Kent State University at Salem Top Questions

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

Heather

Dear past me, It's been a year now and how things have changed - you wouldn't believe where I am now. Remember all those scholarships you didn't fill out your senior year? I do. I hope you don't. Seriously - you got so lucky with your scholarship from Kent, that's helped immensely. Going to Kent Salem isn't all that different from high school, it's just much more time consuming and there's so much more writing, but it's not bad at all. We both know at this point that you want to transfer to the main campus sometime - possibly sooner than expected now. At least get in the habit of filling out those scholarships. I think you're doing everything else well - you're ready for this. Your bank account isn't and you know it. Either way, it's going to be great! I'll see you in a year, Present me

Jessica

I would tell myself to be sure to not slack off at all. Even the slightest slip up in college can make all the difference in when you graduate and your overall loan balance. I would also tell myself to pay on your student loans as much as you can throughout your college days! You never know what will happen and what can prevent you from paying for your loans. I ended up having to take a semester off of college because I was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and had to have surgery and chemotherapy/radiation and that will definitely put a damper on paying for college!

Renee

If I could give myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to learn better study habits. The ones I have used during high school have not fully prepared me for the work load that comes with college. In college you learn a lot more they sane amount of information, but in a shorter time period. Because of this, you cannot wait till the last minute to study and cram the night before. You have to continuosly keep up with your studies and work between all of your classes.

Devyn

My advice would be strongly based on focusing what I truly enjoy doing and to not make decisions short minded. The first half of my academic career was spent changing majors and although I gained a lot of knowledge in different areas, it has taken three years to find what to truly makes me happy studying and since I have improved my grades drastically. Most importantly I would tell myself not to stress and worry about doing what most see as a "smart" choice as a career and to focus on what makes me happy. At the end of the day, the only person I have to live with everyday is myself, and doing what makes me happy is more important than societies ideas of what makes a person happy. To trust your heart and go after what makes you happy, even if it defies the norms of society is what is most important.

Tiffany

I would go back and tell myself not to be scared of college. I would also tell myself not to wait so long to continue my education. The work is not all that hard and you do great with the classes you attend. The time goes fast and your first year is over before you know it. The best part is the feeling you get when you finish a semester and kknowing you are one step closer to your career goal.

Eduardo

I would tell my self not to give up and to pursue my career until I further finish with a PH'D in Business Management .I would tell myself that there is more to life then just drinking and parting all night long.I would focuse 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in my studys and concentrade in bringing up my GPA.I would do as much Scholarships enteries as possible and succeed .

Quetzalina

The advice that I would give to myself would be to finish high school because it opens opportunities for people. If I do not finish high school, I would not be able to have the foundational knowledge for college. Without this knowledge, I would not be able to succeed because I would have to go back and finish high school when I may not have had prior knowledge, making it very difficult to go higher up in business. Without a high school education, many people struggle to make ends meet. They often work jobs that pay very little that require many hours to be able to pay bills. Overall, finishing high school will open doors that no one can shut.

Kayla

If I were to go back in time to my senior year I would have told myself to take more challenging classes. Going into my senior year I was not planning on becoming a nurse so I did not take anatomy which is something I really need for nursing. Also KI never studied alot before tests because I always knew I had homework to help out my garde and xtra credit. College is completely different. You don't have homework and you don't have extra credit. I honestly don't know how to study well, if i were to apply myself more in high school I would have better study strattagies and I would not be struggling in college. Those are the types of things I would have focused on more, rather than break up and the football game. I would tekk any senior now to really focus and study because it will only help them out in there college years.

Cary

Knowing what I know now I would tell myself to get more prepared and really look into what college life is all about and how to change your life the right ways so you can be sucessful.

Harvey

In life you will need to make many choices, this requires a clear head and logical thinking. Don't get involved with things such as drugs and alcohol that will cloud your ability to think clearly. If you keep your mind clear and think things through, you won't make the same mistakes in life that I have. If you don't understand the consequences, I suggest you work a summer in a factory just to realize what making the wrong decisions can result in. You are an intelligent individual as your grades have shown, but the world is cruel and people will be trying to lead you in the wrong directions. Think things through and avoid substances that will alter your thinking pattern. You control your future; don't blame others and maintain control of your own actions. This is the best advice that I can give to anyone coming out of high school, because I remember making the mistakes that bring me back to college at the age of 46 to finish my degree.

Seth

I would tell myself to work very hard in your classes and get the best grades you can. And to start developing better study habits becuase that is what most of college is about, learning how to study will save you alot of stress and help you to get better grades then and now. Also to be open and meet new people because you will have new friends from all different backgrounds and you will have alot of fun but education always comes first. And stay true to yourself and keep your values because it is still life and you will have one outside of college. It is a very fun ride and your gonna meet alot of cool people and have alot of fun.

Megan

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself a lot. I would start by saying that most techinques that students learn in high school, won't work in college. Students really have to study and work all day and night on just one homework assignment. I would also fill myself in about facing the failure of a class. In high school if you failed the class, it was a big deal, because you could take it next year, or sometimes not have to take it at all, but in college every class is given to you for a reason. It's part of your career plan and before you can move forward you have to pass. The last thing I would tell myself as a high school student is to make sure you hae motiation and a great support system.

Arleigha

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school. I wouldn’t tell myself just to work harder and get good grade because that’s really not what college is all about. I would tell myself to get to know your teachers so latter down the road they might help you find a job and help you in class. Having one on one with a teacher will really help you understand what your good at and what your bad at. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships. But besides scholarships and getting to know the teacher I would tell myself to also talk to your adviser as soon as possible for your classes because once they are filled up you can’t get in the class you want and also make enough time between classes but don’t make to long that your sitting there for hours. Last I would tell myself to try and make more friends because you will see them a lot in your classes, so making friends with them at first will be a lot easy then latter down the road.

Anthony

IDK

Elissa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself to have more confidence in my studies and to not worry so much about the small stuff. When we are older and are able to look back upon ourselves everything that mattered then doesnt matter at all now. I would tell myself that I am able to do anything I want and get the grades I think are impossible. In college now I am determined every semester, with no excuses in hand, to recieve an 'A' in all of my classes no matter how hard I must work. In high school and the first year of college this always seemed impossible because it stuck in my head as that idea. I know now that anything really is possible for someone who is determined and it is not just a saying. I would also tell myself not to be nervous about the transition to college from high school. College brings a whole new light to life with new friends, a new atmosphere, and new knowledge. It seems to be carefree compared to the dramatic world of high school.

Victoria

I would change how serious I was about school. I thought that I could just fly through college and it would be ok. I did the Senior to Sophomore program my senior year and it helped but I didn't realize how important and helpful it was until I was scheduling for my fall semester. So if I were to change one thing, I would go back to the April of my junior year so that I could get certain classes that I would need and be able to further myself that much more in my education. I hadn't applied for the program until last minute and I now realize how essential it should have been my senior year to be more on top of things and learn to how prioritize before I hit the college life.

Daniel

I would explain everything to myself. I dropped out of highschool at 15 with 0 credits.I am 22 now, and Just finished my third semester. In one more semester I will receive two associates degrees.A year from now i will receive 3 certificates that my college awards in place of degrees. I will have a Cisco CCNA which is by far the most coveted credential someone in my position could receive. My long term goals are receiving a PHD, and a Cisco CCIE. I will maintain a cumulative 4.00 the whole time. In three semesters I have received 144 credit hours. I understand the importance of education.I would explain everything i never knew then, to myself.And i would tell myself to save money. I struggle to pay for books and tuition every semester, and if only I'd have used my intelligence when i was younger, everything would be easier now. Theres so many things I needed someone to tell me, and explain to me at that age, I could save myself a lot of trouble. I think about this scenario very, very often.

Ashley

Don't give up. You succeeded well in High School. You should strive and keep on going. Don't give up hope because you have already proven you can do it. College is rewarding in more ways than a piece of paper. Your confidence in yourself is raised as well as your knowledge.

Shyla

If I could go back in time and communicate with my youner self. I would urge my youger self to continue straight to college without delay. I say this because of the many differnt jobs I performed that require very hard labor with very little pay. These jobs although important that they get done are under appreciated and very often lead one with no chance of advancement. With a college education one is given the oppoptunity to advance and hopefully raise their standard of living for their selves and future generations. If I would hve contiued my education straight out of highschool I would not be scrambling now to complete my education before I turn 32.

Danielle

If I could go back and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would not change much. The transition of going to college was not made for me back then. I would tell myself to not be so free with my choices and stay at home with my mother a little longer. I would tell myself to be me, and not who others thought I should be. I would tell myself that it is okay to say no, even when under pressure. I would tell myself not to settle for the first person that said "I love you" (or the second one). I would tell myself to keep my head up, people are not as bad when they grow up to be adults. I would let myself know that the future does hold something special for you, but you need to be patient. I would also make sure to tell myself to not listen to others when they are making a bad reccomendation. Lastly, I would tell myself that I am smart, and that I will succeed.

Jessica

Be prepared for everything. Do not expect that just because you are accepted into a great school that you will be able to attend there. You need to be looking for scholarships and other sources of money NOW, not later. There is not as much time as you think. You need to be more involved in school activities and more focused academically because no one is going to make you do it in college. Yes the professors will help you if you struggle, but only YOU can make yourself go for it and do well. Goodluck!

Haeli

If I could go back in time and give myself adivce about college life it would be not to worry so much about what other people think. Worrying about what other people's opinions about you are completely irrelevant to your college experience. College is about finding who you are, and where your going in life; don't let what other opinions sway your decisions. Go to class, get the grades you want, and don't worry about competing in a popularity contest. Join a community help group, volunteer at the local animal shelter and meet new people. As long as you are happy inside, and you will conquer anything. So don't get caught up in the "who's who", dig deep and find the person you were always meant to be.

megan

After attending a community college for just one semster, I have learned so much. Learning to balance my time was a huge lesson that I thought I has already mastered already. I take my college experience very serious for i want to succed in life and have a stable future. I've seen many of my friends who attended a university who have failed and been out partying all the time, when I can't believe they are throwing this experience away. I value my experience where ever I may attend and give it my all. I want to show everyone who has helped me, whether it be faculty from my school, my parents, or friends, that i can succed. I continue my education because i want to have a succesful life, in whatever I choose to do and learn all I can about my career. I can not wait till college shows me more about life, and myself.

Ashley

My college experience has already made me feel I can have a better conversation with others. I feel more educated in just the short period of time I have been attending. My attendence to college is valuable to me becuase I want to continue to feel educated and knowledgable. Not only receiving the degree but actualy feeling the accomplisment.

Robin

During the first year of my college experience I have learned so much about myself that I was truely suprised. I am able to focus on the task at hand, and to push myself to excell in areas where I thought I would struggle. Multitasking, though not always a beneficial skill, is something that I have improved upon in the past year. It is important for a person to believe in the fact that they will come away at the end of the four years with knowledge that may not have been gained in other places. Each class that I have attended has interested me more and more, assuring me that I have chosen the right path for my future. The beginning of the college process is scary, but with each semester, the light at the end of the tunnel gets closer and closer.

Patricia

The process of obtaining a higher education has taught me a lot about who I am as a person and what I stand for as both an individual and as a member of society. Through this process I have been able to experience self growth in ways that I would not be able to gain in life outside of school. I believe that knowledge is power, and my college experience has allowed me the independence and self-empowerment to know that I can succeed. This college experience has given not only me but also my family the hope and the ability to dream about a greater and more fulfilling future, a future that would be unobtainable without the pursuit of higher education. My college experience has been most valuable on a personal nature. I that I have changed a negative generational view of school as my children have observed my both my dedication and my success so they too now feel the importance of hard work in school. My experience has been an example that has improved the quality of my children’s' lives to an extent that will carry on for years to come. Their success is my goal.

Macee

College has caused me to be more disciplined and think more about my future and what I want to do in life.

Edward

My college experience has taught me that there are so many unique individuals in the world today, regardless where you come from. I have learned the importance of diversity, free-thinking, and over all acceptance of my fellow man. In the time I have attended school so far, I have become more confident and social overall. I believe it's knowledge that is the new motivation for today's society, which is becoming increasingly 'dumbed down'. After all, knowledge is power in its truest form.

Alexandria

I will be attending college this fall of 2010. I took a year off after high school, due to health reasons. I know this is the best decision I have and will ever make. I have seen many people, including my mom, go through a really hard time due to the lack of an education. My mom and stepdad were divorced a little over a year ago. My stepdad was the main "bread winner", so it has been really hard for my mom to provide for my brother, sister, and me. I never want to be put into the situation where I feel like I have to do something because I have no other options. It is scary because I get worried that it will be too difficult having a job and going to school, but I know that I CAN do this. I am learning more and more as days go on that being an adult is not nearly as fun as I thought it would be when I was a little girl, but I am enjoying the journey.

Christine

As a freshmen who currently completed my first semester in college, I am in the beginning stages of my academic journey. A journey I believed I would never succeed at because I was not smart enough. You see, at forty-four years of age, I was convinced that I was not smart enough for college and I didn't attend a university. But due to my recent job loss, and lack of employment in our area, higher education is currenty inescapable. I believe I have been granted an opportunity of a lifetime. To renew the old beliefs I had towards myself as an individual and to prove to myself that I can do it. What I have gotten out of my college experience thus far is great satisfaction in knowing that my hard work and determination to study my way out of poverty is becoming a reality. I recieved a certificate of academic excellence for my first semester at college! The value in that experience is priceless. I now have proof that with that same determination, I will soon be able to provide economic stability for my son and I. Thank you, I truly appreciate your consideration for acceptance.

Josh

Your accomplishments academically up until this point have been amazing, and while high school graduation may be the closing chapter of this era, there are so many more accomplishment, goals, and rewards to pursue. As you embark on this journey of higher learning, the work will become more difficult, the assignments more intense, and the requirements far more demanding, but the rewards for accomplishment have the potential to completely change your life. The time spent in study and the scores placed in college will potentially direct the course of your life. Do prepare yourself to be academically challenged to the limit, to deny yourself many social pleasures for study, but also prepare to celebrate the achievements that self-discipline will bring. Assuredly the time you will spend in university will impact your future in ways nothing else has to this point. The future is a blank canvas waiting for you the artist; one stroke at a time and each with your best effort will reward you and those around you with beauty for a lifetime.

Brittany

Friends, football games, boys... it all seems so important and every problem that occurs you will think it is the end of the world but believe me, its not. Forget about the boy who broke your heart or winning homecoming queen, education is what will help you get through the rest of your life; education is life. Instead of day dreaming, pay attention to your teachers, they may give you a hard time but they are only trying to bring out the best of you. College is no breeze you cant turn assingments in late, it is a whole new ball game... so be ready. No one is going to do this but you so remember that and picture how happy your father will be when he sees that diploma in your hand. While writing that paper take a minute to remember why you enrolled, the children. Your whole life people have told you how great you are with children, remember how great it felt when you helped them with reading and math... there is no better feeling then that. So forget about all the worries of high school, it is time to grow up and enter the REAL world!

Brandi

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that once I start college, I will really like it. I would also tell myself to make sure to study harder and to try not to stress out about school as much because things will work out and everything will be ok. Take college more seriously because once you get through all the schooling it will be worth it.

Kathryn

"Always follow your gut instinct. Don't take more classes than you think you can handle and don't schedule classes when you know you aren't at your best (ie, early morning). Take responsibility for your learning and make schoolwork a high priority - you have the rest of your life to work 40 hours a week."

Christine

I would have studied a lot more in high school and taken more of the harder classes that way I would've been more prepared for the college life and work load. If it was possible I would've tried to do post secodary schooling also because that would have gotten me closer to my goals with school. I would have tired to be a little more outgoing so that I could get to know more people but all in all it is a great experience.