Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

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

Lindsey

make sure your major is there, and that it is the one you want, not kinda want.

elli

I never intended to go to college because i wasn't confident in myself so my bestfriend applied for me & i was accepted. it wasnt until i attended college that i realized this is where i'm supposed to be but its a struggle because my family has no money; my advice to parents would be save from the time theyre babies. for student i would say take academics seriously because when it come to school, grades are like money. If i could do it all over again, i would research colleges and take weather, diversity, sororities/fraternities, and distance from my home all into consideration. also, appreciate your opportunity to even be in school becasue its a blessing so make the most out of it. education is just as much a priviledge as it is a right so put in to it what you want out of it.

Karen

The advice I have for parents is to help guide their children in helping them find the right school. Keeping in contact with your son/daughter is also important. Even though they're 18 and technically an "adult," I believe that frequent calls and letters will let them know that you're there for any problems they may be going through. It's important to keep an interest in their lives and show that you care. As far as advice for students, make sure that you're mentally prepared to go to school. High school was difficult for me and I just wanted to take a break, that's okay. Just make sure you want to go and that you're ready. Research different schools to find one that fits your interests and style. Once you start attending school, make friends with people who are serious about education. There are always people who want to party too much or who aren't too serious. Make it a personal goal to make friends with people who have a healthy lifestyle and love learning and life. You will surely flourish and succeed if you believe in yourself and try hard!

Makala

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to college selection. College is what you make it! Venture out of your comfort zone and make a lot of new friends and see how the other half lives. The most important thing to remember is to ALWAYS do your school work before going out with friends. College can be as easy as high school if you just make your work your first priority and stay on top of your assignments. Don't be a procrastinator! Be proactive and have fun! You can make college the best four years of your life if you just let loose and stay focused!

Dana

When searching for the right college for you or your child, it is always important to research all of your options. See what schools would be the best financial value for your family, including schools that are known to give out a lot of financial aid and scholarships to students. It is also important that prospective students feel comfortable with a campus since they will be on it just about everyday for 4 years. It's good to know the kinds of social groups and events that make the campus stand out above others. If you are interested in sports, see what kind of recreational services are provided, what the school's sport records are and what inturmural sports are on campus. The same goes with music, arts, theater, politics, student media and any other sort of activity the student is interested in. Remember, college is just as good as you make it and deciding what college or university to attend is the first step in the process of making a better future for yourself or for your child.

Kelly

Just go with your instincts and heart. Pick the school that seems right for you and your interests, and everything else will fall into place.

Andrea

Vist campus before making a decision.

Nicole

The best advice I have is to definitely make a college visit. It's true that as soon as you get to the "right" campus, you'll know it. Go when all classes are in session...summer sessions tend to have less students on campus.

Dominique

For students and parents starting the college journey, when selecting the right college, it is important that both parties be involved. The student and parent should both sit down and make lists of what is important to them when selecting a college. For example, small vs. large campus, distance from home, academic programs, etc. Through those, you should be able to narrow down your choices to choose the school that has the most matches to your list. Also, its a good idea to choose what will make you happy, not because a bunch of your friends are going there or your parents went there. When making the most of the college experience, I would advise you to take advantage of every opportunity to do something new, to expand your knowledge, and to meet new people. By doing this, you will be giving yourself the opportunity to add new dimensions to your college experience that will enhance it and you will be able to look back and say, "I'm glad I decided to step out of the box and try something different while I was in college." Because it will help you in the long run in your future endeavors.

Kelley

"What you put into college is what you will get out of it.? Ultimately it does not matter which college you end up at. The more effort you put into college the more you will get out of the experience. This is that attitude you must walk into college with. You do not have to change WHO you are; college is going to be what you want it to be. The level of success you are going to reach is going to be an outcome of all your actions. Don?t ever let anyone convince you that you need to change the person you are. Be comfortable in your own skin: know who you are, what you want, and devise a plan to attain that goal. "Most people don?t plan to fail?but fail to plan.? College is a test of how much self-discipline you have, both socially and academically- learn the importance of time management! And academically speaking, PROCTECT YOUR GPA. Your first semester is your most important, it will become the backbone of your education...start off strong. It is up to you to make this experience happen.

Anne

I would advise students and parents to consider price, how far from home the campus is, and what your major is. If cost is an issue, be sure to talk to the financial aid office to see exactly how much its going to cost. If your student does not have a car, consider how far from home you will want to go. The trips back and forth from school add up quickly. If its too far or there are very few people from your hometown going there, it will be hard to get home often. Also, if you are dead set on a major and want to go to the best school for that field, by all means go! But if you are undecided its nice to go to a relatively big school, like Kent, that offers a wide variety of programs so you can easily switch. Last but certainly not least, don't be afraid to make the wrong choice. Choosing a college is not the end of the world, and you are allowed to change your mind later.

Meagan

If students plan on living on campus, I would advise them and their parents to visit the campus. Your campus should feel like home. If students already know their major, they should definitely look into the campus?s programs in that field. One campus might have a better program than the other. I myself was an exploratory major and Kent State had a great program that helped these majors find what they were truly interested in. One way students can make the most out of their college experience is by always putting their studies first. Student?s sole purpose at college is to be all they can be and prepare themselves for their designated working field. Another way is to get involved in something you are passionate about. There are so many different clubs and groups on campus; there is literally something for everyone! This is a great way to feed your spare time in a positive way, and to make new friends. Feeling at home, studying and working hard, getting involved and making new friends should definitely make your college experience something you will never forget.

Maria

Be sure your financial situation is covered early on. The process is ridiculously complicated, especially if you're doing it on your own. This time is supposed to be fun, so take advantage of that. But don't get completely caught up in the social aspect of school, because that's not why you're there. Your college years are about having fun, but college is about preparing yourself for the rest of your life. If you don't take the preparation seriously, there's no way any employer is going to take you seriously when you go looking for a job. That having been said, it's not always about the grades. (Contradictory, I know.) Be sure you're attending class and doing the work, but get the most out of your studies that you can. Argue with professors when you don't agree. Participate in discussions. Overall, college about choices, so make sure you make the right ones, and learn from mistakes when you don't

Chad

The advice I would give is to sit down and really think about what you want out of this experience. Make sure that what you do with your college career is going to benefit those goals. Take every opportunity you can to assure that the time and money you're spending on college will help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Other than that take the time to enjoy your experience. People always say that High School is the best time in your life, but they are wrong. College allows you to grow and develop on your own for the first time, and if you make the most of it the rewards can be wonderful.

Hannah

Make sure you visit every campus and ask about how often classes in your major are offered. Talk to other students and try the food. Just make sure you visit!

Elizabeth

The biggest advice I can give someone who is trying to find the right college is to visit the school. I had read a lot about Kent but when I stepped on campus for a tour, I knew it was where I wanted to go. It felt right. Also, I've had a few experiences of being home sick, give it a try. Don't just give up on school because you are scared of the experience you're having. As for making the most out of the college experience, make sure youg et involved. There is so much to do on a campus that all the activities may make your head spin. but the biggest piece of advice is to try new things out and see what really suits you. Be open to new ideas and new people.

Sarah

Make sure all of the financial aid papers get turned in on time.

laura

visit the campus before choosing!

Matt

Do your research when finding a college. Sometimes if the school is too big or too small it will put you off. If you are looking for somewhere reasonably close to home, and want the most out of your college experience, Kent State University is the place to go. It offers a wide variety of majors and many social clubs and activities for all interests. I highly recommend this place to any one looking for a 4 year college!

Jeffrey

I would look for the college that has a great program the thier major of choice and that has a good job placement program for after graduation. I would also look for one that was either small or large depending on the students preference.

Lindsi

When trying to find the right college for you, be sure that you understand what type of campus you are interested in. Keep in mind the cost of the education you want to recieve and weather or not it is affordable for you. If you already know what your main area of focus is, then maybe look into schools that are strong in that particular area. In order to make the most of your college experience, keep an academic goal in mind and really work towards it. Getting good grades can really make it more exciting to learn and look what the future holds. Also, don't be afraid to meet new people and learn how other people live. Having a good social life will also help make your experience worth while.

Shannon

i would say visit every college you think you may want to go to. you never know if it is the right fit til you try it on for a day. Look for a school that best fits you and what you are looking for in a college. As for making the most of the college experience no matter if you live on campus or off its what you put into college is what you will get back. So go to the football games, go to a play, join a few clubs, and take advantage of all the campus has to offer.

Nicole

Definitely go visit the college. I was told that I'd know when I got to the right one. I didn't necessarily believe that, until I went on the college visits. I knew as soon as I set foot on campus that I could spend the next 5 years here; that this was the right school and program for me. Do your homework on the different types of programs and degrees available too. Meet with the director of the program that you're interested in. Talk to current students.

Lindsey

first look for the school with the best program for your major or area of interest. then picka campus you like with good teachers and programming..

Kelley

Choose a college that you feel comfortable at. Don't let anyone else make your choice for you. If you aren't comfortable there, chances are you aren't going to get the best experience. The class of the college doesn't mean much. Just because it may not have the best acedemics doesn't mean you can't still get a great job and live a great life.

Marta

Take your time and be open minded when making your choice.

David

Finding the right college is one of the hardest things to accomplish. As a campus tour guide I suggest that students and parents visit their college choices more than once. The first time a student is exposed to a univeristy the visit is a blur. Your tour guide will take you around, show you all the major buildigs and sometimes explain activites and general detail about the major of intrest. What most students do not do is return for a second visit. That second visit will allow you to jog your memory about what your tour guide told you and help make you more comfortable with your surroundings. No one universisty is made for everybody. As cliche as it sounds, you will know just by the feeling in your stomach if the university you are at is right. The one and only way to make the most of any univeristy is to get involved! Whether your univeristy has 1000 students or 50,000, getting involved in a student organiztion will help make your univertisty feel small, personal, and like your new home. Take your time with your decison, start early, and don't rush yourself. Good Luck!

Kacie

Parents are usually more excited to shop for colleges than their kids. My advice to parents: give your kid the best within your budget! A four-year university doesn't have to cost $100,000+ to be great, but it has to fit your kid well enough that they'll want to stay. I believe that it is more important for a kid to be comfortable at their university, than it is to be linked with what I would call a "name-brand" college. Make sure your child is happy, and I believe that they will be more likely to finish college and move on to bigger and better things.

Jessica

I would tell parents and students to look around. Make sure to use all college visits allowed in high school, to figure out if they want a private school or a public school, a large campus or small, and anything else they are looking for. Also, do a lot of research. Choose a school that is known for their major, so they get the education being paid for. To make the most of the experience one there, be social. Introduce yourself to other students in class, or just be open to meeting new people. Keep an open mind, and don't get behind in school work.

Daniel

To the students: Finding the right college can be a hard task. The best thing to do is to go on campus tours while you are in your Junior or Senior years in high school. When you find the college that you like, you will be on the tour and fall in love with it. Everyother tour will just be routine as you think back to that perfect college tour. Another way is to look into the filed that you want to study. If you are interested in Business, look into schools that have acreditd programs and great courses to offer. Or if you are looking for something like the Hospitality field, look into the big cities. Vegas, Chicago, or any tourist destination would have great schools to research. Parents: Don't push your children to go to your almater. It may have been great for you, but let them go and see it and find out for themselves. Be there during the process, but only for advice or hard decisions. You don't want you student home every weekend hating college because they don't like their choice.

Stephone

My advice for future students is to get tested from the college of their choice in Careers and academic studies before committing to a major. These academic tests will tell a student where their skills are at, and what major to strive for. This is very important in college becuase it will save a student time and money, and these tests will help any student to focus more on their major, and by focusing more on their major, their grades will always be at a level that any graduate school will accept without complications of admitting a student to graduate level work. In addition, these tests will help any student know where and how to reach their goals in life, and what they are good at. Many students from across the nation are not aware that they may have skills or abilities that they do not know about. Always take the time to test yourself (students) on what they may not know about their abililties and skills; this is the secret to successfully completing college and becoming a skilled professional.

Christopher

Visit the campus and talk to others that have attended there. Look into scholarships more to help pay the tuition.

Samantha

The biggest part of the decision should be where you feel comfortable. You can always make new friends but if you are misserable at the school you choose you wont want to do anything and will most likey want to transfer the next year or even semester. So, I would say, pick someplace that you know you will be happy, make new friends, and have a blast your paying for it so enjoy it and have a good time! Thank you very much and good luck with your college selection. Samantha Fetter

kristine

They should find a college that has diversification of majors that the student wants to persue that way if they decide to change majors, the student won't have to transfer colleges because the school they are attending right now doesn't offer that major. Make sure you have enough money saved or encourage your child to get a job during the summers so that the student can focus on their school work during the school year and so that they get to have a social life when they are not studying. If the student is forced to have to work alot because they can't afford school, finding time for school and a social life can be pretty hard.