Kennesaw State University Top Questions

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

Stephanie

Success is not just a word for me; it’s a dream. Going to Kennesaw state university is a step toward my dream, which is to become a dermatologist. From there I’ve learned the notion of time management which implies consistency and perseverance to get my work done on time. I never believed in the word “can’t” because it’s a choice and not a fact. It is a valuable experience for me because it is helping me be aware of a lot of things I never knew existed; also I’ve developed a sense of friendship by gathering with others during the school activities. Overall college will assure me to have a better life in the future and be financially stable which will help me accomplish my second goal: open a free clinic in New Orleans beside my other clinic.

Teri

Not only was my experience valuable, but it was invaluable as well. The pride I earned by putting myself through college is immeasurable. After working a full eight hour day, I wuold drive 30 miles to the University four days a week for three to four hours a night. It was extremely hard work, but the knowledge gained was worth the effort. I am now a single mother of a fantastic seven year old boy who knows the importance of education and perserverance.

Ashley

As a result of my college experience I have gained friends, knowledge, and experiences. The friendships will be lasting and as my future colleages in schools they may serve as resources and support. I truely believe that I had some of the best professors who imparted to me knowledge that will be essential when I am teaching. My professors were very knowledgeable and supportive. As an education major, I feel that I learned a lot about classroom management, teaching approaches, and classroom technology. Probably the most important part of my education was my field experiences. I was able to experience and practice teaching techniques and to use resources as I was learning about them in my classes. I am glad that I spent my four years of college at Kennesaw State University because they have an excellent program for education majors. I felt like I was getting the most for my money in my in-depth and interactive classes. Now as a graduate, I feel prepared for a career as a teacher. The college also encouraged me to pursue my current path of continuing my education in a graduate program.

Patrice

When I graduated from high school, I was absolutely ecstatic. I was so happy to be done and head off to college, but once it started getting time for me to pack my things and leave, I started getting scared. I had never been pushed so far out of my comfort zone, but there was no turning back. This was something I had to do. Once I got here, I was introverted and I didn?t want to do anything but go to class and get good grades. Since being in college, I have learned how to come out of my shell and just go out there and do what I want to do. I have gotten involved in several groups that have helped me develop personally as well as helping me in choosing my career path. I have gotten so much out of being in college, but the main things that I have learned that it is okay to be myself and that I know that I can achieve my goals and be a contributing member of society.

Mallory

I have been able to meet some really amazing people and learn so much in my classes. I love that unlike many Universities, Kennesaw teachers strive for your success rather than your failure. They work with you both inside and out of the classroom to make sure you succeed. I have been able to take advantage of all the social activities and fitness trainers that are provided to me and I have learned to enjoy my life and what it has to offer. I feel less stressed when I am at school and I fee like I belong here. My education has been the most valuable thing I have gotten out of college, becasue it will stick with me forever. Now that I am in college I feel as if I can conqure the world. There is so much positive energy that flows through campus you really do believe that you can do anything.

Jeremy

Over the past three years, I've gotten a number of life long friends that will be there for me forever. I know I can call on them at anytime day or night and they will drop everything to help me out. Also KSU has given me countless amounts of useful information to help me in my work towards a meaningful career. It has given me the true college experience in every meaning of the word, everything from hanging out with new friends to all night study sessions.

Fred

I Have had meny experiances through college. The one experience that comes to mind is that of my teachers. I am currently enrolled in Sandhills Community College in Aberdene NC, the teachers here are verry helpfull and donot mind taking time out of there day to help you understand what they are teaching. Seeing this from teachers that have hundreds of students to teach and thay wiould take time out of there bisy secudele to help me is the best experience I think eny one could have.

Isaiah

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that, i'm having the time of life attending college. Being in college has help me with my studies, make great friends in college and join clubs that I really enjoy. Having this experience also, is that I am able to be proud of myself and be able to see what I have accomplish so far in school. I have had obstacles in my life in high school; but i have put negative things in the past and let it all go and that has help me to get where I am today. It has been valuable to attend college; because I feel a sense of independence and that I can do it on my own and don't have anyone holding my hand on the way to accomplish my goal and strive for the best. Attending college has opened up boundaries for me and has allowed me to explore my options and to expand my horizons; but overall college has been a great experience for me and I wouldn't trade it for anything else in my life for the time being.

Emina

I have gotten so much out of my college experience! I was fortunate enough to meet a professor who changed my life and inspired me to take up Political Science. He helped me talk about my experiences with ethnic cleansing in Bosnia as a child and has made me desire to help aid justice in the world.

Reanna

I've learned thus far that college really is an important growing experience. One not only discovers their interests, but also their dislikes, preferences of food and drink, and arguably, most importantly, the types of people with which one is truly and comfortably compatible. Kennesaw State is a great place to develop life long friendships because each person here has purpose and ambition. In seeking to develop such friendships, one simply has to find people whose ambitions match their own, and what they have in common will connect them for life. In addition, all of the wonderful, cultural programs and classes that are offered allow students to befriend even the most unlikely of students. I could not be more pleased with my experience here!

Christopher

Make sure you enter into a field of study you enjoy. Think not of it as work but something you enjoy doing everyday. As far as a transition, everyone has to go through it. You are not alone. Make sure you make new friends and open up. And don't be afraid to talk to your professors no matter how intimidating it may seem because they are there to help you succeed in college. One huge piece of advice is exactly what I do as a time management technique. Think of college as a typical work day for most people. get into a Monday through Friday 9-5 schedule routine and devote it to college classes and work. I have found it really useful and it allows for me to have my evenings open to be with friends or work. College is a crucial time in our life. If you can survive this, life will be just as easy. Enjoy college. It will be the most memorable moments in your life.

Brooke

If I could go back and talk to my high school self as a senior and would say not to stress out so much. College is a lot of fun and is not as stressful as everyone makes it out to be. I would stress that I should enjoy senior year and have some fun and not worry about grades all of the time. I would also tell myself that I will not lose touch with my friends, so there is no need to get so upset about going to different schools. I would remind myself that I'm beautiful no matter what anyone says. I would let myself know that it may be hard sometimes, but my eating disorder stays under control and in remission; there is no need to worry about relapse. I would mainly say, trust yourself, you're a good girl and will have fun in college!

Chrystle

I would tell myself that it all works itself out, and worrying and being scared are truly a waste of time. If you do the work that's asked of you and learn to ask for help when you need it, you'll be just fine. Accept the responsibility given to you by the school and your family; college is where you can make adult decisions and feel the adult consequences, but still get help very easily if you ask for it. Enjoy your freedom and relax. You'll see that things really do work out in the long run, and you'll end up looking back and wondering why you were ever so worried in the first place.

Samantha

First off i would have given a lot more effort in high school. I continued my education at a 2 year community college and then transfered to a tecnology center where i got my LPN licence. I think that i have made wise choices in my life but i still think that if i would have given a little more effort in high school that i would be futher along in my education. My best advise is to do as many college classes while in high school. I did take two but they are cheeper in high school. Thank you for your consideration!

Victor

The primary advice to know is appliance. One must apply themselves completely in education during highschool. Every lecture and class during highschool provides one with the necessary knowledge needed to succeed at a University. Also, make sure to study very efficiently for the SAT/ACT because it is a very important factor when deciding which college to attend. Another important aspect is the GPA. The GPA should be as high as you can maintain it because it also contributes greatly to ones college choices. Most importantly of all, always study and be on top of things in order to succeed. Make studying and concentrating a habit because it is essential when participating in a University.

Shamir

There are three things that I wish I had at the forefront of my mind when transitioning into college. First, I would give myself the advice to learn to study efficiently in groups. With so many extracurricular activities available along with a great deal of unstructured time, learning how to effectively and efficiently study in groups allows for a designated time for studying while also making commitments towards others and still engaging is a social activity. Secondly, I would tell myself to be open minded to all groups of people. In high school, groups and "cliques" are formed based off of many socio-economic categories, many of which do not create groups in the college environment. Engaging with people from different cultures, different age groups, and with different life experiences is equally a part of the college learning experience as attending lectures. Lastly, I would tell myself that the most difficult aspect of the college transition is not the course material, but time management. Spending time to schedule the next day, the next week, or the next month is more than half the work of being successful in college.

Carissa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself that I need to study more and not work so much. I would also say that college is not so bad and that I should not worry about it, but to be excited about it. I would also make sure that I take my grades a little more seriously so I would not have to play catch up in college. Also, make good study habits so it will benefit me in college and help keep my grades up. All in all though, just be excited and look forward to going to college!!!!

Amanda

I would give myself the advice to put forth a little bit of extra effort to earn HOPE scholarship. Unfortunately, I graduated high school with a 2.96 GPA; if I had earned one less C and one more B I would have had exactly a 3.0 which is HOPE scholarship elidgable.

Adam

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would give myself one piece of advice. The advice that I would give myself is to stay the course that I was on. With that being said, I enrolled at a junior college for two years after high school. I wanted to go to a two-year college to prepare myself to go on to a four-year institution. I was an average student in high school. I had always wanted to go to a university, but I did not wan't to flunk out. I heard from others that taking the two-year, junior college path would not only prepare you for a four-year university but provide you with the maturity to handle the workload that you will experince at a university. With all the positive experinces I have had in the past year at Kennesaw State, I still believe that attending a junior college prepared me for Kennesaw in many differnt ways. I saw myself mature at handling the workloads I was not prone to in high school and opening my mind towards different people and ideas. that I'm now experincing at Kennesaw.

Evan

Listen Evan, college is great. Its fun, energizing and amazing in every way. Even tough its maybe the best thing to ever happen in our life you are going to have to work hard for it. We don't have mom or dad helping us out anymore ,we are on our own! My first rule to us is to stay away from the pretty girls. There are too many of them and they are only going to distract you from achieving your dipolma. Second join a club, its important that we make friends with the same common interests because studying all day can get depressing. Third, when you go to register use a website called www.ratemyprofessor.com that will help ya a lot when making sure you pick the right professors. Fourth study before you have fun, college is a lot harder than high school and you will not be able to wing it like you use to. Make sure you do the work because no amount of play is worth the education. Lastly have fun, college is the one of our best experiences in life. Enjoy it because it will be over soon.

Crystal

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself to pay more attention to the Geometry teacher and look for a tutor to better understand the work. Yes, we will need this information in our future! Take more Art classes to improve our technique. Yes, we will need these skills in our future as well! Accounting is the safe and easy way into a career, you are very talented in this area. Please don't just limit yourself to the safe and sure route to a career; have some fun too. Also, there is nothing as important as family stay close because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Christine

College life is a lot different than high school life. As a senior I was very responsible and ready to live on my own. The issue that I would cover with my 'senior-self' would be studying habits. I would encourage I study more in school and pick up really good notes and studying habits. In college, teachers won't spoon feed students as they do in middle and high school. You have to be responsible and willing to learn in order to succeed in your classes, and that means studying!

JoAnna

I would tell myself that everything your high school teachers told you about college is absolutely true. You need to study a little everyday instead of having a cram session the night before the test. I would then tell myself to stop being shy and try new experiences because it may lead to great friendships. Have fun! I would also tell myself that the pressure and stress of classes should never stop you from believing in yourself. Always keep your eyes on the finish line!

Emily

Make the most of your time in college, and although you are going for an education use your time wisely to allow a social life (one that wont interfere with your grades!). Living on campus the first year will help you to make friends and get involved, those people on your hall your first year will be your friends forever since you will bond immediately. Don't expect sparknotes to get you A's in college like it did in highschool, you actually need to read the assigned material to make good grades. With that said don't allow yourself to get behind, do the readings when they are assigned, reading 700 pages the night before an exam isn't fun. Study abroad if you can, and use college as a time to expand your horizons, leave a more well-rounded and cultured person than when you enter. If one thing sticks with you let it be this, GET INVOLVED, intramural sports, faith based clubs, fraternities, sororities, service groups, performance groups, anything that will help you meet new people and enjoy your time in college, before all the responsibilities of life set in!

Allison

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get into certain habits NOW. For one, I would encourage myself to get into the habit of working hard and doing what I need to do first - no procrastinating or dawdling allowed. The time will come to do fun things, but I will be so much happier if I can go to bed at night having accomplished something. Speaking of going to bed, I would also tell myself to go to sleep at a decent time so that I can get up at a decent time and have a prosperous day. In addition, I would inform myself that eating right and getting enough exercise are important, not only for physical health, but also to be at my best mentally. Why would I choose these things to give my high school self advice about? Because these are habits I wish I had now - they would not only make college easier and better, but they would also make LIFE easier and better.

Scott

There is no end to what you can do if you apply yourself! I have always had a knack to go into the medical profession and make the most of myself into helping others. College is a good example of that determination of building the motivation and dedication for my dream to become a reality. Allowing me to have the oppertunity to get an education other than high school to pursue a life long career that will be rewarding and very challenging. As a high school senior, I woul tell myself to work hard and to succeed. For there is no limit to what you can do in life if you continue to work at it and want it so bad.

Alyssa

With the knowledge and experience that I have about college now I would advise myself to apply to as many scholarships as possible. As a high school senior I kept a steady 3.0 grade point average, which is very satisfactory for getting accepted into most colleges. While having great grades is important, in most college situations the only main problem that has stand in the way between me and a great career is the finances needed in order to meet the requirements for a college degree. On a personal level, I would advise myself to be more self confident when adapting to life in college. With that self confidence I would take advantage of every opportunity given to me, and be able to become more involved in more activites, internships, study abroad, and part-time job opportunities. There is always the possibility that some opportunites will not technically help with getting a degree, but experiencing different things every day creates adventure and memories that would be greatly treasured.

Vanessa

As a high school senior, the only difference I would have made was to finish my college education right after instead of quitting college and going into the military. I would have completed my degree in Biology then I would have enlisted into the military. The older you get, it sometimes makes life a little hard to juggle work, home , family, and school, but I would not changed it for the world..

Kayla

Oh, Kayla! I have much to tell you! First of all, don't worry about applying anywhere besides Kennesaw. You will get in, and love it! Remember when mom said to get a summer job? Well, listen to her. You are going to need to spend more time studying than you can even wrap your head around now. Work will become your weekends, and school your weekdays. When you hear your alarm go off the morning of your first day of college, don't push snooze! You will thank me when you can find a good parking spot and not run to class. Your first year will fly by and you will meet tons of interesting people. Don't forget to join plenty of groups on campus, you won't regret it! And last, but most importantly, go abroad at least once while you are at Kennesaw. You will have an amazing time in college, and your family will be there to support you no matter how long it takes! Good luck, and I know you can do this! Love Always, That Little Bird P.S. You will consider minoring in Spanish....do it!

Samantha

If I was given the opportunity to go back to my senior year self, I would tell her that college is not at all like high school. I would tell her to go out and get a job now, in order to get a heads start on tuition money. College is actually an easier place to make friends and to study than high school is. Do not be scared about making the transition because it will be a smooth one for you. Your GAD will not at all affect your work like you fear it will. Your professors are there to help you, not scare you. Therefore you should take every advantage of that. You should make as many friends as you can when you get to college, but be wary because you will lose some friends due to certain activities that they will try to pressure you into. Do not get yourself down about them because you say "no" and soon they will follow suit, especially when they see thier grades. You are going to feel stressed out at times. My advice is to take a breather between assignments and to not lose hope because it will work out.

Gregory

I would tell myself to attend Kennesaw State University. While it does have its flaws in being a less traditional school, that very flaw is also a strength. Kennesaw State University has expanded so much just during the 2.5 years that I have been here. To be able to walk to class everyday and see new university buildings springing up and the student population growing every semester is just amazing. With the increased student population becomes the opportunity to meet more great people, and to become exposed to different ideas, thoughts, and friendships that may aid me to propel myself further not only in my studies, but also into my social life and my career.

Skyler

I am currently a senior, but I am also dual-enrolled with Kennesaw State University, so I certainly have a unique outlook on this question. I would first tell myself to learn how to read a map- this information is invaluable when you think you're completely lost and it turns out you're right in front of the building you're supposed to be in! I'd also tell myself to make sure I keep up with studying, as it absolutely does tend to pile up and it's impossible to get all of your studying done the week before the final exam. I learned this the hard way and I'd definitely try to avoid it if I could do it all over again. It's easier to make the transition if you dual-enroll first, especially with Kennesaw, as it really helps ease into the college experience instead of having it all thrown in your face all at one time. One final piece of advice: don't be afraid of the college food! It's actually quite delicious!

Brittany

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself a lot of things. I'd tell myself to plan ahead, to know exactly what I want before I choose my college, to seriously think about what I want to study when I get there, and to know what I need to do in order to graduate. I'd tell myself to get help with my long term goals as soon as possible. I'd tell myself to use my senior year to its fullest as a resource to aid on the path to success. I'd tell myself to enjoy it and college as much as I could.

Riley

College is not for everyone. The immature may go there simply to hang out and have a great time. For some it's preparation for a career. Others use it find out what they want to do. There is no right answer. You must decide what you want get from life. But the facts remain; college costs real money and real time. Don't waste it on small things you'll regret. Start living your life the way you want to with or without college. Whatever role college plays for you it is only that---a role. Make the best of it, pick challenging classes, do what interests you, be with people who will help you become the person you want to be. College is a great place to grow as a person and everyone has room to grow.

Lauren

If i was to go back in time the only thing i would change is that I would have pushed myself to be in a higher math class. Other than that I cannot think of anything that I coud say now that would be different than what I thought then. I knew that the transition would be difficult at first, but as long as I worked hard I could do it. Even in high school I worked hard because I knew I would have to get a scholarship because of my parents financial situation. It was not an option for me to slack off. I also knew being accepted to KSU would mean that I would have more challenges than going to a community college. For example, it has harder classes, its more expensive, and has more people there.

Jonathan

If I could talk to the young unexperienced me there would be so much I would tell myself. The first thing I would tell myself is to choose your univeristy wisely, do not get ahead of yourself and choose a big name university unless your ready. I would tell myself to start off small and end big because it is not about where you start but about where you finish. Another big thing I would tell myself it to listen to the people around me and take there advice or at least keep it in mind bcause they are most likely correct and know exactly what you are going to go through. One of the biggest things I would tell myself is to not change who you are to fit in or make friends. Be yourself, do your own thing, and make yourself prosperous because this it the time in your life when it is all about you and making yourself the best you can be. Stay true to God and stay true to yourself and you will make it far.

Carl

If I had the opportunity to go back in time I would let myself know that school is a little more important than I thought. I would tell myself to spend a little less time skateboarding and invest a little bit more time studying. If I ended high school with a higher GPA then I would have saved a couple thousand dollars. I would tell myself to get myself on a regular schedule to keep everything up to date and less stressful. I had zero help from my parents with signing up for college, this is one reason why I did not seem to care about High School. I would also go back in time and tell myself although my parents did not help me finically or with the process, they still do love me, just consider it tough love. Explaining to my past would help me realize that being lazy will not get you anywhere, it will only keep you back from getting what you really want.

Drew

I would give myself the advice to face things as they come to you and to concentrate solely on the present. In high school especially my senior year it was always what was next and what I could look forward to in the near future for me. By not living in the moment and really concentrating on what was happening right then at that point in time I sadly missed out on many great experiences that would have been much more meaningful if I had just taken the time to sit back and take it all in. High school is everything that you make it. You can make high school filled with as many life changing and meaningful experiences as you like but if you fail to recognize what you are doing and just what it truly means to you then over time you realize just how much of the pleasure was lost in translation. For me I wish I could go back and give myself four simple words of wisdom: live in the moment.

Brittany

If I could tell my high school senion self something it would be go to college right after high school. Waiting isn't the best choice. I have now waited 6 years to return to school and it has been a hard transition.

Rebecca

I would tell myself to not stress out so much about tests and don't worry about fitting in. You are smart and attractive and people will like you. Just be yourself.

Otto

I would strongly advise myself to be more active in the community and stress the importance of academic integrity and success.

Grace

Take freshman year seriously. Go to class even if it?s not required for the course and don?t procrastinate on research papers. The first year of college may seem like a bunch of useless classes (even if many of them are. KSU 1101? Absolutely worthless, even for Freshman) but they are not. The first year of college is a valuable year of GPA boosting classes that are easy to pass if you go to class and pay attention. You may think, now that you are in college, that you are a ?grown up?. Don?t kid yourself (no pun intended) but you are still a child and you need to act like your parents are still looking over your shoulder every step of the way. A few words of advice, good luck.

Trevon

Study harder and pay more attention to detail in class!

Blakely

I would change a lot of things about my school work and focus in high school to better equip myself for college. First, I would save money so I could prepare myself for the financial toll that the unversity process takes. Housing, required meal plan, gas, books, and tuition add up over time. It is very diffucult to try to work enough hours to pay for necessities and get all of your school work done. Second, I would practice better study habits during my high school year so I would know how to retain all the information given by each class to be confident once tests arrive. Lastly, I would be more envolved with my school more. I partcipated in sports a lot but I wish I would have been more active in other aspects so when I got into college I would have a drive to continue in these activities. In conclusion I would have better money management skills, study skills, and school participation so that my transition into college would be a more wholesome experience.

Janice

If I had a chance to go back and speak to my senior-self I would stress the importance of planning ahead and time-management. Since I waited to start college a few years after I graduated, I may encounter inconveniences in the near-future. I would also tell my former self to search and apply for as many scholarships as possible. College is not cheap and it is very difficult to take a large course-load and work at the same time; thus, any opportunities or assistance that can be acquired are unbelievably helpful and should be pursued if at all possible.

Meredith

I would tell myself to stay away from dating and the distractions and really focus on school. The hardest thing about college is time management, so I would encourage myself to get invloved in some other activites in high school to train myself how to better manage my time. Because in college, there is no one keeping you accoutable. If I had gotten involved with more activities in high school, I would have been forced to do both things on my own and maintain a good GPA in order to stay involved in those activities. As a result, the activities would become my own accountability partner, and encourage me also to get involved in college activities.

Kenneth

I would tell myself to not worry. Just do what you do and enjoy it. College is fun and not has hard as you think. Work hard and study when you can, cause when exams come and they are harder than you think. Just go to class and you will learn most of what you need to know. You will be just fine and have fun.

Abby

If I could go back to talk to myself, I probably wouldn't. However, if I had to I would tell myself to calm down. College is not as hard as I though it was going to be. I would tell myself to continue to focus on school first and foremost. I would also tell myself to try and make as many friends as possible the first year. Knowing people in your classes is a key to happiness and is also very helpful with studies. I am proud of how I am doing in school and I have learned a lot. I think I have done a grat job getting through the first years of college. I have learned a lot and this is why I would rather see myself work through the years rather than tell myself what to do!

Ian

I would say that college is more important than you think. It not only provides an education, it provides a life experience. You get to meet new people, make new friends, and do things you would not be able to do otherwise. And, it's important to start immediately, and not wait or take some time off after high school. Do whatever you can to get into college as soon as possible!

Desiree

Stay focused and don't let the college life run you. You need to run your life, I've seen too many freshman drop out because they were consumed with too much freedom and not enought self discipline.