Kettering University Top Questions

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

Beulah

I would advise myself to focus on the real world experience and applications of classroom learning and seek as many opportunities to do so as possible (e.g. internships, co-ops, research opportunities, volunteering). I would add that the easiest way to transition is be social and open to new activities and groups, and be involved in as much as possible.

Akeem

Always keep an open mind,. Listen before speaking. Help others as much as you can. Try learning to focus and direct your energy. Find an adult mentor for advice. Find what interests you and make plans to add to your career.

Lance

I would tell myself that college is not as easy as high school, so study! Take advantage of using your freshman year to set the base for what you want the rest of your life to be like. It’s easier to teach yourself to be disciplined now then it is later. I would also say, don’t waste time with girls. Just focus on school because the girl that you’re going to marry is already out there, trust me, I know, I already found her. Just to be sure I didn’t go looking for her before we were supposed to meet, I may mention that she’s 6 years younger, so at this time she would be about…12. Go to parties and be social, but drinking is way overrated. I would say be more involved in school activities and groups. This is the only time in your life where you can be involved in these things without having any interruptions. Set goals, set them high, write them down, make them happen, and don’t let anyone get in the way. P.S. Shave your head now you’re going to lose it by 21 anyways.

Cortney

I would have told myself to first stay in touch with your friends. As college goes on, I barely talk to or hang out with any of my high school friends. I also would tell myself to believe you can do anything. Don't look at something and think you can't do it because it's hard. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, don't be afraid of the essays that go along with them. And most importantly, have fun. It's your last year to have everything done for you, don't take that for granted.

Lauren

It’s time to buckle down and prepare for the future! Skipping classes and getting by with average grades just isn’t going to cut it. Go to class and don’t be afraid to be a good student. Embrace your inner geek and get those A’s! Decide what you want to do early on to avoid wasting precious time and resources. Then once you decide, dive in and devote all the time and energy you can into taking from your classes everything you possibly can. Avoid temptations and peer pressure by keeping your eye on the prize. Contrary to popular belief, college is NOT a time in your life to party. It’s a time to gain knowledge, gain independence, and earn a degree that will help you land a great job. Being fresh out of high school you think that you have all of the time in the world, but someday you might wake up and realize that you’ve grown older, you have a family support, and now you have to fit college into the few moments of spare time left after work and family. Prepare for your future now and get your education!

Rebekkah

As I stepped into the time portal I decided to give myself a visit during my senior year. I have many things to tell myself, but there are some verry important ones. First off I would like to tell myself to take the challenge and take harder classes. Then it would make me look better for colleges. Second of all I would like to tell myself to apply for scholarships! The more money the merrier. Unfortunatly I did not do that, so I would want to tell my past self to apply to as many scholarships as I can. Then I would tell myself to retake the SAT, and get a better grade. My grades on my SAT were exceptional but I know I could have done a better job. Last but not least I would tell myself to join a sport. I know I wanted to be active during school, but I did not think I would have the skill to do homework and a sport. All in all I would tell myself to rise up to a challenge, and do not let your insecurities get the better of you. I am better than that.

Richard

I would tell my former self to become very involved on campus and take classroom work very seriously. I would tell myself to have fun, but not at the expense of studying and preparing for class. I would tell myself to look very closely for a job that I would want to keep for all of the co-op program, and to work very hard and take the opportunity seriously as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I would tell myself that the food and dorms are not so bad and to make lots of friends as there are many good people here that you may know for the rest of your life. I would tell myslef to stay active physically and do lots of intramural sports. I would tell myself to date but not be too overly concerned with the lack of girls on campus. All in all, I would say learn from your freshman year and progress forward, which is what I am doing now.

Michael

Drop everything and get your time management skills up to par. Time management is the single most important skill needed to be successful not only in school, but in life. Good time management promotes good study and work habits, benefiting your studies as well as your job. Procrastination is the single most detrimental character flaw in college students. As soon as you decide that something is unimportant enough to wait, the sky will fall on you and you will be swamped with urgent matters. Prioritize your tasks, stick to your schedule, and study hard.

justin

Studying is the key...i konw that you want to go out and have a good time which is alright you should do that. but make sure you leave enough time to get all your work done.it will make your life a hundred times easier.

Jessica

I would tell myself to relax and not fret about the small petty things. I would also advise myself to focus on school and studying more then I did in high school. College is a lot different then high school and it takes more time to get use to, so if you can prepare for the amount of studying that you have to do and the amount of distractions that you will encounter early on then it will help in the long run when trying to adjust to a college life.

Abigaile

Going back in time is what many of us would like to do to change something--alter the future; however, If I could go back I would try to change things that would have made it easier to get to where I am now. If I would have the opportunity to give myself advice it would be this: 1. Don't focus on the grade-focus on learning. 2. Rank all task on heirarchy...Procrastination is your enemy! 3. Memorizing is good, but learning is better. 4. Learn what kind of a learner you are now...it will make studying easier! 5. Get to know your teachers...they probably have experience and connections that will help you reach your goals. 6. Learn how to handle those tough situations and teachers...there will always be hard people to deal with. 7. Having a life is more than prom queen, cool shoes--Its about living and experiencing. 8. Money should never be the focus of why you choose a career. 9. Having many friends is nice sometimes, but having one friend who knows everything about you and loves you still the same is what will get you through rocky times in life!

Tyler

I would tell myself to be more organized and suck-up to the teacher more to give myself the edge up. In the end thats What it comes down to with most of the professors, because they are hard to learn from and if they like you then they are a lot more likely to give you a better grade.

Shelby

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would care more about my grades. In order to get the maximum amout of money back from scholarships, you have to do the best you can in highschool. Because of slacking off a little during freshman highschool year, I am now suffering the consequences. I would have had about a 4.0 highschool gpa if I would have tried my hardest freshman year, but instead I have about a 3.5. It is always harder to bring up a gpa than it is to just do well in the beginning.

Lauren

Assuming that I could go bak in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stick wtih school and get my basics done. I would tell myself to not give up when thing get tough and discouraging. I'd make sure that I knew for sure what I wanted to major in and not switch my major so many times. I would also make sure I did not do school online. I am a hands on person and visual person and with instructors just talking to me it did not turn out well. I would also tell myself to listen to what my father and sister have to say. My sister knows what I am having to go through and I didn't always listen. Listening to my father would have saved me a lot of money by not attending an online school. Last but not least I would make sure to tell myself to not procrastinate. Don't wait till the last minute to try and find ways to pay for school. I would make sure that I knew all of these things and that I did better.

Hing

Definitely go visit the colleges and universities that you are seriously considering. It will be worth the time, effort, and money because your next four years will be spent here and you should enjoy the environment as much as the school. Apply as soon as possible to your top choices because it can make a huge difference, especially if you are a between the big, fat envelope and the slim envelope.

Renee

I would of stick to the same plan as I did which was go to cosmetolgy school then go to college. But I would of seach for schools that i would attend right after my trade. and also think wisely about the tution

Frisco

If I could go back in time I would tell my high school self about all the aspects of the world that he didn’t have a chance to see in his environment. Growing up in a disadvantaged situation I often failed to see outside of the box, that was my poverty stricken community. I would explain to myself the plethora of opportunities that lie before me and articulate how every decision I made in high school would affect those opportunities. As an intellectually gifted student, I often rested on my ability to pick things up quickly. I didn’t study very often in high school. This worked at that level but made it that much harder to form good study habits in college when things didn’t come quite as easy. I also would have advised my high school self to explore advanced opportunities, such as dual enrollment and AP courses, to challenge myself. Having this information would have benefitted me tremendously, allowing me to grow as a result of challenging myself. It also would have helped me save money getting some of the courses I would later have to pay for out of the way for free.

Zuri

My college experience thus far has given me the drive to improve as both a student and a leader. I've learned how competitive the professional world can be and Kettering University is equipping me with the skills that I will need to get ahead in life and in my career. The mandatory co-op program that we have is extremely beneficial in terms of giving us all the closer look and hands-on experience that future empoylers look for and appreciate. As somebody who comes from a rather small high school, it has been a challenge getting used to courses that are so advanced and move forward so quickly. However, I feel it has, so far, made me a much better student and a harder worker. Everything I am learning here is preparation for my future goals, and I am learning to live up to my full potential here at Kettering University.

Samantha

My college experience has not been a simply achedemic one. Yes, I've learned a lot and plan on learning much more as I complete my course of study. I've learned to be hands-on in the worjk place, communicate and interact in a true work situation with real workers in my field. However, college has also allowed me to break out of my shell and network with potential employers, friends, and organizations. I've become less of an introvert and found on-campus groups and organizations that will not only help me find jobs and scholarships in the future, but also experience new relationships, make friends, and explore different ideas, cultures, beliefs, and ways of thinking. I've also had opportunities to attend conferences and travel the United States. It's been a life changer and I don't know what kind of person I would be had I chosen a different life path. The experience has been invaluable and I'd suggest at least attempting it to any potential college students.

brieanna

I have learned that college isnt as hard as I thought it would be as long as I do my homework

Ryan

In a word, my college experience thus far has been exciting. I am excited by the fact that Kettering's 3-month class terms each contain a full semester's worth of material, and that the coursework is therefore presented at a much more satisfactory level of difficulty for me. I am excited by the fact that two of these 3-month terms out of every year are dedicated to cooperative education, and that my in-class learning is therefore supplemented and reinforced by real-world engineering experience. I am excited by my co-op job in particular, and its potential to jump-start my career long before I graduate. I am excited by the types of extra-curricular activities available to me, such as the Formula Zero competition for hydrogen fuel cell-powered go-karts. I am excited by the like-minded students that surround me when I am at Kettering, and the expectation that the friendships that I am forming with them will have the strength to last. I am excited that, whatever else I may or may not do or learn at Kettering, I know I will graduate with everything I need to start my own life.

Felicia

I am currently enrolled at Capella University majoring in MS Postsecondary and Adult education. So far, my experience at Capella has been challenging, valuable and enjoyable. The program's curriculum teaches concepts that I can apply in real world situations. The instructors are helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. They serve as facilitators more than a traditional teacher which allows students the freedom to discussion issues freely. Capella focuses heavily on teaching students how to be better critically thinking which I find to be a very valuable skill. Thus far, my classes are comprised of a diverse group of students from all ethnic groups and professional backgrounds. I would encourage any student to check out Capella if they want a quality education.

Imran

This is my second year at Hudson Valley Community College. Although it is a two-year college, I learned a great deal about my field of study, which is business and accounting. I went more in depth into the studies and found out what it’s all about, and so far I am confident about my career path as a businessman. Hudson Valley is a great stepping stone to a university. The classes are very easy, and if the subject is hard, the professors are very helpful. Sometimes it seems like they are begging us to go to their office hours and offer to give help. For the past three semesters I’ve been here, there wasn’t any teacher that offered less than 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of their support. I found it very valuable to attend college everyday to get the most out of what has to be offered. In all my classes, we learn so much in one day, that I personally want to attend. Most of my professors link their classes to our real-life situations, so we are more involved with the subject. I have learned so much and will do so in my future college career.

Cameron

Attending college is probably one of the best choices I have ever made. It is equipping me with knowledge, both in academic and working realms, which I will need when I move out into the professional world. By becoming a college student, I was given the opportunity to take my first step in my career, obtaining an internship at General Motors. Kettering has always made having work experience a requirement to graduate, so that way I will not only have the academic knowledge I will need later on, but the skills I will need in a working environment as well. To be sure, this college is a great opportunity, giving me the tools I need to build my future. The most valuable thing to me about attending Kettering University is that not only do I learn raw knowledge and gain work experience, but I learn how it applies to my life. In the years to come, this school will not only teach me what I what to know, but equip me with the ability to lead my life and reach my goals.

Jared

My college experience thus far has been quite a monumental transition in my life. I've gone through a great deal of changes and maturation over the past few months, and college has already proven to be a valuable asset to me in this regard. I am learning enormous amounts of valuable information, both in and out of the classroom. As a college student, one garners two types of education: the academia required to fulfill a given degree, and the life lessons and experiences that develop one into a mature adult. In addition to learning the fundaments of electrical engineering necessary for my degree, I have instilled within myself elements of responsibility, diligence, and leadership that I never truly excercised to this extent. The transition into living on my own has provided me the importance of such virtues. I have become more self-reliant ; I have learned the importance of time management; I have learned to put myself outside my comfort zone. In my development into a mature adult, college has proven to be an exceptionally valuable asset. The combination of scholastic learning and life lesson experience is what makes college such a valuable institution to be a part of.

Geoffrey

College provided me the opportunity to learn many things, including the ability to learn. I experienced a rigorous academic program that challenged me intellectually, and philosophically. I was pressured to grow in maturity, as I was away from home for the first time on my own. I had to get organized to study and finish assignments on time without my parents around to check on me. I had to manage my time to prepare for tests and projects, while still participating in student activities and social life, and maintaining my spiritual values. College prepared me, and supplied skills necessary for a socially responsible life as an adult, and helped me realize how fortunate I was to have family and church family who loved me and trained me to be successful in life. College degrees have helped me to compete successfully in the job market and to get employment that has enhanced my ability to secure a comfortable living for me and my family.

Karie

In attending Crowder College, I am receiving a comprehensive education in the field of nursing that will have many positive effects on myself and my family. I have, so far, acquired a detailed understanding of the human body and the scientific explanation of its functions. I have many years of clinical experience as a medical assistant, but this college is providing a much deeper understanding of how the body works and therefore, what is needs to do so. After this basis of anatomy, physiology, and science is established, I will be instructed in the practical and clinical applications of nursing and will have the opportunity to spend many hours within local clinical settings. The instructors that I've encountered at this college are so comprehensively knowledgeable about their field of study, and are thorough in their task of passing on that knowledge to their students. This has given me the confidence that I am receiving an excellent nursing education which will, in turn, make me an excellet nurse. I am also showing my daughters the value of an education, and the fact that it is never too late to attain one.

Amanda

I have already made ties in my intended field, possibly a job after I graduate, and the people that I have met have changed my life. It is worth it if your planning on going into any field that K.U. offers. At least take a look at the college. What could it hurt?

Ellen

I have realized that even though the people at college are designed to help; they are not always helpful. I have found that I can rely on myself to move into the future with success. College has made me a stronger person.

Jonathan

I have gotten experience in the workforce and discovered that I really do want to do this for my career. I discovered different areas that I would like to focus on, and different subjects which I now know that I need to learn well. I also learn the material taught in classes better, due to small classes taught by actual professors.

Farahida

The most important lesson that I learned during college is that the classroom doesn't end in school. You are always constantly learning, whether it is from your experience or your peers. The most valuable thing that I have taken with me from my experince are the friendships I have built, and a continual love of learning and knowledge. College helped me to grow mentally and emotionally, and the choices that I made during college has helped make me the person I am today.

Beulah

Attending Kettering has honed my time management, study habits, and organization. Furthermore, it has given me access to facilities, such as labs, with equipment not readily available to undergraduates from other universities. Although the academics are very challenging and rewarding, I am most grateful for the job-experience. Due to the requirement and opportunity to work full-time in a possible future career periodically, I now can state with surety and enthusiasm that I chose the right major and career for me. I am well prepared for life after college with skill, knowledge, zeal, and experience to guide my way.

Josh

What I have gotten out of my college experience is mostly knowledge, discipline, responsibility, and goals for my life. If I would have never attended college, and if I don't continue to attend, what kind of chances am I going to have in the world when I will be competing for jobs that other people are applying for if I don't have a college degree. Back to what I've gotten out of college; I have learned how to spend my time wisely, stopped procrastinating as much, I've gained much knowledge in the multiple classes I have taken throughout my college career so far and a lot of the things I have learned is fascinating. School is so valuable to attend because school is what is getting students ready for the "real" world and is putting knowledge in the minds of students so that they will be able to finish college, go out and find a job in this crazy world, and be successful. My opinion is that an individual needs to attend college and get their degree in order to survive in this viscious, competing world of ours.

KevinStefaniak

I want to go to college to improve myself and to start a new life going to college will improve my personal desires and help to make a more happier lifestyle

Amanda

I have grown into an intellgent and caring woman in just the first year of school. I participate in many volunteer opportunites and my sorority. I also participate in sports to keep me busy. The co-op experience at my school has made me a critical thinker. It is great to learn engineering concepts and put them to use in my work terms. I love campus life, how small campus is, and how everyone gets along.

Brandon

Given the chance to back in time and give myself some advice about the experience I'm going through now would help me handle my first term better. I would have told myself to "stay focused and sharp but also make friends and do your best while experiencing this completely out of the ordinary phase of your life." With that knowledge I could have came into Kettering expecting many challenges and great friendships instead of being shy and not working as hard as I could have.

Tyran

Knowing what I know now, if I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to spend my last year working hard. Working hard from freshman to junior year is great, but it's how you end a thing that counts. Many people have a host of reasons as to why they are going to take it easy their senior year. Whether it be because they worked hard throughout high school and now need a break, or the fact that its "senior year". But in reality, colleges and universities love to see students that work hard throughout their full term. By doing so, students open the door to more financial opportunities. Another thing I would tell myself is to stay involved. Since senior year is the last and final chance to make an impression, students should leave making positive statements. Get involved in community service and in any way you can, leave a lasting positive impression with the people and the institution you are leaving behind.

Auvern

I was not your typical high school student, I graduated 7 months pregnant and have been in and out of college over the last several years. If I could go back in time and speak with myself, I would give myself words of encouragement. I would tell myself that although I have many obstacles I will be facing; to never give up. There are plenty of resources out their that can help you and the baby while you try to obtain your degree. I would say do not let anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams. If you can continue school, work and carry an unborn child, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA then there is nothing that you can't do. I would also say, to take the time that you need to reach your goals. Do not try to rush things along until you are sure as to what you want to do in life. It is ok to take your time and go at a pace that suites you and your childrens needs. As previously stated; the most important thing that I would say to myself is, "Never Give Up".

Matthew

I would tell the high school senior version of myself to study harder than the teachers required, becuase college courses require much more independent study than high school classes did. They are harder than high school, but if you come into the class with the mindset that you can pass the class, you will. Also, just don't be afraid of change. Even though you are leaving all, or most, of your friends and your family, there are tons of good people at college. You just need to find a group of friends that are like you and you will be fine. Above all, just relax. College can be most fun you'll have while learning the most in your life, but only if you are ready and willing to do things that may seem difficult.

Nathan

I would tell my self to keep up the good work and continue to work hard with my studies. I would also encourage my self to try duel enrolment with the local community college so that way I can know what the environment is like before I go in. It would also be advantageous for me to earn exchangeable credit for the other college. This way i have learned some of the material already and I may test out or receive the credit for that class. By this being done I can take less required classes at Kettering because I have them done from before and I may take my electives in my field helping me with my major and minor.

Andrew

Focus on the future. It is easy to spend money on unnessecary expenses instead of puting it towards school. The more fun you have in school on your student loans dime, the more money you will be responsible for repaying post graduation. College, as an undergrad, is a wonderful experience. Don't let anyday pass you by! Pursue your goals and career aspirations 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}! You can do it!

Dwight

I would tell myself to strive to do the best I can at everything I can. I would remind myself that even though I might think certain courses don't apply to the field I'm most passionate about, make sure to take everything a little more serious and apply yourself in everything that you do. I would remind myself that even though you may not think grades aren't as important as the skills you aquire and your abililty to perform in the real world, they make a difference still in getting your "foot in the door" in certain situations and circumstances. I would tell myself to be a professional, to take better advantage of all my resources and try to be more sociable and network with more people. I would tell myself to swallow your pride and ask for help when you need it, that just because you think that if don't understand something on your own, it doesent' mean you weren't meant to understand it at all, it just means that you may not have understood it they a particular person explained it to you. And mostly importantly, not to loss touch with the Lord.

Lura

Dont be afraid of the future and what it holds; just grab life by the horns and ride! Try to apply yourself a bit better now to help the transition to this college, lots of work ahead. And always remember to enjoy yourself, you'll only be here once.

Jack

Keep doing what you are doing and you'll do great. Excersize more and play some football like you now wish you had. But you have nothing to worry about so just have a good time.

Kaleen

Parents: Encourage your student to visit campuses and, if possible, spend the night in the dorms. Being on campus away from parents is the absolute best way for the student to decide whether or not they will fit in at that school. Students: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most schools have some sort of student ambassadors that are the cream of the crop students willing to talk to prospective students (some, like me, actually like it!) These people usually know what's going on, and if not, can direct you to someone who does. DON'T choose a small school that is specialized if you aren't sure about your major. DO attend a school that offers co-op or internship experiences because not only do the have the potential to pay, but the offer an UNBEATABLE opportunity to experience work that you could be doing when you graduate. DON'T be afraid to try new things and have a great social life. Your college buddies will be friends for life no matter where you end up geographically. DON'T burn bridges because you never know who may be a high-powered exec someday that can help you.

Jonathon

look at costs

Reisha

Finding the right college is an essential part of determining how the rest of youths lives will go. Parents should be supportive and give their opinions but students should take a large part of the responsibility in finding funding, visiting the perspective universities, and most importantly getting involved once they are accepted to the school that best fits them.

Gavin

Start early. Spend as much time as possible getting to know all of the colleges that you are looking at. This means students, faculty, alumni, and staff. Sit in on classes, and try to see past the pretty picture that gets painted on the admissions flyers. This will be your life for the next four years, and you will spend the next 10 to 20 years paying for it so make sure that it is everything that you want it to be. Once you are there, get involved in everything, find the things you like the most and focus. Remember your end game and don't get off track, because it can be costly and extremely discouraging. Never give up! If you find that your choice didn't turn out quite as you had planed, then make it your goal to change it. Success is what you make it. Leave a legacy.

Thomas

My advice would be to visit colleges on normal class days. Colleges tend to mislead and present a much better face during planned open houses. Kettering University, for example, brings in girls from other local colleges to make it appear that the school is more evenly balanced by gender, instead of the reality of an 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} male population. Also, be sure to look at your current high school, and determine what it is you like or dislike about your environment there. That will be a great guide to determining what sort of social atmosphere you would prefer. Finally, pick a school with a variety of degree programs, not just a narrow grouping. It is probable that you will change your mind on your degree choice once you enter college, no matter how carefully you plan.

Robert

When applying to colleges, never assume you're going to get denied, let the college decide! When you are talking to colleges, no question is a dumb question, because they should be able to answer it quickly and effectively. You're giving these institutions your time, money, and commitment. Learn as much as possible!