Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Automotive Mechanics
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Tri-C, Columbus State Community College, Lorain County Community College, and Stark State.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider University of Northwestern Ohio, Tri-C, and Cincinnati State.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Tri-C, Sinclair Community College, Stark State, and Owens Community College.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Ohio Technical College, University of Northwestern Ohio, Washington State Community College, and Cincinnati State.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of University of Northwestern Ohio.
Excellence
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Ohio Technical College and Washington State Community College.
Spotlight Schools Search
Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career
- Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Coursework, Diploma
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
Stark State College Of Technology • Canton, OH
Studying Automotive And Transportation Technology (completion in 2011)
• 1/4/2012
"I left Stark State with a solid career after graduation, and a good income thus far. However, I feel sometimes like I may have missed out on the opportunities and fields of study that a larger college may have offered."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | If you are certain in wanting to work in the automotive technology field, then I would suggest Stark State if you are from the area, as tuition is low and scholarships are prevalent with somewhat decent grades. However, if you think that other parts of the field may be more suited towards you, such as the engineering and design side of automotive, you may want to consider some of the city or state colleges like Ohio State, Akron, or Cincinnati. |
| Program Reputation | 7 | Stark State has a good reputation for their degrees in automotive repair/technology, and graduates are fervently sought after by local garages. |
| Program Quality | 8 | Most of the instruction was hands on, which is the best way to learn automotive repair. However, more emphasis was placed upon drive train repair/maintenance rather than suspension, frame, electronics, and fuel systems. |
| Instruction | 8 | The curriculum was very in tune with what is required for this field of work. However, many topics were not covered to the depth they should have, especially since electronic control of engine systems has been industry standard for over ten years. |
| How Difficult | 4 | Many of the classes were graded easily, with no advanced mathematics required. Some advanced science classes were required, which was a combination of general chemistry and physics. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Most of the classes taken were in depth instruction on repair, including one class specifically designed around overhead valve-train repair. However, classes more oriented towards ensuring certification would be easy to pass. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | Due to the nature of my degree being so hands on, the flexibility was not entirely there. Online options were nonexistent, yet weekend, evening, and summer offerings were prevalent. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | Stark State is a community college, and as such the number of options available are somewhat limited. Libraries, especially for my field of study, are nonexistent. Classroom spaces for automotive technology are quite dated due to continuing focus on electronics and mechanization degrees. |
| Social Life | 1 | Stark State is a community college, very few social clubs exist. Parties are nonexistent as there is no on campus living, and school spirit is nonexistent as we had no athletics. |
| Placement Services | 8 | Within two months of receiving my degree and completing my ASE certifications, the career services office and their staff were able to find me a large opening for my career field. |
| Alumni Network | Being that I have only recently graduated, I haven't really attempted to use the alumni support. That said, my impressions are that it leaves much to be desired. |
Review your current or past school and help others make better career decisions.