Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

I would have paid attention more in High School and trully appreciated and valued what the teachers had to say. I would have spent more time looking at colleges and preparing myself for college better, through classes and school work.

As a high school senior I had no intentions of going to college. I was part of the drama program, and convinced that right out of high school I would move to New York City and start living the glamorous life of an actress. Unfortunately, the year that I spent out of school was not nearly as glamourous as I had hoped. I spent it working at a tiny grocery store, wondering what I should do with myself. I realized that maybe college would be better for me after all. After spending a semester here at college, I would have no hesitation in telling my high school self to apply to college and go. The transition was not as difficult as I imagined, and it turned out to be the best decision of my life. During my first semester I achieved a 4.0 grade point average, and discovered my true passion as a writer. I would tell my high school self that college is the best thing that happened to us, and that the feeling you get when meeting new friends or getting the A that you worked so hard for isn't worth passing up for anything.

I would tell myself that college is very important and it is an experience that is going to challenge you in different ways. Also I would tell myself to prepare by being the best student you can be so the transition could be a lot smoother and you wont be struggleling in your classes in your college life. College is a place where you cant cut corners because once you do it is going to affect you badly. So my advice to you is to do the best you can in high school and to never give up, so it can be easier for you to succed in your college life and overall becoming a success later on in life.

Life is short, don't waste it buried in books. Education and good grades are important but so is being involved and having friends. College is nothing to stress over; it is a time when you can redefine who you are and become part of something larger than high school. If you focus only on your studies you will never see that larger picture and get to meet amazing people. I have found that if you allow yourself to meet new people they will open your eyes to experiences you never dreamed of. College is about going out of your comfort zone and experiencing new things. If you allow yourself to come out of your comfort zone, you will go places you have only dreamed of being and meet people who you never dreamed you would meet. College is more than just the next step in your education; it is the beginning of the rest of your life. No longer are you a child controlled by parents and teachers. Now you are an adult responsible for your own actions and for what your future holds.

I would tell myself to develop better study habits. In high school, I was always smart enough to never study or do homework, but still get A's and B's. In college, however, that's no longer a possibility. It took me a little while, but I now understand the hard work and dedication that goes into succeeding at the collegiate level. I would also tell myself to take the opportunity to meet people and make friends, rather than playing everything close to the vest and not really interacting with people. I would hit myself and try to get it through my thick skull that college is no walk in the park and that no matter how smart I am that if I don't work hard, I won't get anywhere. Hard work will always beat talent if talent doesn't work hard.

I would tell myself that what the professor puts up on their powerpoint is not always the same thing they are going to test you on; focus on taking notes about what the professor is talking about first, and what ever is on the powerpoint second. The powerpoint will be there in five minutes, what-ever the professor was talking about then won't be.

Reflecting on my senior year in high school, I think the biggest piece of advice I could give myself would be, no matter how frequently others tell you what to expect of your college experience, there is no way to really prepare for every change experienced during the transition period. The most important thing to remember is to be patient, to be friendly, and to take a deep breath every now and then. It seems daunting, being surrounded with so many new people and opportunities, but every moment is what you make of it, and hiding away or panicing will only lead to future problems. The best thing to do is to dive in, even though the water is cold and deep, eventually everyone adjusts if it's right for them, and learning to swim is more than beyond your capablities.

I would simply tell myself to seek what I truly wanted to gain; to take advice from others and rely on professors and administrators to get you into a career. I?d tell myself to participate in more programs and to get out more (indoor activities will always be there), but at the same time continue to build upon the friendships I had made. I?d tell myself to stay on campus and not take a job too seriously. I began to let my college interaction and devotion slip as I paid too much attention to my income and expenses. I gave myself new headaches by finding an apartment and thus having to put ridiculous amount of hours in at work to pay for it. Both my experiences and friendships suffered because of it. I appreciate the major I gained, but should have listened to friends and followed my passions down different paths. In the end I could have reached the same goal, but the journey would have been even more engaging. Regret makes you miss school, friends and possibilities. Lastly, I?d tell myself that to have as much fun as possible and to hit it hard and fast!

In my oppinion, the best advice that anyone could give and the advice I would have given myself is that the "college experience" is not about how drunk you get, or about how many parties you go to. The true college experience is enjoying yourself and having fun while you work hard and towards your dream. It is not about competing with your friends in a popularity and party contest, it is about being yourself and realizing that you can say no to people and still have fun. Don't worry about your classmates not liking you for not doing what they are doing, eventually they will respect you for your decisions!

Freshman year you will want to go and experience college life and put classes on the back burner. These classes will be the easiest classes and will affect you if you do not do well in them. In summer, take summer classes at a community college. They are cheaper to take. When the classes transfer back to your normal college, only the credit transfers. It is really something you should look into. Search around long and hard for colleges that fit you. Take tours in Junior year and narrow it down. Apply to only ones you could picture yourself at.

The advice I would give to my high school self about college life, is to remind myself each day is a new day. There will be days where school is frustrating or stressful, but you can learn from the hardships and your mistakes. There will be good or fantastic days where you can learn something new in class,or ace that project you worked so hard on for weeks, or just meeting a new friend could brighten your day. College will show you what will benefit you for the future. The professors and people you meet, will guide you through the good days or bad days. No matter the days or events that occur, college is the best decision you have made for yourself.

The best transiton is when you are able to surround yourself with enough people you can relate to. So primary, I would advise myself to choose wisely, this school has to be a representation of who I am and further becoming. Therefore, it would have to offer me a chance to find friends that I could relate to on many different levels. Otherwise, it would be a very difficult transition when there very few people who understand you and have your same interest. I would advise myself about time management and finding ways to be productive during my free time, by advising myself about the organizations and activities on campus. If they lack my interest I would offer new ideas that interest others and hopefully have enough success to make my college experience socially worthy. Overall, I would just inform myself to surround myself with positive and motivated people, who care about my dreams and ambitions as well as their own. Understanding that college life may not be all about recieving a degree. To gain the complete college experience, I would also have to be socially involved.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to just stop and ask myself what it was that I wanted to do or what I wanted to study. I would tell myself that I should pursue the things that make me excited. If I pursue something that I am passionate about, in the end I will find a way to make a fulfilling career in my field of interest, utilizing my skills. Ultimately I would say, "Ok Mary, breathe. Everything will settle into place. There are a lot of people out there willing to give you a helping hand."

There are a great number of things that I would tell myself. One of the first things would be to do everything you can to try to get scholarships and any kind of extra money for school. Money is hard to come by and you need all you can get. I would also tell myself to try to really work hard and work on my study habits because becoming a teacher is really difficult and requires a lot of focus and patience. Another piece of advice I would give to myself is try to get a job as early as possible. You make money, which you need in college, and its very difficult to get a job in a college town if you wait too long. The final piece of advice I would give myself is to get involved. There are so many things to do and if you do not get involved with all of the awesome activities at school, the college life will be gone before you know it.

First, college life is so much better then high school! When your in high school you go to school five days a week from 730 to 230. College is a schedule that can sometimes be made to fit your own lifestyle. Like if you dont want to get up so early you can try to get later classes. Second, college life offers the oppotunity to broaden your mind and even help you figure who you are or who you want to become. And third, college is such an important step into a better future for yourself and your family. Without college the chances of good job are slim to none, and chances are you will end up waitressing for 10 years until you figure out thats not what you had planned your life to be at 29 years old! Last, college is not something you are forced to do and therefore does not feel as grinding as high school.

I would say to not worry about making friends cause it'll happen and instead focus more on school. It is harder then it looks

Never assume that you can get away with doing the same amount of work that you did in highschool at college and expect to get the same good grades. You must work harder and put more time into studying and projects to get the grades you want in college. Never be afraid to ask your professors, advisors, secretaries, and peers questions that you don't know the answers to, they're more than happy to help and it's the best way to get answers. The best way to get your assignments done is to stay on the academic side of campus all day to work , then in the evenings you'll have time to socialize and do other activities. Highschool is nothing like college in the sense that there are no real cliques, just friends. You'll find friends in people who you may not have talked to in highschool and it will be a more diverse and rewarding experince. Work hard and have fun!

Plain and simple: take a deep breath and please, do not worry so much! You should not be fearful. You will find friends that are nice, people. You will do well. You will succeed academically. At times, you will be faced with difficult decisions dealing with peer pressure, but follow your gut. You've been forced to decide wisely before so you know what's right and wrong. If you make the choices that can bring you success, college will provide you with the opportunity to better yourself. Stay true to yourself, kind to others, and eager to learn just as you have thus far in life. You will see everything fall into place, eventually. I would say good luck, but luck has nothing to do with it. You are smart. Don't doubt yourself. Stay determined. Stay focused. Keep in mind the reasons why you will be attending this university. You are blessed to be able to recieve an education. Get set, GO!

I would tell myself to never let yourself slacck off cause the work piles up quickly and it will only bring unneeded stress so just get every done has you get it will make life a whole lot easier.

I would tell myself to get involved with campus life right away. I did not get involved until the end of my freshmen year, and I regret that. I would tell myself to go to all the programs that are offered, and to have an open mind when meeting new people.

I'd tell myself to not live in a triple, apply to more colleges, make decisions based on yourself and not others, and take in the experience with an open mind.

Get as much financial aid as possible! Don't slack off senior year.

Save money, do your work, dont fuck up, dont leave tanner, take more credits, and get your ass out of bed you fool!

The advice I would give my self is to learn how to study. My high school did not really get me ready for the type of testing I would be having in college. Also, I would make sure that I met with teachers that would be teaching the field I am in, for me it really makes all the difference.

nothing really would of changed honestly. My high school prepared me completly for college that theres nothing that i would of changed :)

To work harder and to try or a scholarship harder.

Don't stress Lydia, Kutztown is a great place to be yourself and not worry about what people have to say about you. The work is challenging, but very worth it for what you want to pursue in life. Just breathe and step forth without looking back; you'll be fine.

It's alright to stress out a little but don't overdo it. You'll do just fine and your friends and fellow employees are there to help. Rely on people, don't just think you can do it all by yourself. Other than that, have fun; you'll do great!

College is a big social experiment. You are on your own and most, if not all, your friends from high school will not be there. Leave your shyness behind you and learn to live life. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to talk to others. When people ask you to hang out, do it! School work is your most important reason to be at college, but don't hide behind it as an excuse to not socialize. You got four years til the real world, have fun doing it. Many opportunities may be missed. Just speak up and be confident. You do not want any regrets. They will come back to nag at you later in life. No one wants to live life asking theirself, "what it"? Life can be complicated and can take time to figure out. Take it easy and do not worry so much. The future is later, the present is now. Worrying is only going to cause more stress with the added school work and social life. Just be happy for where you are now in life and things will work out later on.

Every person is different and you have to make the choice that is right for you. As you visit different colleges make a list of the positives and negatives at each one and how you felt that day as you toured the college. Write things about how the atmosphere felt, what the buldings looked like, how the dorms were, etc. Compare your notes at the end and go from there. Not every person is satisfied where they go in their first year. It is okay to transfer schools because you want to find a place that fits you best. You want to be at a college where you are excited to go to class and learn as well as meet new people and make life long friends. You want your college to feel like your second home. Never give up because you will find the place where you belong, it just takes time and a positive attitude.

Pick a college that suits you, not because a parent or a friend wants you at a certain school. Go into the experience with an open mind and a willingness to meet new people. Try not to get stressed out, and take time to still be a kid and enjoy the experience of being in college.

A rewarding college experience isn't about the size of the university, it's about the connections you make and the bonds you create while advancing towards your future.

First i want to start with the parents advice, because that's where i encountered my problems. Parents need to know the child needs to find what feels right for them. If your child connects to a school or just has a feeling that this is right for me just support them. Support them no matter what they choose. Also parents don't make your child choose a school that YOU want them to attend they won't be happy, unless that's what they genuinely want to pursue as a school. And for the future college students follow who you really are and you will be happy always!!! When i was choosing a school i was scared and didn't know what to do, i was confused and scared to fit in. But the school i choose i just had a good feeling about from the first time i heard a representative talk about the school at my high school. I really feel it was meant to happen and i followed what i wanted. Now i'm doing well and having a great time. Also take advantage of what programs are offered to make friends it's worth it!

None

The best advice I can give any parent or student is to make sure you find a school that supports and is always advancing your paticular area of study, and for any student if you are unsure of your course of study make sure you choose a well rounded college so when you do find your particular course of study you do not find yourself struggling with underqualified professors and equipment/classrooms. Also make sure you get to talk to many professors in your course of study or the college as a whole.

Research carefully what your school costs and plan ahead of time and arrange scholarships and financial aid.

I would tell parents and students to start looking early and to visit as many campuses as possible. Also, to think about what major the student is considereing, the kind of area they want to be in, how far from home they want to be, and what weather they prefer when they are searching for colleges. I would also tell the parents to try not to influence their child's decision, because it is going to be their child's experience, not theirs. When you find the right college, you will know. The student should try different things and pursue their interests to get the most out of the experience. Also, I'd tell the student to not forget about why they are there, which is for an education, so they should go to class and study. If they can balance school and their social life, they will have a good experience.

Most colleges have something for everyone and I think people place too much emphasis on their choice. I chose my school because it was very close to my family and friends and although I could've gone someplace completely different from where I grew up... Kutztown was perfect for me and really, perfect for anyone and I feel most colleges are.

Visit all campuses, and get involved. The school offers so much, which should be taken advantage while you have the chance.

Advice that I would give to parents that have children in college would be to just simply trust them. They have had you guide them throughout about 18 years of their life and you have to trust that when making decisions, they will have your voice in the back of their mind guiding them to make the right, responsible choice. Just trust your parenting and your child and have confidence in them that they will be excellent students. Advice that I would give to the students would be to really enjoy college and use this experience as a learning experience. Make sure to stay focused and determined to succeed right from the start. There is no room to make academic mistakes. Remember that ayour cademics come first then your social life. It is also important to join clubs, volunteer, and even join some intermural athletic teams but that is a great way to get involved, meet some new people, and it's a great way to start building up your resume for the future. Just make sure to be responsible, make good decisions, stay determined and focused and you will do fine!

I believe that while everyone is different, one college can be "home" to many people. Parents and students should choose a college that has an enrollment amount that they feel comfortable with as well as class size. I think class size is very important and will either hinder or help a student depending on what size they prefer. Some students feel more comfortable in a more compact lerning atmosphere and others are opposite. Also, a concern is what job opportunites are provied for interning and after graduating.

choose and area that you want to learn in. The area is as important as the school, if you want a city go to a city, if you want the country go to the country. Look into the program that you want and learn about the paths you can take, before just jumping into them, If you have more than one idea of where you want to go, make sure the school has decent programs in both. Getting a degree can be done at many places, what is different at each school are the paths of getting that degree. What classes you'll have to take in what order, what the classes are like, and what extra clubs you can join are all apart of this. You might discover that the path you'll take at one school will be better than your original first choice.

First and formost a prospective student should come to the realization, by natural processes, of what it is they enjoy. My university experience has been infinitely enhanced by choosing Kutztown for its Psychology/Art deparments because I love both. Once an interest has been established, said prospective student should consult with his/her parents and discuss/search the web/talk to friends/etc. about which schools excel in teaching that particular field. Once the choices have been narrowed down, start making treks to each individually on weekends and time off. Once on a campus, they should alk to as many professors, students and other faculty about what it is that they want to do. Also, the campus itself is very important and they should be sure to choose a school that fits their given needs aesthetically as well as academically. Once all of these variables have been incorporated into a final equation, the solution is their success and satisfaction at choosing a school that will be the launch pad for a new life.

Just go wherever you feel comfortable

Every college will try to make itself sound like the best thing ever because it's a business that wants to be successful. Talk to a variety of students who already attend the university to which you are applying-- they know best!!

The best advice is to apply to every college you have interest in and to also visist the campus and see if you like the location. If you go to a campus just stop a student and ask for his or her opinion of the campus.

Don't go to the school that is in your price range if it doesn't offer your first choice for a major.

I believe that the student should be able to feel comfortable in the school that they are attending. They should be able to find a place where they know that when they get there, there will be time for other things other than academics that they can do that will encourage their college careers to be an experience they will never forget. Parents should help the child with the change from home to college. College in all is a big responsibility because at this time you are looking out for yourself, but with time things feel better. College is a time to explore and have fun while still doing all you can do academically and loving every minue of it.

I would say the best choice on how to find the right college for a student is letting him/her choose it themselves. Students tend to listen to their parents or friends about where they should go to college but the best way to make this decision is to let them do it or their own. My father had no say in where I was going to attend college. I told him that i was gonna make the choice for myself and nobody else could tell me different. Now I am attending the school that i wanted to and I am having a good time while doing it. If I would have chose another school to attend I dont know what I would be like right now. I have met amazing friends that I will have for life and I am doing pretty good with college right now. My life is depended on what I do in college in the next two years and im not going to do anything that will screw that up. So I say the best way to find the college that is right for you is to make your own choice without anybody's help.

Pick what you want, not what your parents or friends want.