. Use them! Have them help you with whatever you need: homework, resume, personal statement anything. They are here for you.
Bang for the buck DVC is definitely a lot less than any four year school, that is the main reason why I decided to attend.
Am enjoying being here Sometimes because it's so small it can get a little boring. I also feel like it takes a long to see progress which makes it hard for me to stay motivated.
Am learning a lot You will learn however much you will want to learn. At this school you have to take advantage that its such a small community college. If you do you will greatly succeed.
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Jonathan from San Leandro, CA
02/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students great school for those who want to stay close to home.
Bang for the buck the norsk cafe is well known on campus by everyone and offers a cheap, but full meal for every.
What to do for fun there are many clubs and sports events active throughout the year.
Food and Dining the norks cafe is the greatest and cheapest place to eat on campus. it's great for poor college students. also, the fresh baked goods by the culinary students are to die for.
Dorm Life they don't have any dorms, but there are many apartments near by. they are a great commuter school.
Academic Rigor the teachers know what they're talking about and many of them have had experience in their field. they really work hard to get the students to learn the required information and more.
Tips for prospective students if you're looking for a community college, this is a great place to start. they have great university acceptance rates.
In three sentences the best community college in the contra costa system. hard working teachers who really care about the students futures. a modern looking school in an old campus.
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Anthony from san ramon, CA
02/13/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 12 of 61
Categories Comments Greek Life none that i know of
What to do for fun join a team or club
Dorm Life none
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Kearston from Fairfield, CA
02/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 61
Categories Comments Food and Dining lots of eateries within walking distance including sun valley mall.
Academic Rigor challenging classes with excellent instructors.
Tips for prospective students use webadvisor to register for classes.
In three sentences dvc has a wide selection of available majors and the faculty is amazing. the campus is large and when its not under construction is very beautiful. with one of the highest transfer rates to four year universities i think that dvc is an excellent community college.
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Oliver from Walnut Creek, CA
02/28/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety safe, with school pd.
Greek Life none
Clubs and Activities many clubs from social, major related, religious, hobbies, and culture.
Bang for the buck affordable, great option before transferring to a 4 year university.
Food and Dining great food all around campus, specifically the food prepared by the students in dvc's culinary program.
Dorm Life no dorms due to community college.
Academic Rigor great professors/instructors teaching at the university level.
Tips for prospective students stay on top of deadlines because they are important.
In three sentences an amazing experience with helpful professors and staff members.
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Sean from Concord, CA
03/01/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 61
Categories Comments What to do for fun hanging out with friends, or finding new ones in the quad.
Food and Dining food is about average. nothing too fancy or amazing.
Dorm Life no dorms.
Academic Rigor in addition to being a great school, the professors really expect a lot out of you. don't expect it to be easy!
Tips for prospective students if your looking for an overall great experience from a community college, diablo valley college is your place!
In three sentences dvc is a great school with passionate professors. the class sizes are small and affordable. i recommend this school to anyone in search of obtaining a aa degree, or seeking to transfer to a 4-year institution.
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ANGELO from PITTSBURG, CA
03/12/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
16 of 61
Categories Comments Food and Dining food and dining is really good.
Academic Rigor nothing, just start up to date with your classes and you'll do good.
Tips for prospective students always no when your registration date is to get in the classes that you want to get into never wait for the last minute to sign up for a class. always take advantage with your professor's office hours if you need help in any of your work or lost on something that you don't understand.
In three sentences i would give diablo valley college a 5 out 5 rating wise because this college is very helpful for students to explore and have a feel in their first steps of college life over here. diablo valley college helps the students to stay on track on there g.e. requirements and help you get transfer out within 2 years to transfer out.
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Josh from Benicia, CA
03/17/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety Never heard of anything unsafe.
Greek Life Very little.
Clubs and Activities Lots of 'em.
Great for these types of students Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Selling grade changes on your transcript.
Bang for the buck Just fine.
What to do for fun Take a nap in the library.
Food and Dining Food in the area sucks.
Dorm Life Community college...
Academic Rigor Not too hard if you have half a brain on you.
Tips for prospective students This is the place to go for cute girls.
In three sentences Diablo offers a wide range of transfer student oriented programs. The construction is a pain but will likely be cool when completed. They have a turtle pond.
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Kamilia from Antioch, CA
03/24/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 18 of 61
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Asians.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Native American Day
What to do for fun Go to the softball, basketball, and baseball games. Join a culinary class!
Tips for prospective students Make sure to meet with a counselor. Explore all the opportunities the school has to offer.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College has great classes! The professors are usually on their A game. The professors try their hardest to help you succeed.
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Chelsea from Concord, CA
03/26/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
19 of 61
Categories Comments Clubs and Activities The Dramatic Society is always open for new people and they meet on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30. They are really fun and just want the Performing Arts to thrive.
What to do for fun The pond is really calming and the ducks and geese are always entertaining. Also, if a student has an open space in his/her schedule, the mall is a walk away.
Food and Dining There are plenty of places to choose from! The Culinary Arts students work as waiters and waitresses in a restaurant on campus called The Norseman. Also, the campus provides Peet's in the Book Center and Starbucks in the Student Union. A student can find food in any of those places or the cafeteria which usually has a good variety of snack foods.
Academic Rigor The school is on the semester system but the time flies by really fast. So, the professors are always keeping an eye on what's coming next. The student should, too. The professors do not expect any slacking just because this is a community college. The professors push the students to do their best.
Tips for prospective students Go to the counselors as much as possible and tell them as much as possible about your goals. They just want to make sure you do well.
In three sentences DVC is a great community college because at least most of the professors really care about you and your goals. The professors take the students seriously and do not treat them like children. Each class has a diverse range of students and they are all treated equally.
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Kaylyn from Pleasant Hill, CA
03/31/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
20 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety DVC is in a safe city in a safe neighborhood. Campus police are around as well as the police station not to far away.
Great for these types of students Great for students working a full or part time job, or students intending to transfer.
Bang for the buck Classes are not overpriced for the quality of education you get.
Food and Dining The crow's nest sells some of the best chinese food.
Academic Rigor Some classes are taught by previous professors at berkeley and other rigorous universities, so the classes are just as educational and rigorous as if taking the course at a 4-year college.
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Samantha from Antioch, CA
04/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
21 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety I've never felt unsafe on campus nor had anything happen to my car.
Greek Life None.
Clubs and Activities There are clubs on campus, but the active ones seem to be the ones dedicated to students with specific ethnic backgrounds (ex. Chinese, etc.). The plays produced by the drama program are also very good, but sometimes sell out.
Great for these types of students All!
Bang for the buck The availability of free tutoring, counseling, and transfer advice make it worth it in my book in addition to the great professors.
What to do for fun Since it's located in the bay area, there's always tons to do if you're willing to hop on the BART into the city. Locally, there's only a mall and indoor mini-golf.
Food and Dining Around lunch time, the culinary arts department is often serving food which is almost always really cheap and very good. If you don't make it in time for that, your only options are greasy burgers, hot dogs, chips, and sodas.
Dorm Life Because it is a community college, there is no dorm.
Academic Rigor My classes haven't been very difficult, but it ranges from professor to professor. Always check professor reviewing sites.
Tips for prospective students Don't discount evening classes if you're a serious student! They're filled with working adults that are taking their education seriously which can be a refreshing change from classes with students that do nothing but discuss upcoming parties.
In three sentences DVC is a pleasant campus with a wide range of different professors and students. Despite being a community college, it still has great resources for students such as free counseling and tutoring. Academically, this school is what you make of it.
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Jessica from Pittsburg, CA
05/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
22 of 61
Categories Comments What to do for fun Although we have a small campus, many people can different ways to have fun. Some people enjoy joining the many sports teams we have at Diablo Valley College while others enjoy joining the many clubs. And also, many small businesses like to come to Diablo Valley College and show off what they're business is all about, whether it be selling jewelry or t-shirts, you know that you'll just have to stop and take a look. Many businesses from all over Pleasant Hill come to DVC and sell things that can be an interest to almost everybody. But whichever you choose to do, it's guaranteed that you'll have fun doing it.
Food and Dining At first, one might think that Diablo Valley College does not have any good food but if you look carefully and know the right people, they can take you to the best school food you will ever taste in your life and not to mention the many restaurants surrounding Diablo Valley College. And if you want to walk around a little after a large meal, right before your class, you can walk around at the mall which is just a 10 minute walk away from Diablo Valley College. You get it all here at DVC!
Dorm Life Unfortunately there are no dorms at Diablo Valley College but there are many apartments and townhouses nearby that do justice. They are very homey and some are even furnished and the best thing is, they cost much less than the dorms in larger universities.
Academic Rigor Although a community college, the academic challenges at Diablo Valley College are somewhat similar to that of a large university. Everyone takes their jobs and academic lives very seriously at Diablo Valley College and try just as hard as students and faculty of other schools. At DVC, you can guarantee that you'll get the challenges you need in order to succeed in college.
Tips for prospective students Even though some professors at this school act as if they don't care, it'd be best for you not to test them. Most of the teachers are work at bigger universities so they have a lot on their plates and do not need rude remarks from students whom they see only twice a week. They try their best to be good teachers, so you should try your best to be a good student. They go through a lot. Give them a break. Although Diablo Valley College is a small school, your grades are still as important as they were in high school and they will either make or break you. Make sure to always plan accordingly and don't procrastinate. Procrastinating may have worked in high school but it's no use in college. You have to get your work done and stop saying that you put the pro in procrastinate, that won't really get you anywhere and the teachers here at Diablo Valley College explain that constantly. And as for one last tip, just enjoy your college life. Don't stress out to a point where you lose yourself. School can get hard but if you plan everything out to your liking and manage your time well, you can really enjoy your time spent at Diablo Valley College.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College is one of the top community colleges in the state. The professors here are very helpful and want to make sure that each and every one of their students succeed. With a little hard work and dedication, each student at Diablo Valley College has the opportunity to do great in college and enjoy it at the same time.
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Sahar from Pleasanton, CA
05/11/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
23 of 61
Categories Comments What to do for fun Commuter school. However, there are many social clubs for those desiring more.
Food and Dining Not enough to review on. Very limited if any.
Academic Rigor Classes are tough and teachers have high expectations. My review is based on science courses.
Tips for prospective students Don't miss your registration date as impacted classes fill quickly.
In three sentences This is a wonderful community college. Great for Transfer students. Lots of classes offered and wonderful faculty.
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Valentina from Concord, CA
05/17/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
24 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety I have never been threaten on campus, or scared to walk to the parking lot late nights after class. Security on campus is a biggie.
Bang for the buck Going to a community college for two years really saved me a lot of money. I applied for the BOG waiver and didn't pay for classes, only books
Food and Dining Never tried their cafe, but I've heard is pretty good. They only accept cash, or checks.
Dorm Life No dorms
Academic Rigor Depending on what class you take, and with what professor DVC is pretty much a breeze
In three sentences DVC has lots of diversity. They have transfer agreements with many four-year schools.Professors care about their students.
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Mauricio from Concord, CA
05/28/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
25 of 61
Categories Comments What to do for fun The sun valley mall is right across the street, and some good restaurants as well. Downtown concord and downtown pleasant hill are both right next door pretty much. Lots of stuff to do.
Tips for prospective students See a counselor right away and organize your goals. Register for classes early. Parking is crazy, but the overflow lot never fills up completely. It's across the street, but just get there a few minutes early to have time to walk to class. It's better than dealing with the stress of the main lot, and much faster.
In three sentences A great school full of opportunities and influential people. Most of the faculty is knowledgable and friendly, although using ratemyprofessor.com is helpful for avoiding the disgruntled and complacent teachers. All in all a great place to find your stride if your an undergraduate, or continue your education and learn new things.
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Kaitlyn from Pittsburg, CA
06/12/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
26 of 61
Categories Comments What to do for fun There are a lot of things you can do for fun at DVC. You can hang out with your friends or explore the area to see if there are any places that interest you.
Food and Dining I know a little bit about the area around the college and from what I have heard, there are some places where you can find some really good food.
Dorm Life I don't really know anything about dorms because I will be still living at home and I don't know if there even is any dorms.
Academic Rigor It is a community college so the classes might not be as difficult as a university. The classes will probably be a lot harder than high school classes.
Tips for prospective students If you are planning to go to this college you need to make sure to take the assessment tests early and take an orientation course so you know what classes to sign up for.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College is a wonderful community college that can offer you many great education opportunities. The prices are reasonable, especially if you can't afford to got to a university. The campus is located in a great area that might have job opportunities for college students.
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Paul from Pleasant Hill, CA
06/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
27 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety With a large campus police, a substation on campus, and close proximity to Pleasant Hill police, safety should not be a big issue for anyone though much of the infrastructure is not as well kept up as it could be.
Clubs and Activities For the average student pickings may be a little slim and budget cuts have recently weakened the drama and art departments. But there is opportunity for any sport and I still stronglynrecommend the drama department over all else. It never fails to impress.
Great for these types of students Those who had trouble though high school, for those who want to save tution money, or for the older students who want to make a new start at life.
Bang for the buck Excellent value! While prices have almost doubled over the past few years no four year school can come close to the low prices of DVC tuition. Would recommend for anyone wishing to save some money though I would still buy your books online.
What to do for fun Downtown and the Sunvalley mall are but a stones throw away. Good theatre department and I would strongly recommend watching a play if you get the chance.
Food and Dining A few basic on campus options, the first one that comes to mind is of course the Norseman. It's run by students of the restaurant department and the food is usually good for a good price though the quality can vary. Only open for lunch though and not for the entire semester. Best place to get a quick good meal at anytime is the basement cafe, it serves breakfest, lunch, and early dinner for reasonable pricing. Would not recommend the cafeteria, it's a little expensive with semi-predictable hours.
Dorm Life For the most part not applicable, very little on school housing save for a few blocks on the far west side of campus. They are new a very nice but at the same time they are pricey.
Academic Rigor Increasingly serious though a large part of this is more dependant on the professor as opposed to the school in general. That said with more students applying every year the school as a whole is starting to get stricter.
Tips for prospective students Don't underetimate DVC, just because it is a community college does not mean the classes are easier.
In three sentences A very good school all things considering. It's a community college but it is great for getting started or restarting a college career.
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Cassey from San Ramon, CA
06/26/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus is always safe.
Tips for prospective students Solemnly skip class. It's really hard to even miss one class, you fall behind so fast. Always go to class on time, and never give the teacher attitude.
In three sentences I would rate this school a 4/5. The Insite Portal (used to register for classes, and to check any school affiliated issues) is always down, very slow and can make you very frustrated. The San Ramon campus is nice though, and people at that campus all seem genuine.
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Isabella from Martinez, CA
06/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety I've never not felt safe at school. I'll give it only 4 stars because I don't think I've given them the opportunity to prove themselves.
Clubs and Activities There are great clubs for culinary arts and dance. I'm sure there are more but I just never looked into any.
Great for these types of students TONS of international students go here. Most of them come from asian countries. If you're planning on transferring to a UC, this is the school to go to.
Bang for the buck It's community college so it's pretty cheap.
What to do for fun There is a mall nearby and tons of shopping.
Food and Dining Near great shopping areas and they serve great food provided by the culinary arts students.
Dorm Life There are no dorms. It's either stay with the parents or find a lovely roommate that will tolerate you.
Academic Rigor It depends on the classes you take but each class has it's difficulties.
Tips for prospective students Sign up for classes right away and don't procrastinate. Set up a goal and take one or two classes that you will actually enjoy. Having a full load of stressful classes really takes a toll on you.
In three sentences Great transfer rate. A lot of international students. The one community college in my area that doesn't feel like I'm still in high school.
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07/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun I suggest students join a club. Clubs offer new friends while allowing you to pursue your interest or take up a new interest. Check the list of clubs located on the DVC website.
Food and Dining There are a variety of food options here. During fall and spring semester, the culinary students serve delicious and affordable food and deserts during lunchtime. Also, there are food places within walking distance of the campus (burger king, the sunvalley mall food court)
Dorm Life While dvc does not have dorms, there are appartments located near campus. I've visited friends who live in the Northridge appartments across the street. The facilities are nice, and they have two pools and a hot tub. (Note: i have never lived in them so those interested would have to do their own online research).
Academic Rigor The academic level is in between high school and a 4 year university. While the level of toughness varies from the type of class you take and the teacher, the smaller classrooms and the caring teacher (if you're fortunate to have one) makes grasping the material more bearable.
Tips for prospective students 1) ALWAYS look up teachers before choosing them (on sites such as ratemyprofessor.com) 2) Renting books will be cheaper than buying them from dvc (if possible). If you know you wont need the book in the future, try renting from site such as chegg.com or buying from halfpricebooks.com or amazon.com 3) Make sure to refrain from only taking electives. After all, you don't want to be stuck at DVC because you only took basket weaving classes your first few semesters.
In three sentences DVC's smaller classrooms allow students to have more attention. There is a variety of food choices on and around campus. The constant student activities/clubs and caring faculty provide a pleasant environment.
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Azucena from Pittsburg, CA
07/13/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Dorm Life There is no dorm life on this campus.
Tips for prospective students Before attending Diablo Valley College, make sure to visit the campus ahead of time so that you can find where all of your classes are before the school year begins.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College is a great school to start out at, because of all the resources that are available to a student. It has a big campus, a bit confusing but once you figure out where everything is it is a great place to learn from. The college setting is very calm and relaxing allowing others to feel at home at this college.
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Kelly from Walnut Creek, CA
07/13/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students -need to save some money -not sure what you want to do yet -need to stay close to home
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus none that I can think of!
Bang for the buck If you're living at home, you're saving a ton of money compared to states and UC's.
What to do for fun Hang out in the student union, relax on the library lawn or head across the street to sunvalley for more options.
Food and Dining Pretty good. Be sure to talk to Tony who works in the cafeteria. He's really nice and will make you a good hot meal. The culinary students usually cook and sell their food every now again as well.
Dorm Life No campus living!
Academic Rigor It really depends. I've only been here a year, and it varies between teachers.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you know your registration dates!!
In three sentences DVC is a great school for those of us who didn't fall head over heels for a college right out of high school, or those who still don't quite know where they're headed. DVC also offers classes for much less than the bigger schools and is currently fixing up the campus for the students. Overall, its a great school to go to to save some money, stay close to home, and get your goals in order before diving head first into a 4 year college.
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Chelsea from Piedmont, CA
07/17/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus was a bit safer about five years ago, but it is still safer than others overall. There is less security now due to budget cuts.
Clubs and Activities There are many different clubs and student activities on campus. There are a couple of club days per year, when students can talk to club members to see if they would like to join. Most campus activities include dance and musical performances by students.
Great for these types of students This is a great school for transfer students and for those who are pursuing vocational training.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There are some great little parks on campus where you can relax with friends, or find a quiet place to study while staying connected to what is around you.
Bang for the buck Some of the professors also teach at the State or UC level, so students are definitely getting a good education for a cheaper price here.
What to do for fun Students can relax in the lounge in the student union center, or meet with various clubs on campus to have fun.
Food and Dining There are many places where a student can get a quick bite to eat or grad a coffee in between classes. There are even a cafe and a nicer restaurant run by culinary students on the campus.
Dorm Life There aren't dorms on campus, so this really doesn't apply.
Academic Rigor The academic performance required of the students varies depending upon the professor and the class taken. Some professors don't push their students too hard, while some can be over the top with the amount of workload given.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you check out www.ratemyprofessors.com before applying for classes.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College is one of the best community colleges in California, based in the curriculum and the opportunities the campus offers. There are many programs in place to help students succeed in the school, and when transferring or seeking a career. Students can get a quality education for a much cheaper price here.
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Can from Concord, CA
07/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Walking around the campus near the pond or going out to in&out which is nearby.
Tips for prospective students Do not think twice to apply ! Berkeley gets the most transferring students from DVC .
In three sentences It has a big campus and many students . Despite that many classrooms which are able to handle that many students . I usually criticize easily , but not much to tell for me this time .
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Bethany from Clayton, CA
08/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining The few meals I have had here are only one step down from the quality of food at the mall down the road and more appropriately priced than other colleges I have eaten at.
Academic Rigor I have found that as long as you keep in touch with your teachers and get the assignments done on time you are pretty much good to go.
Tips for prospective students Plan out your classes BEFORE your registration date. Get to school at least a half hour early in the first week or two in order to find a decent parking spot. Always keep an open line of communication between you and your teacher.
In three sentences DVC is a lot like high school all over again. Not only because most of the students grew up in the area, but also because the more general classes, such as history, take the minimal effort to pass. I have found however, as you get higher up in class levels the difficulty increases appropriately to seem more like a college course.
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Preston from Antioch, CA
08/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Movies, Q-Zar, G.E classes (i.e Culinary arts, P.E, etc.)
Food and Dining Variety of restaurants, food markets, and Dinners
Dorm Life Unless you are foreign, I wouldn't recommend it. Get an apartment, money saver.
Academic Rigor No more than 12 units if working ( 8 minimum), no less than 12 if not.
Tips for prospective students -Know your major! -Scholarships, FAFSA, IGETC, and Assist.org are your friends. -Focus and Don't Postpone
In three sentences The environment inside and out is very nice, refreshing, and clean. The classes, teachers, and students are very nice and work with each other well to make the overall campus experience delightful. The scheduling and variety of classes are a huge plus for the school.
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Daniel from Rodeo, CA
09/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety park in the right spots
What to do for fun meeting lots of new people
Food and Dining wonderful location
Dorm Life none
Academic Rigor It's challenging; I love it!
Tips for prospective students Be optimistic Be focused on what you want to do Be pro active about your future
In three sentences Pleasant Pro-Active Informational
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Meritte from Concord, CA
09/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety It's very safe, even if anything happened, there's a police office which you can report on anything that happened to you right away.
Clubs and Activities Clubs are really nice and you meet a lot of new people.
What to do for fun I go to clubs, library, computer lab, or just hanging out with friends.
Food and Dining Food and dinning are pretty good. There's a nice cafeteria too.
Dorm Life I am not in a dorm but I am sure it's nice.
In three sentences DVC is a really nice community college. It's helping me to get ready for a university and helping my English also.
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Aaron from Pittsburg, CA
10/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun A lot of them are very active and involved in a lot of sports.
In three sentences Diablo valley college is filled with a lot of productive and successful students looking to transfer or go off into a career
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Caryn from Alamo, CA
10/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety They have their own police department which is part of Pleasant Hill PD and they roam the campus and parkings lot a great deal especially at night.
Greek Life It is a community college. No sororities or fraternities.
Clubs and Activities I see a lot of clubs around and there is a diverse number but I don't have time for it with the studying I must do.
Great for these types of students This school is geared for students who are not quite ready to go to a four year school and perhaps haven't decided what major they wish to focus on. It is a good place to find one. Also, it is a good place if you just want a certification such as in dental assisting or hygeine.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is a duck pond where you can families of ducks in the spring. It is quite adorable to see the mother and father with their little ducklings and the lake is peaceful and a good place to study during warmer weather.
Bang for the buck Classes are inexpensive and the teachers are adept. The most expensive items are books and materials.
What to do for fun There is a performing arts center that puts on about five to six plays a year. There plays are actually really well done. There are also clubs to match particular interests.
Food and Dining I have no opinion. I don't eat here.
Dorm Life There are no dorms.
Academic Rigor I'm not sure what else to say about this subject except that you must learn to develop good study habits. There are math, English and foreign language labs to help at no cost.
Tips for prospective students See a counselor and return to the same counselor in reviewing your transfer requirements for GE and elective courses. Be your own advocate and research on your own. Stay motivated in your classes, study and don't relent. Find a major your passionate about because without passion, the odds are succeeding are less likely.
In three sentences It is a decent community college in preparation to transfer if one is focused and does their own research. A plan is necessary but if you maintain and follow the said plan, professors will assist you and the options are nearly limitless in transfer opportunities.
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Courtney from Walnut Creek, CA
11/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety So so, I took night classes one semester and decided it was a little scary.
Clubs and Activities I swam and had a blast!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The pond is fun to watch the geese and ducks.
Bang for the buck It was a good experience but I wish I had better school counseling so I didn't have to spend an extra year here and then transfer to a 4 year college.
What to do for fun Get involved in a sport, I did swimming and had the time of my life. I met new friends and the coaches were the best. I hope they don't cut the sports programs, it helped me feel connected and stay in shape to move onto a Division 1 college.
Food and Dining Pretty good food, but the lines are long.
Academic Rigor You can make it as hard or as easy as you want to.....some Prof. are egomaniacs. You will find out the ones who really want to teach and be there and willing to help and the ones who just want to bust you chops, avoid them when you can it will make your life a lot easier.
Tips for prospective students Get your classes early - sign up for early registration. Spread out your hard classes with your easy ones. Be early to campus so you can get a parking place - carpool!
In three sentences School is overcrowded and it is hard to get the classes you need for your AA or transfer. Counselors are not very helpful in advising class choice for transfer to out of state colleges. Construction on campus is a mess but much needed. A lot of international students that do not speak english - unfair to the classroom and english speaking students - overcrowding and difficult to learn in that kind of setting.
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Madeline from Concord, CA
11/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Very close to Sun Valley Mall.
Food and Dining Great Cheap food in the cafeteria and also near the science center.
Dorm Life No dorms.
Academic Rigor Classes can be easy or hard depending on the teacher and subject. Online reviews of teachers are quite accurate. Teachers do their best to help you pass the class.
Tips for prospective students Take morning classes! Parking can get quite difficult after 9 unfortunately. Use all the resources provided by the school. Counseling, Financial Aid and the transfer center are some of the benefits of this school and were really helpful to me!
In three sentences Diablo Valley College is a great inexpensive alternative to complete your general education before transferring to a university. I have saved thousands of dollars by going here and have always received great advice from counselors. Most teachers are very accommodating so you may be able to add into classes even though they are full.
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Elizabeth from Oakland, CA
11/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Dorm Life NA. I think Dorms only exist for the International students. Don't know.
Academic Rigor Chem classes are said to be as hard as the ones at UC Berkeley!
Tips for prospective students DO NOT over load your schedule! Don't try to take multiple 5 unit classes at once, it'll hurt your grades. Make sure all your classes transfer.
In three sentences Good school to transfer from. Teachers care and students help each other out. It can be difficult to find fresh local food.
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Rebecca from Pinole, CA
11/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There are always campus police roaming around, keeping an eye on things but there never really is a need because most of the people at DVC are very civilized. I have been there for 5 semesters and i have not seen one fight or need for police interaction.
Great for these types of students This campus is honestly good for any kind of student, except for slackers who think they can glide by without doing an ounce of work.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There are 2 duck ponds on campus, one located at the bottom of campus and the other at the top. Wonderful places, to read, study or just sit and listen to music.
Bang for the buck Like i said, food is ample amounts for little money, but also the tuition is cheap for the education you get.
What to do for fun If you are in a club, there are always meetings and activities going on. If not, you can play in the rec room with friends, or go to the mall down the street. You can read by the duck pond and enjoy the scenery or just walk around and enjoy the nice weather.
Food and Dining The food at DVC is amazing. I eat at the Student Union almost everyday. Fresh food is prepared everyday from the students there, ranging from pizza to pasta to breakfast burritos. They have daily specials and are very inexpensive. There is also a coronary class which cooks fine dining food for also inexpensive eating. If none of that sparks your interest, DVC is located down the street from the Concord Mall where you can obtain food.
Dorm Life Aside from apartments you can rent across the street for cheap, there isn't dorming due to it being a community college.
Academic Rigor Like i said, the work is vigorous, but often times made interesting. You will be made to take it upon yourself to get help if you need it, and also are held accountable for due dates and deadlines. If they say it once, it's up to you to remember. The work is often demanding, but worth it. Most teachers will challenge you and you will appreciate that because you get so much more out of it.
Tips for prospective students Be ready to work, but to also enjoy yourself. Though the work may be vigorous, there are ample of peaceful places to do this work. I prefer the duck ponds myself. Also, if you are a foodie, you will love the on-campus cuisine, especially the bakery. Always ask the librarians for help on projects because they are eager to help and have saved me a few times. And the best way to meet people, is to BE ACTIVE. Join a club, enjoy the rec room between classes, or just roam around and talk to people. Not only are the people friendly but the conversations held are intriguing and will keep you thinking all day.
In three sentences The reason I decided to go to DVC in the first place is due to the great reviews of the professors there. The environment and spacious campus is another reason it appealed to me along with the friendly people. They have great clubs, an amazing coronary program that cooks most of the delicious food on campus, and easy access to getting help, from EOS programs to pop-ins with counselors.
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Hedy from Martinez, CA
12/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety It is really safe, it has a police station inside
Clubs and Activities Sport clubs, international clubs
Great for these types of students great for every type of student
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus It is a very multicultural college, where you can find people from many part of the world and they offer activities from different cultures.
What to do for fun They offer several sport clubs, artistic club, and clubs just to meet people. They also have a lot of activities every day where you can be part of and have fun.
Food and Dining It has several places where you can eat different types of food at affordable prices
Academic Rigor Really good
Tips for prospective students Enroll to classes early, that is always important.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College is a great community college that gives you great education and great knowledge to transfer to another 4-year university. It has really good teachers that help you to complete your goals and really good program and classes. It also has great projects like studying in different countries.
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Rozalia from Martinez, CA
12/05/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There's a police station on campus and it's a very safe place.
Great for these types of students We're good for everyone: young, old, english speaking or international. We're truly a community college with remedial classes, ESL classes, hobby classes and also all the requirements for transfer to a four year university.
Bang for the buck It's extremely good value to go to a community college for your first two years and then transfer. DVC is also the number one satellite school for UC Davis and UC Berkeley.
What to do for fun We're a block away from the Sunvalley mall, close to a bunch of food places and in the middle of the east bay near Walnut Creek, Oakland, and not too far from San Francisco.
Food and Dining We have an excellent culinary program, and the cafeteria is staffed by all the hospitality and culinary students. Different themed food every week, it's all delicious and extremely cheap. We also have a student staffed restaurant, the Norseman, where the culinary students practice what it would be like to work in a 5 star restaurant. We also have a Peet's Coffee in the bookstore and a Starbucks in the student centre.
Dorm Life Nonexistent. This is a community college and you're expected to be living with your parents or in an apartment with room mates.
Academic Rigor It really depends on your teacher as to the rigor of the course, but all the classes I've taken I have learned a lot and worked hard in.
Tips for prospective students Register as soon as you can because classes fill up quickly, but don't be afraid to show up on the first day and request to be in the class because frequently registered students don't show up and the kids who do get in the class.
In three sentences Full of variety and interesting people: you're more likely to be in a class with a 15 year old, a 60 year old, and various international students than any other college I've ever seen. Good variety of classes and the academic standards are high. A well placed campus.
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12/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Very safe! There are adults and security people everywhere so no need to fear!
Bang for the buck I think it is worth the $46 per unit.
What to do for fun Sports, clubs, and great food.
Food and Dining Tastes great! Fairly cheap too!
Academic Rigor Excellent, high standards, but gracious teachers.
Tips for prospective students Sign up early and there will be more reward! Come with an open mind too.
In three sentences Great community college that provides many classes with great professors.
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Kyle from Pleasant Hill, CA
12/18/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students that are unsure of their major, academically below-average, unable to win/qualify for scholarships/grants, or students that do not wish to have a heavy debt load out of college, all thrive at DVC.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The pond by the music building is always a great place to be. There are some very aggressive geese there that love to tell you how much they need your extra food.
Bang for the buck Even with the recent increase to $46/unit. You get what you need at DVC for thousands less than at a traditional university. Also community college give people the chance to get used to how things work as a college student before they go off to study on their own
What to do for fun Hang out in the bookstore.
Food and Dining The cafeteria does not excite the common student but there are various places that offer wonderful food. Chinese BBQ in the west side, culinary showcases and sales in the east side, and good ole' Pete's Coffee in the Bookstore (central).
Dorm Life DVC does not have on-campus housing but there are various amounts of apartments directly across the street from the campus.
Academic Rigor This school can range here from there. Teachers can be difficult or easy and classes the same. It all depends on what type of class you are taking. However, most of my professors have been fairly lenient on grades and material. No one is trying to discipline young kids at this college.
Tips for prospective students Get with a counselor every semester and ask ALL of you questions. Meeting requirements for your specific needs are constantly in flux and need to be closely monitored to maximize your time.
In three sentences Dynamic people and professors. Straightforward scheduling and process's. Antisocial campus that requires a map.
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12/20/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun You can join clubs, attend games, attend plays, or just hang out! :)
Food and Dining There is a cafeteria and student store to purchase foods.
Dorm Life There are no dorms but they have an area for students looking for roommates or who are in need of a living space.
Academic Rigor It honestly depends on your academic status and the teachers course plan.
Tips for prospective students Time is your best friend! Don't waste it!
In three sentences Pretty amazing! Awesome students, teachers, and services! Glad I transferred.
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Magy from San Pablo, CA
01/30/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Safety at DVC is not that well you rarely see police officers or securities specially in the parking lots, I never see one. In campus there great.
Clubs and Activities Clubs at Dvc are great, there is plenty to choose from. For example, they have the red cross club, alpha gamma sigma and many more.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus DVC has a little lake where there are ducks is beautiful but the ducks do get the pathway dirty with their waste.
Food and Dining Food at DVC is good it can be a little expensive. The bookstore food is expensive as well even though it does have a variety of snacks to choose from.
Dorm Life I do not stay in any dorm at DVC and i am not aware if they do have dorms.
Academic Rigor Academically DVC is a great community college, has great teachers and great tutors for either English or Spanish.
In three sentences DVC is a fun and beautiful college. Students and teachers are friendly there as well.
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Tara from Martinez, CA
02/01/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety I could say I have not had a problems being unsafe while I attended this college. This college does have a police service on campus. I do know that if you have a night class and if you feel you do not want to walk by yourself to your car you may call the police service that is on campus that they can assist you with your situation.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus One area of the location on the campus which I never thought that it was even there unless you want to really explore all throughout the campus. There are two places both are near the life science building and math lab building. There are two walking trails that lead to one of the parking lots. Its like taking the long way or the short way. The long way is more nature feeling.
What to do for fun There are grassy areas around the college campus. I imagine people can sit on the lawn, though I have only seen this happen a few times while I was at school. There are plenty of benches to sit around being alone or with a group of friends to hang out. The one most that I like is near the music building, where there is a pond and in the middle of the pond is some type of sprayer thing where the water squirts up high and must not forget the ducks and geese. It's amazing to just watch the water and the animals. That's if you like nature.
Food and Dining Diablo Valley College has a cafeteria where it has a variety of foods that are package or some where food servers can prepare and make the food. there are soft drinks, coffee, juices, and water. Sometimes when the weather permits, the students in the culinary class cooks food outside and then sales the delicious food to other students. There is a restaurant next to the cafeteria also run by the culinary class and there is Peet's Coffee in the book store and in the student union is also where you can buy food and drinks.
Dorm Life I don't believe Diablo Valley College has a dorm life, but there are plenty of apartment buildings close by.
Academic Rigor I find the academic structure for the classes can be easy going for most but sometimes some academic skills can be a struggle if you have learning disabilities. You may though, go to an instructor and explain to the situation where the instructor may be able to assist you or you may have to go see a DSS counselor. There is math that has a good structure. If you take math your instructor can help you during before or after class depending on their office hours or the math lab which has free tutors to help with your math.
Tips for prospective students Please make sure you check out all avenues for Diablo Valley College. Diablo Valley College has many programs for people who are going to and will be going to college, for instance the college has EOPS, and DSS. These are just some of the programs that can help pay for your books, help with some counseling needs, and if you have a learning disabilities.
In three sentences I would give Diablo Valley College a rate of five stars for the staff who gives their quality time in helping the students find what they need to get started with their education goals for the present and for the future. I would say for the parking I would rate a two star for the first month when classes start. This is because the parking is always overwhelming for the new session of every semester. After a while the parking gets better
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Allyn Marie from American Canyon, CA
03/21/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There aren't any unusual traditions on campus besides the usual college days, career days, and job fair days at the cafeteria.
What to do for fun There's plenty of things to do around DVC besides the academics and sports: there are numerous restaurants surrounding the campus and the mall is right across the street.
Food and Dining The food at DVC is a little pricey, but manageable.
Dorm Life It's a community college so there's really no dorming!
Academic Rigor The Academic Rigor at DVC varies from class to class and teacher to teacher. There isn't any set standard except for the ones you put up yourself.
Tips for prospective students If there are ant prospective students that are soon entering DVC, I would advise that you sign up for the classes you want early -- otherwise you'll be stuck taking classes you don't need/want. I also advise that you buy your books used because the prices at the student store are on the more expensive side and you would be saving a ton of cash.
In three sentences Attending Diablo Valley College has opened my eyes to what I see myself doing in my future. There is a broad range of classes to choose from and my major is quite specific, so the very fact they offer my major as a class is very helpful. They really care for their students and try very hard to help them succeed.
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Yasmin from Pittsburg, CA
03/24/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Greek Life No Greek life.
Clubs and Activities Has every type of different clubs! You name it they have it.
Great for these types of students Mostly good for any major.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus If your a science or computer major. You will go up these steps called the Suicide/Aerobics steps.
What to do for fun Clubs are great. You meet a lot of people who share the same interests with you.
Dorm Life Its a junior college.
Tips for prospective students Use the Teachers! They are your tools to get by.
In three sentences Its a comfortable environment the teachers are there to help you out. The classroom are small, which is great for the student to interact with everyone and the teachers. The Teachers academic level is University level.
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Emma from Sacramento
04/02/2013Reviewer is A past student here.
54 of 61
Categories Comments What to do for fun The plays and productions that are put on are really well done. There are speech tournaments and debates that are interesting to watch.
Food and Dining There is a culinary program here that is quite good, they serve food in the quad that is really yummy. There is also a cafeteria and Starbucks. It is also fairly close to many places to eat off campus.
Dorm Life There are no dorms seeing as this is a junior college.
Academic Rigor Depending on the course the class can be difficult. Each professor had their own method and teaching styles. You'll learn to adapt to each class.
Tips for prospective students Be interactive and participate. These teachers are here because they like teaching and spreading knowledge; they don't get paid well enough to slack off on their job.
In three sentences It is an easy campus to get the hang of, class sizes are good and teachers are interactive. A wide range of courses with a good selection of online classes as well as a sister school in San Ramon. A lot of parking but near other schools so there is traffic in the mornings.
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Courtney from Walnut Creek, CA
04/11/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
55 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety Generally I felt safe but I felt unsure at night in the parking lot, good idea to use the buddy system.
Clubs and Activities All kinds of stuff to get involved in if you want.
Great for these types of students Students who are not sure what major they want to pursue or to save some tuition money for a 4 year University.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus I swam for the swim team, awesome experience and great way to make new friends.
Bang for the buck excellent
What to do for fun Lots to do, you are a 30 minute BART ride from San Francisco, beach, Tahoe is 4 hours away.
Food and Dining Okay, you can get food on campus and there are nearby places as well.
Academic Rigor It can be rigorous at times if you are working or an athlete, it is what you make it.
Tips for prospective students Meet with academic adviser often, don't rely on the athletic adviser to help you plan your degree path. Take charge of getting your required classes out of the way first because class availability is limited.
In three sentences Overall pretty good if you keep on top of your requirements for transfer. Classes are impacted and hard to get for incoming frosh. Campus is nice and I enjoyed swimming for the DVC swim team, best experience ever!
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Richard from Concord, CA
04/16/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
56 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus feels moderately safe, and it helps to have campus police so close. Pleasant Hill PD and the campus police are observant, as well as teachers and admin are usually walking around the campus, so it helps to keep down crime and issues.
Greek Life Non-existent, as this is a community college, with the exception of the Honor society, who has taken greek letters to represent themselves.
Clubs and Activities Very active on clubs at this campus. Many clubs for many walks of life, so join one and have some fun!
Great for these types of students Students who can push through the poor teachers to find the good ones. Do not lose focus as I did or you may find yourself coming back later to do courses that you could have finished long before!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Unknown.
Bang for the buck Costs rise and fall so make sure you talk to your teachers to see which books you must buy the most current edition, and which ones you can go onto Amazon to get an older edition and save some money. If you plan on possibly dropping any classes, ensure you do it before the refund date so that you get that money back.
What to do for fun Located near a mall and a few supermarkets, this place is pretty close to most things. Movie theaters are down the way as well as clubs just in the next city over (Walnut Creek).
Food and Dining Food is alright, and pretty typical of what you find at a 7-11. The Nord Cafe here though, which is run by the Culinary program, is outstanding and worth checking out a few different times to enjoy a slice of excellent quality food at a fairly reasonable price.
Academic Rigor Some teachers are very strict and give loads of homework, while others give you four books to read for a semester that you won't crack open until an essay is assigned. The teachers are all over the map, so truly rating rigor is a harder task than it seems. Make sure you talk to friends and family who have taken classes here as well as checking on review sites to see what people had to say about your upcoming teachers.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you know exactly what you want to do and meet with your academic counselor to ensure you are taking the right classes. With the rising costs of books and tuition, along with the teachers, your counselors are your last line of defense against the multitude of classes that you may or may not need to complete. Work hard and it could definitely pay off here.
In three sentences This school is very hit or miss, with some teachers being the cream of the crop, and some being the left overs who barely passed Junior High. The financial aid department definitely takes its time, and even with the large amount of students attending this school, it sure seems as if they like to push things back farther than necessary. Get your general eds done here and run to another college as this college has an excellent transfer record.
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Daniele from Vallejo, CA
04/25/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
57 of 61
Categories Comments Bang for the buck It's worth it to go here! DVC has the highest transfer rate as a community college in California. If you are thinking of going to a community college first, for Music, consider DVC! You wont regret it!
Food and Dining The Culinary group on campus is awesome! They are always selling delicious and inexpensive food everyday.
Academic Rigor Some classes can be very challenging because some teachers base your entire grade on tests alone. Even if the course is set up that way, your teacher is still willing to help you succeed.
Tips for prospective students Use the website ratemyprofressor.org. It is extremely helpful, but overall I've had great teachers.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College is an amazing place to go if you are looking to become a music major of any sort. The teachers here are very well educated, funny, and care a lot about the students. You will meet amazing musicians from a jazz guitarist to a great classical pianist.
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Jonathan from San Leandro, CA
05/01/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
58 of 61
Categories Comments What to do for fun A great pond to take a peaceful walk around, especially during finals week.
Food and Dining Fresh bakery goods are the best! Check out The Norse restaurant for great food, service, and a great price.
In three sentences All the teachers are supportive in the students' education goals. Clean and growing school. New construction brings the school into the 21st century college feel.
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Whitney from Pleasanton, CA
06/05/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
59 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety It's a very open campus with a lot of students. There are only a few security personnel and incidents involving stolen bags have occurred throughout my time here at DVC.
Clubs and Activities I haven't exactly participated in any clubs or activities, but there is a Study Abroad option for those financially able and a ton of liberal and academic clubs just waiting for you to experience.
Great for these types of students DVC is a great place for someone who wants to graduate from a UC or CSU and maybe didn't do so well in high school or don't have the money yet to pay for the outrageous tuitions these colleges are asking for. You can get your GE out of the way at a marginally low price, save up, and then transfer to the school of your dreams.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The Forum is a place not a lot of students utilize, but it's underneath the library and has big tables to study on. It also has a bathroom in it so you don't have to trek a long way to do your business (especially if you have a bunch of books and really don't like schlepping them around campus). The Student Center is somewhere I assumed people would inherently go and explore, but I've found that many have no idea what I'm talking about when I mention it. The Student Center is right next to the Lake/Fountain, near the drama department. The reason I like it so much is that it has a kitchen that makes yummy burritos and pasta for breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, and late lunch. It's a nice place to eat and study.
Bang for the buck Since you're only paying around $26 per unit, DVC is an amazing way to take University level classes at an extremely low price. That said, the school system is really hurting right now financially, so I would advise not buying your books at the bookstore. Go to Half.com, and you'll thank me later when you buy your Biology book for $20 rather than the $200 you would spend at the bookstore. If you have the money to spend $200 on a Biology textbook, then definitely go wild at the bookstore and feel good about supporting the school.
What to do for fun There are a lot of great places near DVC. Mount Diablo, Berkeley, San Francisco, and a drive-in movie theater. If you don't have a car and live near DVC, there is a mall, a Denny's, an In-N-Out, and a trail nearby.
Food and Dining As I mentioned before, there is a student store with a Pete's Coffee and multiple places to buy cooked or packaged food. It's definitely not a five star kind of place, but you won't go hungry.
Dorm Life There actually aren't any dorms at DVC since it is a community college. However, it's proximity to movie theaters, parks, malls, and other entertainment outlets makes it a nice campus to live around. Not only that, but there is a nice student store and a couple food places on campus if you have to spend all day there. Plus, San Francisco and Berkeley are both less than forty-five minutes away.
Academic Rigor It definitely depends on the teacher. I've had what I thought were hard classes that required nothing more than looking up recent news articles (on your mobile, if I might add), and some that I thought were easy (even dance) that required multiple essays, weekly reviews, and other stress-inducing coursework.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you know your registration date, plan accordingly, queue up the classes you want ahead of time, and check daily to make sure your required class hasn't filled up. Look up your teachers on RateMyProfessors.com so you aren't stuck with someone you won't want to learn from, and use the IGETC and/or Assist.org, so you don't waste your semester taking classes that won't transfer. Also, go to class. I know a lot of students (including myself) who got lost in the freedom. It's hard when you don't live on campus and have unorthodox class times, etc. But really try to stay on track with attendance and you'll be happy you did. Last but not least, HAVE FUN, seriously, before you have to work forty hours a week for the rest of your life.
In three sentences This is a good school with good teachers and an extensive class offering. Overcrowding can make registering a pain, but be patient and resilient when trying to add a class, teachers respect tenacity. Overall this school has a lot of opportunities and will help propel you to the life/career you want.
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Lacy from Pleasant Hill, CA
06/06/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
60 of 61
Categories Comments Campus Safety Never had a problem with safety.
Bang for the buck Totally great bang for the buck. In fact, there are quite a few professors at DVC who also teach at UC Berkeley and UC Davis.
What to do for fun One can get involved in the Greek life, AS-associated students, or other academic ventures provided by DVC.
Food and Dining Decent. The bookstore offers a fair amount of snacks and treats as well.
Dorm Life No dorm life.
Tips for prospective students Stay involved! Don't be afraid to ask for help. Tour the campus-check it out to see if it's a good fit for you.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College is a great community college that provides students with extensive access to online databases, exceptional teachers, and quality counselors. DVC is the best choice for someone who is looking to complete their GE requirements within 2 years or less.
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Joshua from Concord, CA
06/20/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
61 of 61
Categories Comments What to do for fun Education is fun!
Food and Dining The meals are great! 4 stars because of the short meal hours.
Dorm Life I do not stay in any school housing, and since it is a community college, I do not believe they provide any.
Tips for prospective students Do it right the first time. It's not about partying. It's about getting a great paying career in something you love, establishing yourself, and partying after you have done so.
In three sentences Diablo Valley College has one of the most formidable science programs in the country. The amount of knowledge possessed by the Chemistry and Biology professors is astounding. I would challenge anyone to now be influenced by the passion the teachers have in the Chemistry and Biology Department.
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text:
Stephen M. Kohn serves as a supervising attorney for the legal work performed by attorneys associated with the National Whistleblower Legal Defense and Education Fund. He is the author of The Whistleblower's Handbook: A Step by Step Guide to Doing What's Right and Protecting Yourself (Lyons Press, 2011).
Tags: 16th Amendment, Bill of Rights, Civil Rights, Constitutional Rights, Corporate Ethics, Corporate Fraud, Corporate Responsibility, Employee Rights, Crime Lab Misconduct, Environmental Safety, Ethics, False Claims/Qui Tam, FBI Scandals, First Amendment, Forensic Fraud, Freedom of Information Act, Government Ethics, Government Oversight, National Security, Nuclear Safety, Privacy Act, Pro Bono Law, Public Interest Law, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Taxation on Compensatory Damages, Taxpayer Fraud, Terrorism Whistleblowing, War on Terror Misconduct, Whistleblower Law, Whistleblower Protection, White House Whistleblowing, NWLDEF Staff -
After twenty years as a FBI Special Agent, Jane Turner led efforts to force the FBI to provide protection for child sex crime victims on the North Dakota Indian Reservations. In retaliation for exposing FBI failures within its child crime program, Turner was removed from her position. Her whistleblower case is still pending. Available to speak
One of America's top federal prosecutors, Richard Convertino lost his job after blowing the whistle on incompetence in the Bush Administration's "war on terror." High ranking Justice Department officials leaked confidential information in an attempt to discredit Mr. Convertino. This case is ongoing.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A bridge project near laurinburg will begin this Monday, according to the state Department of Transportation.
The project is expected to cost about $1.7 million to place a new bridge over Gum Swamp Creek, northwest of Laurinburg. It will become part of I-74 westbound when the highway is upgraded to interstate status, DOT officials have said.
The new bridge replaces the 74-year-old structure currently in place. It was built to bridge design standards no longer in use and is considered functionally obsolete.
The project is expected to wrap up by Sept. 15, 2014.
An on-site temporary detour and temporary detour bridge will be constructed between the existing U.S. 74 bridges to handle westbound traffic while the old bridge is removed and new bridge is constructed. For safety reasons, the speed limit within the project work zone will be reduced to 45 miles per hour during the construction period.
The project will result in the permanent closure of access to U.S. 74 from Devon Drive.
NCDOT said motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. Updated travel information is also available by calling 511 or online at www.ncdot.gov/travel. In addition, NCDOT now offers travel information on Twitter.
The Tara Group of Lumberton Inc. was awarded the contract for the replacement.


text:
The company AF-Meacont s.r.o. was founded 1992. In 2010 the ÅF became 100% share-holder of it including its subsidiaries REGULA a.s. and TODO spol. s r. o.
AF-Meacont group team disposes of more than 200 well experienced and qualified specialists with skill in advisory, engineering and design services: Machinary, Nuclear, Process, Electrical, I&C, Civil, Ancillary Services, Maintenance concerning
Among our main customers we have to honor to refer: ČEZ as, PT as., ET as., Alpiq, EnBW, Czech Municipalities and other customers in Egypt, Cuba, Lithuania.For the České energetické závody, a.s. (Czech Power Engineering Corp.) we solve besides development studies, also designs and final supplies of measurement and regulation systems, as well as of power and mechanical engineering especially those conceming the standard as well as the nuclear energy. This is conceming the power stations in Dukovany, Mělník, Prunéřov, Chvaletice, Tušimice, Dětmarovice, Počerady.
Other our prominent customers in the same branch are Pražská teplárenská, a.s. (Prague Heating Co. Ltd.) and Energotrans in connection with the heat supplier Mělník – Prague.
Many designers are working for Prague subway. This is especially conceming the control of ventilation systems in the stations, heat sources, pumping stations, signalization of the condition of electric equipment, electronic fire alarm systems or information boards for pasengers.
Among our other customers belou e. g.' SKODA JS, Heating Station Strakonice, Heating Station Tábor, Heating Station Plzeň, Power station Talkha 2 x 200 MW in Egypt, Power station Felton in Cuba (2 x 250 MW), Power station Elektrenai in Lithuania (320 MW), airport Prague Ruzyně, Prague or South – Bohemian Breweries.


text:
Members-Only SPECIAL Registration-Discount
For AWEA Business Members Only - Get a 30 day registration discount ON TOP OF, IN ADDITION TO, IN CONJUNCTION WITH the Early Registration discount.**
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Compared to a Non-Member Early Registration Rate this is a savings of as much as $250 on select registration pass types.
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**Promotion expires February 28, 2013


text:
Ava Farrow
Where am I supposed to start? I don't know. Anyway, I was born in Manhattan. My parents worked a load of jobs--not because we needed the money exactly, but because they were workaholics--so it was pretty much just me and my twin brother, Kyle. We spent most of the time helping out at my uncle's restaurant, cleaning up and taking orders. Not many people would show up there, but atleast we got to use the time to bond a little bit. Uncle Vic was sorta the joker; (laughs) we had a lot of fun with him. When we weren't at the restaurant, we took to the streets to skateboard, or just chill out and smoke pot. Me and Kyle didn't worry too much about school; we already had plans for the future, y'know? I wanted to be a photographer, and he was going to be some rich and famous DJ. We had it all figured out.
After another slow and quiet day at the restaurant, me and Kyle said goodbye to Uncle Vic and grabbed our boards, making sure to take some sandwiches to eat for dinner later on. He always fed us for our hard work, y'know? Said he didn't want to see us go hungry or something. He knew Mom and Dad were never around.
Anyway, we left, playing and teasing and just having fun like we always do. We skated down the road, me on one side and him on the other, and a bunch of cars between us. Kyle winked at me and sped up his pace, which was how I knew that he wanted to race me. I knew that he usually sucked at skateboarding, so I was all confident and stuff. I was going pretty fast, and I can remember everything just being a blur; my mind was completely in the moment. Then I had looked up at the traffic lights ahead, noticing that they had turned red. This was the only thing I saw, before I heard some screeches and a yell. I blacked out after that.
I guess I'm on okay person. I don't think there's real much that stands out about me. I'm kinda shy around cute guys, I like to take snapshots of pretty scenes and things... My mother used to call me the 'witch', and Kyle was her 'angel', so I'm guessing that I'm the eviler one out of us. I can have a temper sometimes, but you don't have to worry about that as long as you don't piss me off. I consider myself real easy to get along with, though. I am competitive; that of which I will admit to. I've kicked the faces in of a few girls who tried to get in between me and a boy I've liked in the past, or tried to make fun of me for my appearance and such. I know I'm not the prettiest, and I know that I'm not the smartest, and sometimes I just don't feel like I'm good enough. Then there are times where my ego can be extremely inflated, haha.
Third Person Elements:
CAUSE OF DEATH:As you've probably already expected, Ava accidentally rolled out onto the street right as the lights changed, and was hit by a car. The accident was pretty bad, seeming that another car got caught in the middle of it from the opposite direction. Everyone involved in the accident was either greatly injured or killed.
HeatWave: Let's Ava use a whip of fire starting from her fingertips to attack opponents. Image is of three red waves.
SonicBoom: Ava's mouth opens wide to an inhumane amount, and a loud noise is released. At the most, this can cause dizziness and leave opponents confused. The picture is of an ear.
Dasher: Name says it all. This allows Ava to move at a high speed. Image is of a pair of tennis shoes.
Above All: Allow's levitation. Image is of a winged being.
Windmill: Ava flips over onto her hands and spins, legs moving at a dangerously quick rate, almost turning them into human swords of some sort. This an cause anyone nearby to nearly be chopped in half. The image is of a windmill.
Scorned: Ava's skin turns rough and thick, and thorns appear all over her. The image is of a rose.
Lost In The Echo - Linkin Park