Kansas State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Katie

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Stephen

Pretty campus, relax, have fun, and try hard.

Troy

Part of college is enjoying the time that you spend at it. Being part of something (whether that be clubs, sports games, teams) is important in this aspect. At the same time, being academically-oriented in order to gain an education is the reason that one comes to college in the first place, and it is extemely important that parents discuss this with their students. With that, students need to be extremely proactive, especially the first year and a half, to locate the resources they need to be successful. The most important being: financial aid, tutors/study groups, school counselor, and career services. Had I been more active in seeking a few of these resources, my experience would have been much easier. Keep a watchful eye on your students grades. There is nothing more wasteful than not doing well in school. Even if you struggle, there are always resources to aid in your success.

Alyssa

I would say that the best advice is to find a school that you feel comfortable at. It is amazing how different colleges can have difference atmospheres, even when you just walk around campus. I think you really have to do a lot of research on the program you want to participate in. Sometimes they aren't what they seem. Social aspects are a huge part of college. College is not just an education. It is a life experience. You will meet amazing people, and life long friends. My theory on how to make the most of your college experience is that: you get out of it, what you put into it. If you want to learn, that is on you. If you want to make friends, you have to put yourself out there and meet people. College is all about what you want. It can be one of the most amazing experiences of your life, if that's what you want out of it.

Heather

Don't leave any stone unturned - look at all colleges, no matter how small or how big.

Sarah

Be sure to explore your options and think ,about your desires as far as campus size go and academic focus. I also think it is very important to get involved on your campus, though not too involved where you are spread too thin. This is a great way to meet friends as well as gain experience!

Melanie

Consider schools that are known for strenght in your field of interest. Those schools will have a lot of student organizations related to your major which will allow you to become involved and meet people. Also, choose a school that is in a college town rather than a metropolitan area. In a college town, the town is revolved around the school and there is a stronger student life.

Kelly

I would suggest that you visit the school first. Going to a big school may be what you think is right for you and then you visit there and you don't like it at all. Another thing would be to find out if it is a friendly campus. I went to many campuses and some of them weren't friendly at all and I really wanted a place that is really friendly. I found my second home and I feel like I belong here.

mia

Students, really internalize your values before you come to college. If you really want to be consumed by a diverse culture make sure your campus can accomodate for that. Make sure your the major classes that are offered are what you think will keep you interested.

Sara

Make sure not only that the major and academic style fit, but also the "personailty" of the college. You have to live there for four(ish) years, and in that time, you have the potential to make friends and memories for life. A large part of what you learn in college is outside the classroom, and if it's a bad fit, you are losing that big part of that education. You also want to make sure that the university stands for the same princicples you do. If you're passionate about the environment, don't chose a school where you'll feel alone because of it. If you are big into community service, find a college that helps provide those opportunities to its students.

Ashley

The advice that I would give to parents about finding the right college for thier child would be to listen to what thier child has to say after seeing the college. Do not force or try to talk your child into going to a certain college just because you think it would be best for them. It is important that your child feel comfortable and at home there, as they are the ones who will be spending a great deal of the next four years living there. And the advice that I would give new students is don't just go to a college because alot of your friends are going there. I gaurantee you that you will make new friends and it will happen fast. College is a time in your life when it is fun to branch and meet new people. And to be honest, all of my friends that I hang out with now, I didn't know in highschool. Good luck and make the most of the next four years, it is the time of your life!

Deidre

7855410259 a college is the right choice is how similar the college is to the student's typical environment. If they feel at home, they will be successful.

Jackie

You must take several things into account when choosing a school. Just because a school has your major doesn't mean it's the right school for you. If you like going home, consider the cost of the time and money it would take to travel back and forth. If you like living in your big city at home, you would most likely enjoy a school in a bgger city. Don't forget about the little things like student involvement, parking availability or shuttle services, and the aesthetic of the school- the little things are what can get to you over time. Once you're at the school you've chosen, don't sit on your tush. It's difficult to do on your own, but go find a group or two to get involved with, talk to your neighbors, or just get out of your house/dorm/apartment and read in a cafe. A good social support system works wonders in helping you get through your college years. Lastly, don't get caught up in the illegal activities common at most schools- it doesn't help your thinker- the reason you're in college in the first place.

Nick

The most important factor when determining a college is that schools ratings for the particular major your son/daughter wishes to pursue.

Colwynn

Pick a school for the right reasons (not because friends are going there) try not to be nervous when you go and have fun. Dont worry about not knowing what your major is, because it will probaby change about 20 times anyway.

Amanda

I think that visiting a school and interacting with the faculty and students there is the best way to find out if that school is the right fit for you. Many Colleges and Universities even allow students to sit in on classes. Once you have found the place you will call home for the next two to four years, get involved! Find whatever interests you, whether or not it applies directly to your major, and get involved in clubs, organizations, or classes that express that interest. College is all about what you make it. If you go in with a positive attitude and understand that these years are a great learning experience, it will be all that you would like and more!

Elizabeth

Finding the right college can seem like the hardest decision that you'll ever make. The most important thing to consider when college searching is choosing the school that fits you as an individual. There are plenty of schools out there and you as a student are bound to find one that just makes you feel at home. I know that when I was first looking at schools the most important part of the selection process was personal visits. So set up personal visits to the schools you have the most interest in and take a look for yourself. There is no better way to get to know or visualize a particular college atmosphere than with a personal visit. Once you have decided on the school that best fits not only your career goals but your personality, take in every opportunity that is thrown at you. There is nothing more thrilling in your college experience than taking opportunities that you otherwise would never have the chance to do. Join clubs, study abroad, attend campus events, these plus more are all ways to make the most of your college experience. Live, laugh, learn! Every college students motto to success!!!

Rebecca

College days should be the best time in your life. Choose a field of study carefully and give it your utmost attention. Experience the whole ball of wax. Social life, school work, interaction with faculty and administration, and making friends are all an important part of college. Plan for college both financially and academicly while you are still in high school. And know that it is OK to change majors or schools once you are out there on your own. It is never too late to change your mind.

Francesca

Go somewhere that you feel comfortable at, if you go somewhere that doesn't feel right you won't have a good college experience. Don't choose a school just because friends are going there.

Tyler

College is the most important decision of your life. Everything your parents wanted you to learn in life, you learn here. You learn to share , because you have no other choice in a dorm room. You learn to be nice because you want that last piece of cake in the cafeteria. You learn to say "no" because you see first hand what "yes" can do. You learn to be self reliant because there is no one to depend on except yourself. And you learn to value education when you see the rewards on a graduating seniors face. When ypu enter college, you are a boy (or girl), but when you leave, you are a man(woman). It is a wonderful time to be alive!

Jessica

Make the most of time you have at school, it passes too quickly. Get involved, extra cirricular, sports, jobs, friends, there is never a lack of things to get involved with. You will have a more satisifying time if you become involved.

Taylor

Make sure you visit all the colleges that you're serious about going to. Ask lots of questions, especially of students. Student interaction during campus visits is key and very important to get a feel of what the school's really like.

BRANDON

PARENTS NEED TO REMEMBER THAT IT NEEDS TO BE THE STUDENTS CHOICE FOR THEIR REASONS, NOT THE PARENTS. STATE COLLEGES ARE WONDERFUL AND HAVE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO FIND THEIR PLACE. A STUDENT NEEDS TO JUST FIND A COLLEGE AND CAMPUS THAT FEELS RIGHT TO THEM. ONCE THEY ARE THERE, THEN THEY CAN MAKE CHOICES TO HELP SCULPTURE THEIR FUTURE. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE IS EASY....JUST BE YOURSELF, RELAX, TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME AND KEEP AN OPEN MIND TO CHANGE. MAKE COLLEGE FUN AS WELL AS KEEPING UP THE GRADES. TRY NEW THINGS, AND GET INVOLVED, THIS IS YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO BE A "KID".

Spencer

While official guided campus visits are a must, a self-guided tour of the campus and its facilities is just as important! Check out the library and walk through all its hidden rooms and tech areas, find the building you think you may spend the most time in and see if it is up to your standards. Notice the small details everywhere you go. Does the union have adequate food services, do you think this will matter to you in a year? Also, do not be afraid to venture out in the town to see what the surrounding area is like. Obviously your living arrangements are important so whether you plan to live on- or off- campus check out the off-campus housing in case you decide to move out during your academic career. If you will be on one side of campus for the majority of your time at the school see what housing options you have in that vacenity. Finally, visiting more than one college is very important because this gives you something to relate each experience to and gives you the ability to make comparions and rank different aspects of different schools.

Diana

When it comes to choosing the right college, I feel that you shouldn't have to compromise much. Everyone searching for a college has that special place in mind, so go for your dream! While on my college quest, I was looking for a safe, friendly, authentic and cohesive community that would take me in as part of the family. While searching, remember that you're essentially looking for your new home. How do you picture your new home? How is the school's reputation for education, academic recources, community involvement, jobs and living? Students: remember that your Parents have been in your shoes, even if they have not experienced college. They have had to make some big decisions, and obviously did well in that area if you are looking to further your future. My point is, your parents do have a lot of wisdom and really do want the absolute best for you. Listen to their advice and opinions, which you will not regret. Parents: keep doing what you do best. Support us! You know that we have big dreams and please don't doubt them. Love the way that we think big, but be realistic with us, too.

Rebecca

Looking at a lot of different types of schools and the communities that they are in is just at important as your major.

Shari

I would say make sure you check out the campus itself. Find out and do your research on the professors of your chosen university. Make sure that they want to help you learn. look into playing sports or clubs. I made a lot of friends through playing volleyball at the recreational center. also I work in a fun atmosphere where I have made friends that i will have forever

Julie

Make sure you are ready for the challenge of college so you can start and finish your goal.

Anastasia

Live on campus and get involved. Go on college visits and sit in on classes from your major. Visit with the dean of student life, visit a residence hall.

Molly

In the end most undergraduate programs are the same. So, if you are considering going to graduate school i would strongly encourage you to take the cheaper school choice, and save up for graduate school. Additionally, you should look at the extracuricular activites that are available at your college since that is where you are going to make the majority of your friendships. Finally, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when you choose your college. Only when you challenge yourself will you truly gain the knowledge that is necessary in the real world, and those are the skills you aren't going to learn in the classroom.

Jacqualyn

Please visit more than one. Don't let your kids go to a school because their friends are going there or because you believe the out of state schools won't give you a schlarship. Check it out. Miracles happen.

Dana

I would advise parents and students not to come in with high expectations for the start of college. EVERYONE is trying to adjust, and sometimes the ones who adjust most easily are the ones who don't make it all the way through college. Students should not expect to feel like they are having "the time of their life" too early on. For me, it wasn't until my junior and senior year that I really started to know for sure that I was right where I should be and I was having the time of my life. Your childhood friends or high school friends took several years for you to feel comfortable around, so it may take quite a while until you feel like you've made "true friends" in college as well. Don't let doubts or second guessing consume you! Just be patient...your day will come!

Ashlie

Take the time to look at different colleges and make a list of what is the most important to the least important. For example, do you do better in large or small groups? Do you prefer to walk or drive/take a shuttle to class? Do you feel at home as you walk through the campus? Is this college affordable? Also, look at the different opportunities to be involved. If you are interested in the greek system, check it out to make sure it is the kind of community you want to be a part of. Look at the credibility behind everything you are looking at. If you don't do this early on, you may be disappointed later. I got lucky with the things I chose to be involved in, but not everyone is.

christine

One thing I did not do was campus visits. I did community school my first year and realized very quickly that it wasn't for me. By visiting the school really tells you a lot about the people that go to school there and also what the school has to offer you. College is a lot of work but get involved in anything and it will be worth your time. School spirit is huge and if you hate the school you go to you will see that it will effect everything. Have a good time, find the school that best fits you by doing the campus visits!

James

Culture is SO much more important than academics for the average person in most feilds of study (obviously not true for, say, Vet. Med. students and such).

Joseph

Visit the school! Almost every school offers a variety of majors, similar housing, dining, classrooms, etc. The choices are to determine the size of the campus (which usually translates to bigger and better events for after class, and a larger number of activities), and whether they have the mix of potential majors (career choices) that you wish to pursue. Remember that every student changes their major about three times, so academic flexibility is important. So - the school needs to feel right to you, since most of the rest is really all about the people you meet and how they interact with you.

Mandy

Visit every college you are considering attending! Ask friends or family what their experiences were like, if you know anyone who has attended a college you are considering. Try to find unbiased information about each university or college.

Rebekah

I think that it is important to find a school that has good balance between it's academic and social life. Obviously the number one reason a person goes to college is to get an education but it is also important to have a school spirit, connect with others and to gain experiences that will help prepare a person for their future career. My advice to a person searching for a college is to find one that has good professors, a strong program in the major he/she is interested in and then get as involved as possible in extracurricular clubs and activities.

Vanessa

It is a lengthy decision but one that you should spend the time on. It shouldn't be an impulse decision and you have to decide for yourself whether or not that college is right. You shouldn't let your parents or friends influence you because what they want or what is good for them is not necessarily the same for you.

Donald

I think students and parents should look at schools from more than a purely academic perspective. This will likely be the most important decision the student has made up until that point in his or her life. In my opinion, it is of the utmost importance to choose a school and a community in which the student can grow academically, emotionally, and socially in a comfortable, happy, and healthy manner.

Brad

I would advise future students and their parents to think about every aspect of life that matters to them in considering a college campus. First of all, consider your education because after all that is the point of going to college. Make sure the colleges you are considering have a decent program for what you want to do. But in addition to learning that takes place in a classroom, there is much experience and learning that occurs outside out of it. If you are a very social and involved person you may consider a bigger campus with more activities to participate in, whereas if you are more introverted, or just less outgoing, consider a smaller university, or one with smaller class sizes. Consider your political and religious viewpoints, and consider what the main religious and political views of the people will be at colleges you are considering. If you are interested in sports, consider the recreational facilities and intramurals, or club sports teams. Also, talk to people to go to each campus that you are considering. Personal interaction with current students at a school is the best possible way to find out what your potential undergraduate experience could be like.

Anastasia

Listen to what the older guys and gals have to say. Visit as many colleges as you can and try to figure out how each one will fit you. Your college experience will be what you make of it. Your parents know what they're talking about, they been there and done that. Explore as much as you can and take risks, but try to realize the consequences before doing so. Enjoy yourself and think about how this is really the last chance you have to be a kid still and not have to deal with the "real world" so embrace it as much as you can!

Rachel

Definitely vist the campus, but also make sure you check out the social aspect of the school as well, because that could make or break you!

Tyrone

I would strongly reccomend to the parents as well as the students to first know what type of foundation and characteristics they believe in before pursuing a university. Use those traits and foundation and compare it to the vision statement of the University. Check out the University in person and get a chance to interact with some of the students.

Tiffany

Research your intended major, and find a school with the best job placement, and most accredited professors. College is what you make of it, in my opinion. If you want to get the most of it, put a lot of effort into finding the right school for you!

Anthony

Research the college... and try hard in high school... it'll save you a lot of work later

Sarah

Make sure to go to some campus visits and really think about what is important to you in a college/ university. If the college /university doesn't give you the right vibe then keep looking. You'll find the one that suits you perfectly. I would also encourage the student to make the most of all opportunities that come there way. If they can manage it I would also encourage them to study abroad sometime in their college experience. For me there has been no better time to travel and learn more about the cultures around the world than during my time at college.

Nicholas

Visit the college. Ask questions. Be curious.

Andrew

Having gone to college for my third year now and attended two different universities have have learned one vauable thing. Do not base your college choice off of your friends or what your mom or dad wants because that is where they went. Think long and hard about the future you want and find a school that offers the best classes and most rewarding in its field. There are always opportunities to make new friends and stay in touch with old ones but not every school can offer you the future you want. Make sure you decide your future not your school and always know your goals.

Dane

My advice for parents/students looking into finding the right college is to look outside of the norm. I am at Kansas State all the way from Houston, Texas. I never once thought growing up that I would be going to college in Kansas. In all honesty though I'm very glad with my decision to leave my family and friends behind nd come out here. I have learned a lot; not just from school, but from my new surroundings and experiences. Take this advice and be willing to step out of your comfort zone when looking for the right place to go. Choose from within, and not from what everyone else around you wants you to do.